Metal Roofing Guide
Metal and Polycarbonate Roofing Systems Guide
This guide provides a system-level overview to help you choose the correct roofing materials for your project and understand the planning decisions that affect performance, longevity, and cost.
It covers corrugated metal roofing, galvanized steel panels, and polycarbonate roofing panels without duplicating installation instructions, overlap diagrams, or calculator logic found in our technical guides.
Think of this page as a planning and decision hub. It explains what to choose and why it matters, then routes you to deeper guides and tools when more detail is required.
Roofing Systems Overview
Metal and polycarbonate roofing systems serve different purposes. Understanding where each excels helps prevent material mismatches and planning errors.
Metal Roofing Systems
Metal roofing panels are designed for structural weather protection. They shed rain efficiently, resist wind uplift, and perform exceptionally well in wet climates such as Washington and Oregon.
- Long service life
- Strong performance in Pacific Northwest weather
- Low maintenance requirements
- Commonly used for sheds, workshops, barns, and residential roofs
Polycarbonate Roofing Systems
Polycarbonate roofing panels are impact-resistant, translucent roof panels designed to transmit natural light while providing weather protection.
- High light transmission for daylighting
- UV-protected for outdoor exposure
- Very high impact resistance
- Compatible with corrugated metal roofing profiles
Many projects combine both systems by using metal roofing for durability and polycarbonate panels as skylight sections.
Roofing Panel Types
Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels
Corrugated metal roofing panels use a repeating wave profile that adds strength while remaining lightweight. They are widely used for metal roofing on sheds, garages, workshops, agricultural buildings, and residential structures.
- Sheds, garages, barns, and workshops
- Residential metal roofing
- Hybrid roofs with polycarbonate skylight inserts
Shop: Galvanized Corrugated Steel Panels
Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing Panels
Corrugated polycarbonate roofing panels match common metal roofing profiles, allowing them to replace selected metal panels for skylights or full translucent roof sections.
- Greenhouses and hoop houses
- Pergolas and patio covers
- Carports and awnings
- Daylighting roof sections in metal roofs
Shop: Polycarbonate Roofing Panels
Material Thickness for Pacific Northwest Weather Conditions
Material thickness affects rigidity, impact resistance, noise, and long-term durability. In the Pacific Northwest, moisture exposure and wind conditions make thickness selection especially important.
Metal roofing thickness is measured by gauge, while polycarbonate thickness is measured in millimeters.
Gauge deep dive:
Why Gauge Matters for Metal Roofing in Wet Climates
Frequently Asked Planning Questions
Can I mix metal and polycarbonate panels on the same roof?
Yes. Corrugated polycarbonate panels are designed to match corrugated metal roofing profiles, allowing selected metal panels to be replaced with translucent skylight sections.
What gauge is best for sheds and workshops in the Pacific Northwest?
Thicker gauges provide greater rigidity and noise reduction. Selection depends on span, structure type, and local conditions. Always verify requirements based on your specific project and location.
Roofing Calculators and Planning Tools
Accurate estimating prevents delays and unnecessary expense. Our calculator reflects common corrugated roofing layouts and overlap practices.
Start planning: Calculate Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels for Your Project
Planning and Use Notice
All product specifications, guides, and calculators are provided for informational planning purposes only. Materials are sold as-is without warranties of fitness for a specific structure.
Compliance with local building codes, including snow load and wind load requirements, is the sole responsibility of the customer or installer.
Working with roofing materials involves inherent risks. Valley Outdoor Supply assumes no liability for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the use of materials or planning tools.
Why Buy Roofing From Valley Outdoor Supply?
- Clear and honest product specifications
- DIY-friendly planning tools
- Local pickup by appointment
- Support before you buy
Ready to get started?
• Estimate materials with the Roofing Calculator
• Browse Metal Panels and Polycarbonate Panels
• Call 360-916-8312 for current stock and pickup details