I get the logic behind paying more upfront, but honestly, I went with the cheaper panels from the big box store and just reinforced the framing underneath. After two years (and a couple of storms), they’re holding up fine. Not saying it’s perfect, but if you’re on a tight budget, it’s doable. Just gotta be ready to patch a dent or two down the line.
Cheaper panels can work short-term, but I’d be careful about long-term durability, especially if you’re in a harsher climate. Reinforcing the framing helps, but lower-gauge steel or better coatings really do make a difference for hail and wind resistance. Sometimes the upfront savings get eaten up by repairs.
Sometimes the upfront savings get eaten up by repairs.
That’s been my experience too, especially in areas with wild weather swings. I once did a job where the homeowner went with bargain panels—looked fine at first, but after two winters, the coating started peeling and there was rust around the fasteners. We ended up replacing about a third of the panels within five years. If you’re in a spot that gets hail or heavy snow, I’d look for at least 26-gauge steel and a solid warranty. Reinforcing the framing helps, but if the panel itself is thin or poorly coated, it won’t hold up long-term. Sometimes spending a bit more up front really does save headaches down the road.
If you’re in a spot that gets hail or heavy snow, I’d look for at least 26-gauge steel and a solid warranty.
I’ve had similar issues with cheaper panels—looked fine for a year, then started rusting around the screws. I went with 24-gauge Galvalume last time, and it’s held up way better through Midwest winters. Local lumber yards sometimes have better quality than the big box stores, but you’ve got to check the specs. Warranty is key, but so is making sure the coating isn’t just paint over thin steel.
I get the appeal of thicker panels, but honestly, I’ve seen some 26-gauge roofs outlast 24-gauge just because the install was done right and the fasteners were good quality. Sometimes it’s less about the gauge and more about who’s putting it on and how careful they are with flashing and sealing. Had a place where the “better” panels still rusted because the screws weren’t coated. Just my two cents—sometimes the details trip you up more than the specs.
