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  • Writer's pictureAll Precision Sheet Metal Works, Inc.

R Panel vs Standing Seam Metal Roofing: The Go-To Guide

Updated: Jul 14, 2022



Metal roofing provides a variety of benefits to roofers, homeowners, and business owners in El Paso. In order to achieve success in your metal roofing project, you must choose the correct metal roofing panel. The most popular choices are R Panels and standing seam roofing panels. Both come with their own set of positives and downsides. In this article, we’ll compare the two so you can make the best decision.


No matter what you choose, you can trust All Precision Sheet Metal Works, Inc. We are El Paso’s premier metal roofing panel manufacturer and supplier. Roofers all across Southwest Texas rely on our excellent customer service and high-quality products to provide their customers with the metal roofs of their dreams.


Keep reading to learn more about what we have to offer!


R Panel Roofing: Affordable, Easy to Install, But Prone to Leaks


While R Panels are more commonly used in industrial and commercial structures, they are becoming more apparent in residential settings.


These panels are aesthetically pleasing and cost less than other metal roofing options. They also protect buildings and structures from insects, pests, and harsh weather conditions. At All Precision Sheet Metal Works, Inc., we fabricate R Panels of 36'' in width and various lengths.


R Panel metal roofing is very popular in Southwest Texas and other parts of the Southwestern United States. Since it doesn’t rain as much in this region, the major drawback of R Panels may not affect home and business owners as much.


The Truth About Exposed Fasteners: What You Need To Know


R Panels are held together with exposed fasteners, meaning the panels are fastened onto the roof deck directly using screws that penetrate the panels. The screw heads of the fasteners will need to be checked regularly to ensure whether they’re tight enough or if replacement is necessary.


While exposed fasteners are often installed in a weathertight method—such as including a rubber sealing washer—leaks could still occur. The exposed fasteners need to dig directly from the metal panel onto the roof deck. If the fasteners are too tight, too loose, or at an angle, then it may create what’s known as a “leak point.”


This is an important detail to be aware of. While R Panels may be a more cost-effective option, they may require a bit more maintenance than standing seam/concealed fastener metal roofing systems.


Standing Seam Panels: More Expensive but Impenetrable to Leaks


Although aesthetically similar to R Panels, standing seam metal panels are a more popular option as they produce a cleaner, more modern look. They’re a great option for residential and commercial settings. Standing seam panels also use concealed fasteners, which we will discuss later on.


Some may consider the price of standing seam panels to be a downside, as overall cost and installation time tends to be greater than that of R Panels. Regardless, if the benefits match what you or your clients are looking for, then a standing seam roof will be an excellent choice.


At All Precision Sheet Metal Works, Inc., we can manufacture a variety of standing seam panels to suit your needs, including:


  • Series 2000 1-¾” Integral Snap Lock

  • Series 1200 1-½” Mechanical Seamed

Concealed Fasteners: A Secure, Unexposed Way to Protect Your Structure from the Elements


One of the most noticeable differences between R Panels and standing seam panels is how they’re fastened. Unlike exposed fasteners, concealed fasteners don’t pierce the standing seam panels during installation.


Concealed fasteners clip onto the building’s substructure. The standing seam panels are then attached to the clip. As a result, concealed fasteners allow for more expansion and contraction. Similarly, due to the hidden nature of concealed fasteners, there is a far lower chance of leaks occurring. The overall result is a striking, seamless design that blocks out all potential hazards.


Choose Us as Your El Paso Metal Roofing Supply Source!


When it comes to metal roofing, it’s necessary to choose a metal manufacturer you can trust. This is where All Precision Sheet Metal Works, Inc., comes into play.


Whether you’ve decided on R Panels or standing seam panels, you can rest assured that our El Paso sheet metal fabrication team will provide you with materials of the highest quality.


If you have questions about what we offer, don’t hesitate to give us a call — 915.781.7074!



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