Custom Fabrication
Custom metal roof panels installed with concealed fasteners for long lasting performance
Custom metal panels are formed from sheet metal into profiles that interlock or overlap to shed water and resist wind. When specified correctly, custom metal roofing provides a high strength to weight ratio, long service life, and clean lines that suit modern and traditional architecture. Panels can be continuous from ridge to eave or cut to length, minimizing horizontal seams and potential leak paths. The right profile, gauge, and coating determine how your roof performs in storms, sun, and snow.
Custom metal roofing typically uses steel or aluminum substrates with protective coatings to prevent corrosion. Galvanized and Galvalume steel rely on zinc or zinc aluminum alloy to shield the base metal, while aluminum resists rust by its nature and excels in coastal conditions. Copper and zinc are premium options with distinctive patina and exceptional longevity. Selecting the right metal starts with climate, exposure, and budget.
Profiles shape performance. Standing seam systems use vertical legs and concealed clips or fasteners, creating clean shadow lines and strong wind uplift resistance. Exposed fastener panels attach through the face of the panel with gasketed screws and work well for agricultural and utility structures. Snap lock and mechanically seamed standing seam systems lock the ribs together, with the latter offering additional strength for low slope roofs or high wind zones. Corrugated and ribbed panels add stiffness while delivering a classic, utilitarian aesthetic.
The gauge, or thickness, influences dent resistance, spanning capability, and cost. Thicker panels resist hail and foot traffic but add weight and expense. Common choices range from 29 gauge for light duty applications to 24 gauge or thicker for premium residential and commercial roofs. Fasteners, clips, and substrates must be matched to gauge and local loads to avoid oil canning, flutter, or pull out under uplift.
Coatings protect color and substrate. Polyester finishes provide economical color, while silicon modified polyester improves UV resistance. Kynar PVDF systems deliver top tier fade resistance and chalk performance, particularly in harsh sun or coastal environments. Color matters beyond appearance. Light colors and high reflectivity coatings can help reduce heat gain, which supports energy efficiency and comfort. Some roofing assemblies also qualify for cool roof credits depending on region and code.
Thermal movement is a central design consideration for custom metal roof panels. Long runs expand and contract as temperatures swing, so systems rely on sliding clips, slotted fastener holes, or articulating seams that allow movement without stressing the panels. Proper detailing at penetrations, valleys, and transitions allows panels to move while keeping water out. Underlayment selection also matters. Synthetic underlayments are common for durability, while self adhered membranes are used in ice dam zones or at eaves and valleys for extra protection.
Ventilation and condensation control are part of the assembly. A vented ridge coupled with soffit intake promotes airflow under the roof deck, lowering attic temperatures and reducing moisture. In cold climates, air barriers, vapor control layers, and adequate insulation help prevent condensation under the panels. On low slope applications, mechanically seamed standing seam with continuous underlayment and correct clip spacing helps prevent water entry in driven rain.
Sound is often discussed with metal roofs. When installed over solid decking with underlayment and insulation, custom metal roofing is comparable in sound transmission to many other roof types. Panel profile, clip design, and the presence of batt insulation or spray foam can further quiet rain noise. Hail resistance is influenced by metal type, thickness, and substrate stiffness. Many assemblies carry impact ratings that may help with insurance considerations in hail prone regions.
Maintenance is straightforward. Periodic inspections to check fasteners, sealant at flashings, and panel surfaces keep the system in top form. Clearing debris from valleys and gutters prevents water backup. Surface cleaning with manufacturer approved methods preserves the coating. With these simple steps, custom metal roofing can last several decades.
Popular profiles
Metal choices
Finish systems
Match gauge to spans, wind speed, and hail exposure. Heavier gauge panels better resist denting and oil canning on long, sun exposed elevations. Coordinate clip spacing and fastener schedules with local codes and engineering.
Use sliding clips or slotted holes to accommodate expansion and contraction. Detail ridges, eaves, and penetrations with compatible flashings so movement does not stress seams. Keep panel lengths within manufacturer limits.
Use synthetic underlayment for durability, with self adhered membranes at eaves and valleys in cold regions. Provide balanced intake and exhaust ventilation to reduce heat buildup and control condensation.
Installation quality is as important as material choice. Accurate substrate preparation, square panel layout, and precise seaming produce a watertight system. Proper flashing at chimneys, skylights, and pipe penetrations is critical. For low slope roofs, mechanically seamed standing seam with factory formed panels and tested clip systems helps ensure performance in severe weather.
Durability depends on metal type, coating, and local environment. In coastal regions, aluminum or higher grade stainless fasteners mitigate corrosion risks. In hail regions, thicker gauge and properly supported decking reduce denting and panel deformation. Snow prone areas benefit from snow retention devices designed for the chosen profile to prevent slides that can damage gutters or landscaping.
Total cost reflects more than material. Panel length optimization reduces waste and seam count. Factory formed panels improve consistency, while on site roll forming can eliminate end laps on long runs. Labor efficiency increases when crews work with clear shop drawings, known clip schedules, and pre measured flashing kits. Over the life of the roof, energy savings from reflective colors and reduced maintenance can offset initial cost premiums.
When evaluating custom metal roof panels, confirm compliance with local codes, fire ratings, wind uplift testing, and manufacturer warranties. Documented systems and trained installers safeguard performance and warranty coverage. Finally, plan for safe access for future maintenance without damaging seams or coatings.
For projects that need precision fabricated panels, flashings, and brackets, OZK Customs can support the full process from design to handoff. Explore Custom fabrication for engineered metal components tailored to your roof layout. See our Fabrication services to understand available materials, forming capabilities, and finish options. New to our approach and craftsmanship standards? Visit Why choose OZK Customs to learn how we plan, build, and deliver with care.
Make the next storm season a non event. Share your roof dimensions, target profile, and finish preferences, and our team will turn them into exact fit panels and accessories that install cleanly and perform for decades.
Ready to upgrade with precision built metal panels? Tell us about your roof, timeline, and goals. OZK Customs will blueprint the right panel profile, gauge, and finish, fabricate to exact measurements, and coordinate a smooth install so you get decades of weatherproof performance.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com