A Complete Guide to Corrugated Metal

One of the most well-known and popular metal panels, corrugated metal continues to be a favorite among both residential and commercial property owners. Corrugated metal’s versatility, durability, and low maintenance puts it at the top of the list for homeowners, builders, and architects alike.

What is Corrugated Metal?

Corrugated refers to a repeating pattern or series of ridges or waves. The rippled-like design was introduced hundreds of years ago and quickly became popular because of its ability to be prefabricated and quickly used by workers with minimal skills in building or construction.

How is Corrugated Steel Made?

Today, corrugated metal sheets are typically made using a cold-form process. First, the process starts with a flat piece of metal which is then pressed into 3D corrugated patterns using a series of rollers. Then, different roller arrangements create different types of corrugation from the sizes of waves to the angles. The process of cold rolling produces a thicker, stronger product and presents a better appearance than steel that’s been hot-rolled.

At Bridger Steel, we receive our steel as painted coils, which means the metal sheets are rolled up, that have already been hot or cold formed. We then unravel the coils, and at this point they are still just flat sheets of steel. Next, we run these sheets through our corrugated roll former machines where they then take on the shape of the panel. Then, we’ll cut and trim the panel to the exact length needed for a specific project.

How Much Does Corrugated Metal Cost?

The price point of corrugated metal heavily depends upon the specifications of a project. Depending on the amount of metal you need, whether or not customization is needed, the type of gauge (or thickness) you need, and a number of other elements factor into the price of most metal panels, including corrugated. It’s also important to understand all of the different components that come with the installation of corrugated metal, whether for a roof, siding, or interior application. Ordering and installing a metal roof, for example, is much more than just ordering panels. You’ll receive trim, fasteners and hardware, clips, closures, and more. Therefore, the best way to get an accurate price on how much it costs to install a corrugated metal roof, siding, or interior project is to fill out a quote form or talk to a Product Specialist directly.

Pros & Cons of Corrugated Metal

If you’re trying to decide between corrugated metal or another material, there are a few pros and cons you need to consider.

Pros:

• Longevity: Like other steel and metal products, corrugated metal will last much longer than other materials. Regardless of how you use it — inside or outside — you can expect it to last between 40 to 70 years. That lifetime extends even further on interior applications where the steel isn’t exposed to weather or other elements.
• Durability: Corrugated metal’s durability is one of its biggest pros. Due to its wavy design and material makeup, corrugated panels can withstand the test of time and weather better than other materials.
• Low Maintenance: Metal is one of the easiest materials to maintain. It doesn’t require monthly cleaning, yearly staining, or heavy duty cleaning products. Instead, most exterior corrugated metal applications just need an annual look-over due to their exposed fastener system. If cleaning is needed, metal usually just needs a nice rinse and light wipe-down. That’s it!
• Green Choice: Bridger Steel’s corrugated (and all other) steel panels are an eco-friendly choice. Not only are our panels 100% recyclable, but they can be used for solar panel installation and rainwater collection systems on roofing applications, and will save building owners between 10-25% on heating and cooling costs when used as siding or roofing.
• Versatility: Corrugated panels have the ability to be used in countless different ways. From barns and roofing to accent walls and wainscoting, the ways in which you can use corrugated metal are endless.

Cons:

• Exposed Fastener System: Corrugated metal uses an exposed fastener system. Meaning, the hardware used to secure it — whether used on an interior or exterior application — is on the outside of the panels. Due to this, an annual inspection is required in order to make sure there’s no rusting, ensure the washers are intact, and that the fasteners have not loosened over time.
• Higher Upfront Cost: When compared to other materials like shingles or wood, corrugated steel is a bit more expensive. However, this higher upfront cost is always worth the investment because of how long the material lasts, and how little maintenance is needed. The price point can also vary quite greatly depending on the gauge, or thickness of the steel, and the type of color or finish desired for a specific project.

What Can Corrugated Metal Be Used For?

Corrugated metal has the ability to be used in multiple different applications. Its versatility is one of the many reasons it has remained so popular throughout the years. Here are just a few of the different ways we’ve seen our corrugated panels used. The possibilities are endless!

Roofing

Siding

Wainscoting

Agricultural Buildings, Barns, and Sheds

Kitchen Islands and Bars

Garages and Outbuildings

Fences

Other Interior Uses

Other Exterior Uses

What Corrugated Metal Panels Are Available?

Bridger Steel has four different corrugated panels available including:

• ⅞” Corrugated — This panel option is a strong and structurally sound choice with an anti-siphon groove, allowing for single overlap and better coverage compared to others on the market.
• ¾” Corrugated — Available in 26 or 29 gauge thickness, this panel brings the bold look of larger corrugations, making it a timeless classic for any project.
• ½” Corrugated — Bold curves mixed with unmatchable strength, this option brings the subtle look of corrugation to a highly versatile panel.
• ¼” Corrugated — The low rib height and easy installation make this panel option a favorite among interior projects.

Each one of our corrugated panels can be used in a variety of different applications. If you’re interested in installing corrugated steel, whether for an interior or exterior project, get in touch with a Product Specialist today. Our team will help you find the right gauge and color/finish specific to your project’s needs. We’ll help you create lasting beauty with corrugated metal!