Is 24-gauge steel the right choice for your metal roofing project?
Sheffield Metals International (SMI) is a leading provider of metal coils, sheets, and accessories in the metal roofing industry. Aside from offering quality products, SMI also maintains a CAT (Commercial, Architectural, and Technical) team that assists contractors, architects, and distributors throughout every phase of their project, from initial designs through finished installation.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of 24-gauge steel and include specific situations where it’s the right fit. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll understand whether this metal thickness is the right option for your project.
What Is 24-Gauge Steel?
24-gauge metal is 0.023” inches thick. It’s thicker than 26-gauge steel (0.018”) and thinner than 22-gauge steel (0.0299”), placing it in a happy medium between thicknesses.
24-gauge steel is a commonly used metal thickness for standing seam metal roofs. Many companies use 24-gauge to meet engineering requirements because of the available testing.
24-Gauge Steel Advantages
Testing and Engineering
Since 24-gauge steel is the most used steel thickness for standing seam metal roofs, it also has a wide variety of testing and engineering. Contractors will be able to find their testing needs and meet requirements with this steel thickness across various regions and project types. Projects in Florida’s Miami-Dade County, for example, will need extensive testing to meet local codes and regulations — the engineering available for 24-gauge can help meet those requirements.
Keep in mind that the engineering of a metal roof is critical to how long it lasts. Even if you have a durable metal thickness like 24-gauge, it’s still only as good as the selected components and the quality of the installation. A complete, well-engineered system with the right testing to back it will help a roof perform as it should.
Readily Available Colors
24-gauge steel offers the best color availability when compared to 26-gauge and 22-gauge steel. Part of this will depend on what metal supplier you’re working with, but since 24-gauge is often used on projects, there will likely be more options available for custom colors with shorter lead times.
Both SMP and PVDF paint systems are available in 24-gauge steel. PVDF is a common choice for this steel thickness because 24-gauge is used for standing seam metal roofs — a high-quality, durable roofing system. PVDF helps protect the substrate.
If you’re looking to defend against oil canning as much as possible, try pairing 24-gauge steel with a low-gloss color, as this helps knock down sunlight and reduce glare.
Sheffield Metals is happy to meet custom color options as long as minimum quantities are fulfilled.
Project Versatility
You can use 24-gauge steel on residential and commercial projects. Its thickness makes it useful for both smaller and large-scale roofs, from neighborhood homes to schools, office buildings, warehouses, restaurants, and hotels.
This versatility is a reason many contractors choose to stock up on 24-gauge steel — you can use it for many different projects.
24-Gauge Steel Disadvantages
More Expensive Than 26-Gauge
24-gauge steel is slightly more expensive than 26-gauge — around 8-15% more. One reason 26-gauge steel is often used on residential homes is because it’s slightly cheaper, and homeowners may not require the level of rigidity 24-gauge offers, depending on their region.
Mild climates that don’t experience extreme weather like hurricanes, high winds, or excessive hail may be okay using thinner material like 26-gauge since they won’t need the added rigidity of 24-gauge for protection.
Home and building owners will have to determine their budget versus how much protection they desire for their building.
Harder to Work with Than Thinner-Gauge Metal
Because it’s thicker, 24-gauge is also harder to work with than thinner metals. While it won’t be as challenging as 22-gauge, it will take some more time to complete projects. The added labor and time are something to consider when installing 24-gauge steel.
24-Gauge Steel Best Uses
In what situations would 24-gauge steel make the most sense?
Requirements or Desire for an Engineered Metal Roofing System
Engineered metal roofing systems offer superior protection and longevity versus roofs that are not engineered systems. Many commercial projects will require engineered systems with weathertight warranties, and because of the available engineering and testing, 24-gauge steel is often the go-to option.
While it won’t be required for most residential roofs, even homeowners may desire an engineered system to ensure that they’re protected from extreme weather and environmental forces like wind uplifts.
Having an engineered system can give home and building owners that extra confidence that their investment — and the people living inside — are protected as best as possible.
Regions with Extreme Weather
Buildings in Florida or regions where hurricanes are prevalent will benefit from using 24-gauge steel and engineered standing seam metal roofing systems. The rigidity of 24-gauge steel can also help resist visible denting caused by hail.
Projects With Oil Canning Concerns
Oil canning can’t be eliminated completely, but there are steps you can take to defend against its worst effects. One way is to use a rigid metal thickness like 24-gauge steel. The rigidity of the metal keeps it from taking the shape of the decking underneath.
Additional strategies, like ensuring the decking is in good shape, using a low-gloss paint system, and narrow panels with striations can work to defend against the waviness caused by oil canning.
Remember that oil canning is strictly an aesthetic issue, and it does not signal any functional issues with a metal roof.
Looking for More Information on What Steel Gauge to Use on Your Metal Roofing Project?
24-gauge is the ideal steel thickness for standing seam roof applications due to its rigidity and available testing and engineering. It works for both residential and commercial applications in a wide variety of climates and regions. Still, it may not be right for your unique project. Be sure you’re looking at different options and the requirements of your project to understand what steel gauge is right for you.
Check out our related content in the Metal Roofing Learning Center:
24 vs. 26-gauge Metal Roofing: Which Steel Thickness Is Best For You?
Sheffield Metals stocks metal coils and sheets for the architectural standing seam industry, including materials in 24-gauge steel. We offer many 24-gauge color options, including our new CoreLine, a selection of five textured, low-gloss colors. Visit our website today to see our products or contact one of our team members today to get a quote.
