FAQ's

Metal Roofing

What is the price difference between galvalume and color?
Refer to your nearest location for the most accurate pricing. Painted material is approximately 30-35% more than galvalume.

What different warranties are available?
Acrylic-Coated Galvalume (29 & 26 Gauge AZ-50 and AZ-55 Galvalume Steel Substrates) comes with a 25-Year Written Warranty; painted comes with a 45-year written warranty.

When can I get it?
Refer to your nearest location for the most accurate turnaround time. Most locations offer same-day pick up on in-stock Residential and PBR panels, including corresponding trim and accessories. If your location does not offer same-day pick up, these materials will be available for next-day pick up. In-stock corrugated and 5-V panels are available same-day at our Brookhaven, MS, location, and on special order at other locations. Standing seam panels are ran in-house or on-site as requested by the customer.

How many colors are available?
We stock more than 20 colors! Some locations also offer a crinkle coat. If you're searching for a color that differentiates from standard Reed's Metals colors, let us know and we will get that color for you. 

What is the most energy efficient - galvalume or painted?
Galvalume gives the highest reflective rating at any instant, but painted panels give the best rating over time. White, ivory, and light stone have the highest solar reflective index.

What is the difference between 29 gauge and 26 gauge?
29 gauge is primarily used on homes and farm structures, and 26 gauge is more often used on commercial and industrial applications.

Should I use treated lumber beneath my metal roof?
No - it will void your warranty.

What length does trim come in?
Trim is available in lengths from 10' up to 20'. Some locations stock 10' trim and some locations stock 10' 2" trim. Refer to your nearest location for the most accurate stock lengths. 

How do I connect my roof to my wall?
Use sidewall flashing if the side of your roof panel will run along your wall (90 degree bend). Use endwall flashing if the end of your roof panel will run along your wall (match trim pitch to roof pitch).

What size lathing should I use?
1x4's are the most commonly used in order to reduce weight on the roof. 2x4's are used when the structure has rafters.

Should I insulate the roof before sheeting?
It is not necessary if you have sufficient moisture barrier and attic insulation, but reflective insulation will provide both moisture barrier and added insulation.

Do you sell secondary painted metal?
No, we only sell primary. Secondary results in fading and no resistance. Our 45yr warranty panels offer a superior and durable paint system which offers long term savings.

Do you cut metal panels to exact length?
Yes, panels are cut to the inch (some locations offer cuts to the nearest half-inch) and in lengths up to 48’ which is the limit to which we can deliver. The shortest length we cut is 2’ 6”.

What is the difference between a Residential panel and an R-panel?
Residential (Ag panel/K panel) are 3/4" ribs spaced 9" apart. R-Panel is a PBR panel without the burlin pearing leg.

What is the difference between corrugated and residential?
Corrugated panels offer 24” wide coverage with a  continuous wave profile often mistaken for residential panel, which offers 36” wide coverage. Corrugated is mostly used for interior and decorative applications.

What is the difference between galvanized and galvalume?
Galvalume is a mixture of zinc and aluminum while galvanized is a straight zinc coating.

Do you stock panel lengths I can purchase now?
No, but all colors in-stock are available for pickup within the same day.

Do you have 1x4’s available?
Yes, we stock 1x4’s. Refer to your nearest location to see what lengths are in stock.

What does the warranty cover?
The painted 45-year written warranty covers any panels that show cracking, flaking, chalking, peeling, or uneven fading.

Do you make gutters?
Refer to your nearest location for the most accurate capabilities. There are options for residential and commercial gutters.

Do you make soffit?
Yes, we make regular and perforated in all colors.

What is the common screw pattern? 

  1. 2’ centers for lathing

  2. On top and bottom of panel, place one screw on each side of rib

  3. One screw at each major rib throughout the roof panel

Does your company install roofs?
No, but we do have a list of recommended contractors that can install your roof. These are contractors who have knowledge and experience with our products.

What works best for cutting panels?
The best tool is a nibbler, but there are other types of tools made for cutting panels.

How long do screws last?
Standard wood grip screws can last up to 15 years (no warranty offered) with optional long life screws that can last up to 45 years (includes warranty).

Can I get a Veterans discount?
Many locations proudly offer discounts for veterans. Refer to your nearest location for the most accurate answer. 

Can I install metal roofing over shingles?
Yes you can if there is only 1 layer of shingles. We recommend 1x4 lathing on 2’ centers and screwing the lathing into the rafters with deck screws.

How do I know what size purlins I need?
Purlin size is based on the building bay width. Example: 4” purlin can span 15’, 6” purlin can span 20’, and 8” purlin can span 25

Why are metal purlins better than wood?
They are stronger, will not rot, carpenter bee proof, more resistant to fire, capable of spanning further distances, and screws do not back out over time.

What is #2 galvalume?
#2 galvalume (or secondary) is a chemical treated metal that may have a light wavy edge, may be derived from excess inventory, may have a variance in tensile strength, and mostly non-acrylic.

Will #2 galvalume rust?
No, but it needs special care before installation to prevent extreme weathering such as black spots on panels.

Is a metal roof louder than other types of roofing?
When installed with solid sheathing, a metal roof on your home will actually silence noise from rain, hail, and bad weather, much better than other roofing materials.


Metal Buildings

Do you offer pre-determined kits?
All of our metal buildings are custom designed to fit your needs, aside from our standard galv-econ kits. 

How much is a custom quote?
Quotes are free!

Do you install?
No, but we do have a list of recommended contractors that can install your roof. These are contractors who have knowledge and experience with our products.

General Questions

Do you offer financing?
Some locations offer financing through a third party. Contact your nearest location for more information.

What kinds of special trims can you make?
Some limitations may apply, but most special trim can be produced after a drawing is received.


Visualizer

How to use the Visualizer?


What is this tool for?
The Reed's Metals Custom Visualizer lets you interactively experience how metal roofing, siding and trim looks on an actual image of a home. You can also upload an image to design your own home.

Are the colors on the visualizer exact and perfect?
Due to variations in monitor settings and lighting conditions, colors depicted may not be exact representations. To request a metal sample for more accurate color, please contact a Reed's Metals representative.

How do I get started? 
Make sure to create an account first so you can save your designs and unlock important functionality in the tool like sharing and snapshots. 

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Then click “Get Started” on the home screen to start experimenting with different metal products on sample home images that are similar in style to your own. Select a sample image, click the roof, trim or walls and select a product to visualize. It’s that easy!

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How do I compare designs?

After applying products to the image of the home, you can click the “Before/After” button to quickly compare the before/after image, or you can use the Snapshots tool to save different design combinations that you can later come back to. Snapshots will also be imported into your Design Report so you can share or print out a full report of your favorite designs.

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How do I save my designs?

You can save your design and snapshots at any time by clicking the “Save” button. You must be logged into your account in order to save.

How do I create a Design Report?

After taking some snapshots of different designs:

  •  Click the “REPORT” tab,
  •  Select the snapshots you want to include in the Design Report
  • Click the “DESIGN REPORT” tab to generate your Design Report

How do I share my Design Report?

You can share your design report by (1) printing it to PDF and sharing the PDF, (2) using the share button to email the design to any email address or (3) using the Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest share buttons to share your designs to social media. Always be sure to SAVE your design first before using any sharing option.