What size do metal roof panels come in?
Short answer. Metal roof panels are made to order in length, usually cut to run in one piece from eave to ridge, while width depends on the profile: exposed-fastener panels such as R-panel commonly cover 36 inches, 5V crimp about 24 inches, and standing seam typically 12 to 18 inches. Thickness runs from 29 gauge, the thinnest, to 22 gauge, with 26 and 24 gauge most common on homes.
Widths by profile
- R-panel and PBR. Usually 36 inches of coverage per panel, with ribs about every 12 inches.
- 5V crimp. Around 24 inches of coverage.
- Corrugated. Coverage commonly in the mid 20 to mid 30 inch range depending on the corrugation size.
- Standing seam. Typically 12 to 18 inches wide, with 16 inches very common. Narrower panels look more refined and show less oil canning.
- Metal shingles. Individual stamped panels a few feet wide that interlock in courses.
Lengths
Panels are cut to the length of each roof run, so a 20-foot rafter run gets a single 20-foot panel with no seams across the slope. Very long panels can be roll-formed on site. When a run is too long to ship or handle, panels are end-lapped with sealant, which is a potential leak point and a reason to avoid unnecessary laps.
Gauge
- 29 gauge. Thin, economical, common on barns and budget exposed-fastener roofs.
- 26 gauge. A common residential choice.
- 24 gauge. Stiffer, better for standing seam and for resisting dents and waviness.
- 22 gauge. Heavy, more common on commercial work.
Why measurements matter
Because each panel is cut to size, ordering depends on precise measurements of every run, hip and valley. Errors mean short panels, waste, or field seams. Trim pieces usually come in standard lengths around 10 feet and are lapped.
See how roofs are measured in how roofers measure a roof, and compare metal with shingles in metal roofing in Georgia.