The traditional metal roof types, such as 5V-crimp (shown above) and corrugated, are rated by the manufacturers for use down to a 3/12 pitch—three inches of vertical “rise” for every foot of horizontal “run.” Because of the shallow height of the undulating ridges of the 5V and corrugated profiles and the use of exposed metal fasteners to screw the metal to the roof deck, they are limited to a slope that will shed rain quickly. 

   But the taller profiles, like standing seam and PBR (shown below), can be installed on roofs with as low as 1/4” or 1/2”  in 12” pitch. Their fasteners are either  concealed or screwed at the top of a ridge, which makes them less likely to leak.

     A great place to learn more about all the different metal roof profiles, color choices, what minimum slope each profile is rated for, and installation standards is the Gulf Coast Supply and Manufacturing website at www.gulfcoastsupply.com. 

    Also, see our blog posts Which are the male and female flanges of a metal roof panel? and How do you flash skylight, chimney, and pipe vent roof penetrations on a metal roof?

 
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  To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts:

• What is a 5V roof?

• Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?

• Why is granule loss a problem for an asphalt shingle roof? 

• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?

• What causes roof shingles to curl up at corners?  

• What causes shingles to buckle along a line on the roof?

• What causes leaks at a fake roof dormer? 

• What causes a sagging roof ridge line?

• What causes bubble-like blisters in a built-up and gravel roof?  

• Why does it cost so much more to replace a steep roof than a low slope roof? 

• What is "ponding" on a flat roof?

• Is an attic required to have a light by the building code? 

• How can I inspect my roof for hurricane damage?

• Why is premature curl of roof shingles a problem?

• How can I tell if a roof has more than one layer of shingles? 

• What are the common problems with attic insulation? 

• What is the life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof? 

• What's the average lifespan of a roof?

• Why is it a mistake to replace a roof and not replace its flashings? 

     Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.