- By Liam Ridings
- In Blog, Metal Roofing, Renovation
Choosing The Right Metal Roof Sheeting Thickness – 6 Expert Tips
When it comes to metal roofing, one of the most important decisions that you will make is selecting the right metal roof thickness for your property. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced roofer, there are a number of factors that you need to consider when considering the thickness of metal roof sheeting in the context of your planned application.
At Vertec Roofing, we’ve heard more than our fair share of metal roofing disaster stories. Metal roofing thickness can range from 35mm to 47mm depending on application and purpose, which means that choosing the right roofing thickness requires some expert knowledge.
To save you time, money, and stress, our expert team of metal roofers has put together this helpful guide with six tips that you need to consider when selecting metal roof sheeting thickness.
Choosing The Right Metal Roof Sheeting Thickness – 6 Expert Tips
1. Consider the climate when selecting roofing thickness
Generally speaking, thicker metal roofing is more suited to harsh climates.
If you live in an area of Australia that is prone to heavy rainfall (that’s all of us if you consider the first half of 2022!), hail, windstorms, or anything that falls under the umbrella of ‘severe’, then you should consider a thicker metal roofing option for your property.
If you are in one of the few areas of Australia that receives snow – think Thredbo, Perisher, or some areas of the Victorian Alpine region, than selecting a thicker roofing material also provides added insulation and the requisite strength to withstand added roof load.
After days or weeks of heavy snowfall, your roof can come under extra weight stress that may cause a thin roof to buckle or flex.
2. Consider weight and roof support
Before deciding on your metal roof sheeting thickness, it’s important to consider the weight of different sheets and whether you have enough to support a heavier roof. A qualified roofer will be able to advise on load and weight restrictions before moving ahead with your roofing project.
3. Stick to a budget
Sticking to a budget is key, but there is more that should go into your budget than just the pricing.
For example, thicker roofing will typically last longer than thin roofing, which means that selecting a thicker metal roof can actually cost less over the lifespan of your property. If you plan to stay at your property for the long term, then investing in a slightly thicker and more expensive thicker roof can effectively save money on heating and cooling bills by providing better thermoregulation and last for longer than thin options.
4. Ensure your roof meets building codes
When it comes to metal roofing, thickness matters. Choosing a metal roofing thickness that meets building codes is important to ensure the safety and integrity of your roof – not to mention your legal obligations.
Building codes in Australia vary depending on your state or territory, so be sure to check with your local building department for specific requirements. In NSW, you can refer to the relevant roofing and guttering legislation which references the National Construction Codes (NCC), which must be followed. Your local metal roofing professional will be able to provide more guidance and ensure that your roof meets the relevant local rules and regulations.
5. Consider aesthetics
Aesthetics are subjective, but in most cases, homeowners report that they prefer the look of thicker metal roofing when compared to thinner options. Thicker roofing sheets provide a more premium appearance which can increase kerb appeal and increase the value of your home.
Before settling on a roofing thickness, it’s a good idea to review what that thickness looks like on an existing property. Your roofing consultant should be able to point you in the direction of a home, office, or warehouse that uses the thickness that you are in the market for. Head out to those properties to review the appearance and ensure that you are happy with how it looks before going ahead with the project.
6. Get professional help
When it comes to metal roofing, thickness is one of the most important factors to consider. Depending on the project and the location, it’s important to choose a metal roofing thickness that provides the level of protection that you need. Your location will play a big role in determining the right roofing material for your home, office, or warehouse.
To help you make the best decision for your project, consulting a professional roofing contractor or metal roofing supplier like Vertec Roofing is one of the best things that you can do. Our friendly team can provide you with options and advise you on the best metal roofing thickness for your needs.
In general, the thicker the metal roofing, the more durable it will be. With that said, thicker metal roofing can also be more expensive. As a result, it’s important to weigh your options and choose the thickness that’s right for you. Most roofing companies will be able to provide guidance and present you with a range of options that allow you to weight up the cost vs. value proposition of different roofing thicknesses for your home or commercial property.
