What to Know Before Choosing a Metal Roof in Wisconsin
Panel Profiles and Attachment Methods
Metal panels come in different styles like standing seam, snap lock, and corrugated. Some systems use concealed fasteners for a clean look and enhanced weather protection, while others use exposed fasteners for quicker installation and a more traditional appearance. Understanding how these systems perform — especially in terms of expansio
Metal panels come in different styles like standing seam, snap lock, and corrugated. Some systems use concealed fasteners for a clean look and enhanced weather protection, while others use exposed fasteners for quicker installation and a more traditional appearance. Understanding how these systems perform — especially in terms of expansion, contraction, and long-term durability — is crucial to selecting the right fit.
Finish and Coating Options
Not all metal roofing finishes are created equal. Paint systems like SMP and PVDF (often known by brand names like Kynar) affect how well your roof resists fading, chalking, and corrosion. If long-term appearance is important, the type of finish you choose can make a big difference—especially for Wisconsin metal roofing, where harsh weat
Not all metal roofing finishes are created equal. Paint systems like SMP and PVDF (often known by brand names like Kynar) affect how well your roof resists fading, chalking, and corrosion. If long-term appearance is important, the type of finish you choose can make a big difference—especially for Wisconsin metal roofing, where harsh weather conditions can accelerate wear on lower-quality coatings.
Ventilation and Underlayment
Ventilation and Underlayment
Proper underlayment, ventilation, and insulation all play a role in the performance of your metal roof. Without the right substrate and airflow, even the best panels can underperform. Details like vapor barriers, ridge vents, and clip spacing matter just as much as panel selection. For Wisconsin metal roofing systems, these components are
Proper underlayment, ventilation, and insulation all play a role in the performance of your metal roof. Without the right substrate and airflow, even the best panels can underperform. Details like vapor barriers, ridge vents, and clip spacing matter just as much as panel selection. For Wisconsin metal roofing systems, these components are especially important to ensure long-term performance in extreme seasonal conditions.
Gauge (Thickness) Matters
Ventilation and Underlayment
The gauge of the metal determines how thick and rigid your panels are. Thicker panels (lower gauge numbers) provide better resistance to denting and oil canning, especially in open-span or high-impact environments. If your project is exposed to high winds, hail, or frequent snow loads, going with a heavier gauge is often worth the investment.
Panel Types
Double lock standing seam roofing panels
Standing seam are our most commonly used and preferred metal roofing panels. Mechanical seaming is required to weatherproof and water-tight standing seam panels. Once seamed, these panels are rated for winds up to 120 MPH.
Seaming a panel is a simple 2 step process using either hand seamers or a seaming tool.
Snap lock roofing panels
Snap Lock roof panels are designed for faster installation using an integrated adhesive tape system to secure the panels together. When properly installed, they allow for natural thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining a clean, durable finished look.
Corrugated metal panels
Corrugated roof panels have visible ribs in them and are secured using screws with their head exposed. Corrugated metal panels are available in 12 different styles and can also be used as siding. See our siding page for more details.
Panel Options
- Custom panel lengths: Standing seam and Snap Lock
- Panel widths: 16–21 inches
- Seam heights: 1" or 1.5"
- Profiles: corrugated, flat, pencil ribs, or striations
- Finish: 40-year Kynar paint warranty — 36 colors available
- Workmanship: 20-year warranty on all installs
Why Choose Metal Roofing in Wisconsin?
In-House Fabrication. On-Site Capabilities. Zero Bottlenecks.
We operate a full-service metal fabrication setup — including a 10-foot shear, 10-foot CNC brake, and a mobile, trailer-mounted roll former — which means we can produce nearly every component of your metal roof or gutter system in-house or on-site.
By fabricating components ourselves, we eliminate the middleman — and that gives you and your clients:
✅ Tighter fits and cleaner lines
✅ Fewer seams = fewer potential leaks
✅ Faster turnaround on installs, repairs, or replacements
✅ More flexible solutions for tricky roof lines, old chimneys, or uneven fascia
✅ A cleaner, custom look that’s hard to match with stock parts
✅ Lower material costs — no delivery fees, no freight delays
✅ No waiting on suppliers or risking damaged shipments
✅ Greater control over timelines for contractors and crews
The maximum thickness our CNC brake can bend is 1.5 mm (0.059 inches), which accommodates 16-gauge steel—a common thickness for durable architectural metalwork. For reference, most metal roofing panels are made from 24-gauge (approximately 0.61 mm or 0.024 inches) or 26-gauge steel (approximately 0.48 mm or 0.0189 inches), making our equipment more than capable of handling the full range of standard materials used in the industry.
Contact us today for a free estimate
Preferred Panels can fabricate metal roofing for Wisconsin homeowners, commercial business owners, roofing contractors and Do-it-yourselfers as well as jobs we complete.
Whether you're a seasoned contractor or tackling your first DIY project, we’re here to help. Our team is responsive, detail-focused, and ready to walk you through material options, panel profiles, timelines — even urgent needs like storm damage repairs or replacements.
Metal roofing continues to grow as the preferred roofing option for Wisconsin homeowners. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free estimate for your roofing project. Our team of experts will assess your needs and provide you with a detailed quote for our services.
Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: What's the Difference?
Modern metal roofing isn’t just functional — it’s customizable. A preferred roofing solution for everything from residential homes to commercial buildings. With a wide range of panel styles, colors, and finishes, metal roofs can complement everything. While asphalt shingles are common, metal roofing in Wisconsin offers several long-term advantages that make it a better choice for many projects.
Durability
Metal roofs can last 40 to 60 years, far outpacing the 15 to 25-year average lifespan of asphalt shingles. They're also more resistant to wind, fire, and hail, and they won’t rot, crack, or attract pests.
Energy Efficiency
Metal reflects solar heat, which can help reduce cooling costs, especially in warmer climates. Many profiles can also be installed over insulation systems that improve your building’s thermal performance even further.
Maintenance
Metal roofing typically requires far less upkeep. There’s no risk of granule loss, shingle curling, or mold growth. Occasional inspections and cleaning are usually all that’s needed.
Cost Over Time
The upfront cost of metal roofing is higher, but the return on investment is significant. Fewer replacements, lower maintenance, and energy savings often make it the more economical choice in the long run.