Maybe it’s the shop out back with a roof that’s rusting through, a barn that needs new cover before winter, or a porch you’d like to give a cleaner, more modern look. Corrugated metal roofing in Kansas City is a popular choice for all of those, and for some homes too. Before you commit, you want to know how it holds up to hail and wind here, what it needs over the years and whether it’s the right metal roof for your building.
Corrugated metal has a lot going for it. It also has trade-offs that a lot of quotes don’t mention. You should hear both before you spend the money.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified roofing contractor, licensed and insured, in business since 2017, with an office in Shawnee. We install and repair metal roofs across the Kansas City metro, and your inspection is free. Call 913-398-5020.
What corrugated metal roofing is
Corrugated metal is the wavy or ribbed panel most people picture on a barn or machine shed. The ribs give a thin sheet of steel its strength, so it can span between supports without bending. Newer profiles use squared-off ribs instead of the classic round wave, which gives a sharper, more modern look on homes and porches.
What sets corrugated apart from a standing-seam roof is how it’s held down. Corrugated panels are screwed straight through the face of the metal into the framing below. Each screw has a rubber washer that seals the hole. That’s why it’s called an exposed-fastener roof.
Where corrugated metal makes sense
Around the Kansas City metro, we see corrugated metal work well on:
- Detached garages, workshops and pole barns
- Barns, sheds and other farm buildings on the edges of the metro
- Porches, patio covers and carports
- Homes where the owner wants a rustic or modern farmhouse look
It’s a practical, lower-cost way to get a metal roof. On a main house where you want the cleanest look and the least maintenance, a standing seam metal roof is often the better fit, since its fasteners are hidden under the seams.
How corrugated metal roofing in Kansas City handles the weather
Hail
Spring hail is the big question here. Steel panels resist punctures well, but large hail can leave dents. Thicker panels dent less. Many dents are cosmetic and don’t cause leaks, but a dent that cracks the paint finish can let rust start. If you’re comparing panels, ask about the thickness of the steel, not just the color.
Wind
Kansas City sees strong straight-line winds with summer storms. A corrugated roof holds on through its screws, so screw spacing and the condition of the framing underneath matter. Edges and corners take the most force and need the tightest pattern.
Heat, cold and movement
Metal expands in the summer sun and shrinks on a cold night. Over many seasons, that movement can work screw holes slightly larger and wear the rubber washers. This is normal, and it’s the main upkeep item on a corrugated roof.
Snow
Snow slides off metal in sheets, sometimes all at once. Over a door, walkway or parking spot, snow guards can keep it from coming down on someone. Gutters below a metal roof also need to be strong enough for that sliding load.
The honest trade-off: fasteners need attention
Every screw on a corrugated roof is a small hole sealed by a rubber washer. Those washers dry out and crack over time from sun and temperature swings. When they fail, the roof can leak at the screws.
That doesn’t make corrugated a bad choice. It means the fasteners should be checked every so often and replaced when the washers wear out. Many corrugated roofs that “need replacing” really just need new screws. If you already have a corrugated roof with drips at the screw lines, our metal roof repair in Kansas City page covers what that work looks like.
Things to sort out before installation
Pitch. Exposed-fastener panels need enough slope to shed water past the laps. Very low-slope roofs may need a different system.
What’s underneath. On a house, metal usually goes over solid decking with underlayment, which also quiets the sound of rain. On a barn or shop, it often goes over purlins (horizontal framing boards). Rotted wood gets replaced first either way.
Tear-off first. We tear the old roof off down to the deck before any metal goes on, so we can see and fix the wood first.
Matching metals. Steel panels shouldn’t touch copper or certain other metals, which can cause corrosion where they meet. Flashings and fasteners should be compatible.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free inspection. Call 913-398-5020 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. We check the structure, pitch and existing roof, and tell you whether corrugated or another metal roof fits better, with photos and a written estimate.
- Your roof gets done and the site gets cleaned up. The crew installs the roof and cleans up before leaving.
Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
Corrugated metal roofing questions
Is a corrugated metal roof loud in the rain?
Over open framing on a barn, yes, it can be. On a house with solid decking, underlayment and attic insulation, most people find it no louder than shingles.
Can you put corrugated metal on a house?
Yes. It’s common on porches and accent roofs, and some homeowners use it on the whole house for the look. Standing seam is the more common choice for a full home roof.
Will hail ruin a corrugated metal roof?
Most hail leaves dents rather than holes. Dents are often cosmetic, though damaged paint can lead to rust. After a storm, it’s worth having it checked.
What about storm damage and insurance?
You file your own claim and pay your own deductible. We document the damage with photos, give you a written estimate and work with your adjuster.
Get a straight answer on corrugated metal
The right metal roof depends on the building, the slope and how much upkeep you’re willing to do. Getting it wrong usually shows up as leaks at the screw lines a few years in.
Talk it through first, and you’ll end up with a roof that suits the building and your budget, and you’ll know what it needs down the road. Call 913-398-5020 to book your free inspection. You can also see our metal roof installation in Kansas City page or learn about steel roofing in Kansas City.
