Top Choices for Modern Businesses: Commercial Roof Installations and Metal Siding Panels

Choosing the right siding material for a commercial building is a crucial decision that impacts the structure’s longevity, aesthetics, and even the surrounding community. As business owners ourselves, we at Reimagine Roofing understand the responsibility that comes with construction: it’s not just about creating a durable building — it’s about contributing positively to the environment and the community.

With over 25 years of experience manufacturing commercial metal roofing and siding systems, we have helped countless businesses, architects, and contractors achieve their goals. In this guide, we’ll explore why metal siding is an excellent choice for commercial projects and the top panel options you should consider.

Why Metal Siding and Metal Roofing are Smart Choices for Commercial Buildings

Exceptional Durability

For commercial and industrial projects, durability is non-negotiable. Metal siding panels are renowned for their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. They resist damage from fire, wind, and moisture, providing protection even in the most challenging climates. Additionally, roofing membranes, including thermoplastic membranes, play a crucial role in protecting commercial buildings due to their flexibility, durability, and compatibility with various roof systems. Therefore, if your project is near coastal areas prone to gale-force winds, metal siding offers unmatched resilience.

Selecting a heavier gauge metal will, consequently, enhance the strength and durability of your siding, ensuring your building remains protected for decades.

Outstanding Fade Resistance

Curb appeal matters for commercial properties, and faded siding can make even a new building look tired and outdated. Fortunately, metal siding boasts excellent color retention properties.

Modern panels, especially those coated with premium PVDF paint systems, maintain vibrant, rich colors for decades. Even better, many metal siding products come with color fade warranties, providing property owners peace of mind.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Today, sustainability is becoming increasingly important in business practices and community planning. Metal siding stands out as a green building material because it is often made with recycled content and is fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle.

Choosing eco-friendly materials like metal siding, therefore, sends a positive message to your clients and community, aligning your project with modern values around sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Commercial Building Exterior Design

When it comes to designing the exterior of commercial buildings, the choice of siding plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and functionality. Metal siding panels, in particular, offer a modern, sleek appearance while providing exceptional durability and low maintenance requirements. Consequently, they make an ideal choice for commercial properties looking to make a lasting impression.

The Best Commercial Metal Siding Panels

Let’s take a closer look at the top panel options available today. Selecting the right commercial roof system is crucial, considering factors like warranty length, durability, energy efficiency, and the structural needs of the building. Single ply membranes, moreover, are particularly beneficial due to their durability, low maintenance requirements, and various attachment methods.

1. Flush Wall and Soffit Panels

Flush wall panels have become a popular choice for commercial projects like shopping centers, office parks, and municipal buildings. Why? Their sleek, modern appearance instantly elevates the building’s aesthetics.

Key Advantages:

• Hidden fasteners for a clean, minimalist look
• High weather resistance
• Low maintenance requirements
• Proper membrane installation is crucial for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of roofing systems. Techniques such as hot air welding are essential for joining TPO and PVC roofing systems, thus enhancing their durability and wind uplift resistance.
• Versatile in design, allowing for horizontal or vertical installation

Flush wall panels come in styles such as T-Groove and Western Reveal, where you can customize the “reveal” (spacing between panels) for a unique architectural finish. Consequently, they are ideal for businesses seeking a contemporary, sophisticated appearance.

2. 7.2 Structural Box Rib Panel

The 7.2 Structural Box Rib Panel, often referred to as “Western Rib,” is a standout option for commercial roofing systems. Known for its strength and versatility, this panel is particularly well-suited for commercial buildings with low slope or flat roofs. Its trapezoidal design, therefore, provides excellent rigidity, making it resistant to extreme weather conditions such as high winds and heavy rainfall.

Key Benefits:

• Durability: Made from high-quality metal materials like steel or aluminum, the 7.2 panel is resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. This makes it a cost-effective choice for commercial building owners looking for long-lasting roofing solutions.
• Energy Efficiency: The ribbed design of the 7.2 panel helps reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, enhancing the building’s energy efficiency. This can lead to significant savings on energy costs, making it an attractive option for commercial properties.
• Versatility: The 7.2 panel can be coated with various roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and vegetative roofing systems, allowing for customization to meet specific design and performance needs.

Installation Options:

• Mechanically Attached System: This method involves securing the panels to the roof deck using screws or clips, providing a strong and durable connection. It’s a popular choice for its ease of installation and reliability.
• Fully Adhered System: In this method, a layer of adhesive is applied to the roof deck, and the panels are attached to it. This provides a seamless and secure installation, ideal for ensuring long-term performance.

Aesthetic Appeal:

• The 7.2 panel offers a range of aesthetic options, with various colors and finishes available to match the exterior design of the building. This makes it an excellent choice for commercial building owners looking to enhance the curb appeal of their property.

Maintenance and Certifications:

• Proper maintenance is essential to extend the panel’s lifespan. Regular inspections and partnering with certified contractors can prevent potential issues.
• In summary, the 7.2 Structural Box Rib Panel is a popular choice for commercial exterior design due to its unmatched durability, energy savings, and customizable aesthetic.

2. Structural Box Rib Panel

Commonly known as “Western Rib,” the 7.2 panel is the industry standard for strength among exposed fastener systems. Its structural trapezoid design offers tremendous rigidity, ideal for high-impact industrial and commercial applications.

Benefits of 7.2 Panel:

• Lower cost compared to concealed systems
• Simplified installation reduces labor expenses
• Excellent wind uplift resistance
• Durable under heavy loads and impact
• Modified bitumen roofing systems offer enhanced flexibility and performance, making them an excellent choice for commercial roofing projects. These systems provide durability, resistance to weather conditions, and can be applied using various methods such as self-adhered sheets or hot-mopped installations.

Architects and builders favor the 7.2 panel not only for its strength but for its versatile, industrial look.

3. R-Panel (PBR Panel)

When budget is a top priority without sacrificing appearance, R-panel is the go-to choice. Often referred to as the “best-looking economical panel,” R-panel features attractive corrugation patterns and performs exceptionally well in various applications.

Why Choose R-Panel:

• Lowest cost among commercial metal panels
• Easy and quick installation
• Good durability with minimal maintenance
• Resembles the look of more expensive standing seam panels
• Benefits of metal roofing systems, including longevity, heat resistance, and ability to withstand severe weather
• Importance of roof coatings for extending the lifespan of the roof, protecting against leaks, and enhancing energy efficiency

Moreover, R-panels benefit from the advantages of metal roofing systems, including longevity, heat resistance, and weather resilience.

How Much Do Commercial Metal Siding Panels Cost?

Here’s a breakdown of typical price ranges based on material type and finish:

Note: These are typical ranges and may vary depending on project complexity, geographic location, and raw material costs. Get your free roof cost quote in less than 24 hours with Reimagine Roofing!

Choosing the Right Siding for Your Project

Finding the right commercial siding involves balancing aesthetics, performance, budget, and environmental impact. It’s also crucial to consider factors like roof type and attachment method. At Reimagine Roofing, we manufacture a wide range of customizable siding options to meet your project’s needs. Furthermore, we offer expert guidance to help you make informed decisions.

We encourage you to explore all available options. Our comparison chart, therefore, simplifies evaluating the benefits of each panel type.

Commercial Roofing, Reimagined

When it comes to commercial construction, metal siding stands out for its longevity, visual appeal, sustainability, and long-term return on investment.

By choosing durable options like Flush Wall panels, 7.2 Structural panels, or budget-friendly R-Panels, businesses can protect their assets while creating visually striking, eco-conscious buildings.

At Reimagine Roofing, we are passionate about helping businesses build smarter, greener, and stronger. Book your free inspection today and use our free quote tool!