Corrugated Metal Roofing: Pros and Cons of 5V

If you’re in the market for a new corrugated metal roof, you’re not alone. Corrugated metal roofing is popping up more and more across Florida as homeowners and commercial property owners realize that this roofing material provides the unbeatable strength of metal roofing without running up the cost like standing seam metal roofing.

But is a corrugated metal roof right for your structure? And what, exactly, separates it from other types of metal roofing? We’re John Hogan Roofing, and with more than 30 years of experience installing metal roofing in Florida, we’re your go-to experts. To get started answering your questions, let’s consider what corrugated metal roofing is and what sets it apart from other metal roofing options.

What Is a Corrugated Metal Roof?

Corrugated metal, like most types of metal roofing, comes in panels. But unlike standing seam roofing, which is mostly flat, corrugated metal wavy, uneven pattern. In roofing, one of the most common types of corrugated metal roofing is 5V metal, which is named for the five V-shaped waves in each panel.

Manufacturers make corrugated metal by folding the steel in a roll-forming process. This means that they apply metal sheets to large metal coils and pass the sheet through to corrugate the metal. The result is a metal roofing material with a lot of strength and a distinctive look.

The process of creating corrugated metal goes back to the 1820s when Henry Robinson Palmer wanted to create a metal roofing material that was easier and faster to install. Since these panels came prefabricated, they were markedly cheaper than other options. Given the lower cost and easier installation, it’s no wonder that corrugated metal has stayed popular over the centuries.

Pros and Cons of Corrugated Metal Roofing

The unique process that corrugated metal undergoes provides crucial strengths and weaknesses. To help you decide if this metal roofing option is right for you, we’ll look at the good and bad!

Pro: Affordable Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is not cheap, not even corrugated metal. But materials like 5V are much more affordable than standing seam. This is due to both reduced material costs as well as faster and easier installation, which keeps labor costs down.

As a result, corrugated metal is half as expensive as standing seam metal roofing on average. Prices always change with time and location, but standing seam tends to cost around $15 per square foot, whereas corrugated metal roofing prices are closer to $7 per square foot.

Of course, this is still more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. But if you want the strength and durability of metal without the sky-high prices, a corrugated metal roof could be exactly what you need.

Cons: Lower Lifespan and More Maintenance

When compared to standing seam, there’s no denying that corrugated metal can’t perform as well. A flat, standing seam metal roof can last for 50-60 years, whereas a 5V metal roof lasts for closer to 30 years. But why is there such a big difference?

It comes down to the fasteners. Flat metal roofing has hidden fasteners, which sit under the metal sheets and get superior protection. Corrugated metal roofs, on the other hand, have exposed fasteners on the surface of the roof, which creates two big problems.

The first is that it doesn’t allow the roof to expand and contract with the sun’s heat. This can cause increased pressure on your roof and lead to premature aging, which shortens its lifespan.

The other problem is that the fasteners are subjected to the elements. This means that they can wear down with time, especially in Florida where the weather patterns are brutal. This can lead to leaks and other problems that will require more frequent repairs throughout the life of your roof.

Pro: Reduced Risk of Oil Canning

If you’ve seen an old, flat metal roof, then you’ve probably seen oil canning. This is a form of stress wrinkling that creates a wavy pattern on flat metal sheets. The good news is that it doesn’t come with any structural issues, but it’s unsightly and can drastically reduce your home’s curb appeal.

Thankfully, corrugated metal roofs face little risk of oil canning. Because of the roll-forming process, the stiff edges of the panel minimize oil canning. And because of the textured, dimensional look of corrugated metal roofing, any oil canning would be much less visible than it would be on a standing seam roof.

Cons: Distinctive Metal Look

This one isn’t necessarily a con, but it depends on your taste. A corrugated metal roof will have the classic look of a metal roof, which can stand out if you’re choosing it for a residential structure. Some homeowners might prefer the more discrete aesthetic of standing seam metal roofing.

For others, however, corrugated metal roofing provides a strong visual statement for their homes. It also makes an excellent commercial roofing material since its aesthetic easily fits in with an industrial-style building.

Pro: Great Wind Resistance

If you’ve had a shingle roof in Florida for more than a few years, then you know that high winds are a serious problem for Florida roofs. Even without our occasional hurricanes, local storms can whip up winds that easily tear shingles off of roofs.

But you won’t have to worry about that with a corrugated metal roof. Generally speaking, metal roofs can withstand winds of up to 150 mph. That means your roof will  be able to comfortably handle the winds of a Category 4 hurricane without suffering any damage!

Get a Free Corrugated Metal Roofing Estimate

Whether you’re ready to get your new corrugated metal roof or you’re still on the fence, the next steps are easy. All you have to do is schedule your free roofing estimate. At John Hogan Roofing, our estimates are always no-cost and no-obligation so that you can get the information you need without feeling pressured.

After chatting with you about what you’re looking for and conducting a brief roof inspection, our roofing experts will send you a comprehensive estimate that covers both your options and exactly how much each part of your roof will cost. This way, there’s no guesswork and no surprise fees!

John Hogan Roofing has been installing corrugated metal roofs for over 30 years. Give us a shot and see why we’re the best metal roofers in Florida!