Styles of Roof Panels
Metal roofs come in three styles:
- Vertical. This is the strongest roof type paneling available in carports. The roof’s hat channels increase the amount of water that flows off the top and decrease the amount of debris that can collect there. That means you can avoid shoveling snow off the roof, getting drenched as you enter or exit your car during a downpour, or hauling out the ladder so you can reach the leaves that won’t fall on their own. If you need a building that’s 36 feet or longer, know that there’s a greater chance for structures this size to leak. So, a vertical-roof building is definitely your best choice.
- Regular. Introduced more than two decades ago, the regular-style frame (the most affordable in the industry) has five bends, which create the roof’s curved look. The paneling runs from front to back, so leaves, rain and snow have to travel far before they fall off the sides or make their way to either end. Because of this design, you’ll spend time each year cleaning the roof. If you want a barn-style roof, a carport with a regular roof is the only kind on the market. For more protection from the elements, you can fully or partially close this style of carport.
- A-Frame. Also known as a “boxed eave” roof, this looks a lot like the vertical roof -- but costs less. Just like the regular-style roof, the A-frame’s paneling runs from front to back, so you’re more likely to get wet as you get into and out of your car. Plus, not all of the leaves and snow on the roof make their way to the ground. Bottom line: You will have to clean this roof several times a year.
Styles of Roof Panels
Metal roof panels come in five styles:
- AP Panels. These roof panels have screws that are visible and are part of an economical pass-through system forming a roof that looks like a more-expensive standing seam roof.
- CF Panels. Concealed fastener, or CF, panels consist a lock-joint system. Since they’re low profile, they create a clean, smooth look.
- Corrugated Panels. These durable panels, which had become scarce over the years, are now easier to find, affordable as ever and almost maintenance-free.
- R Panels. These are a hit with property owners who favor a traditional-looking building. They’re a low-maintenance part of a metal roofing system that can be placed over a roof with shingle roofs. Doing so can reduce construction time, cost and labor.
- U Panels. A little more rounded than AP panels and usually made of higher-grade steel, these panels can sometimes be installed over a shingle roof.