What are the Advantages of Panelized Roofing?

What is panelized roofing, you may ask. It is a prefabricated panel of roof ready to be installed on site to speed up the construction time since it cuts out having to frame the conventional way. Panelized roofing can come in a variety of types depending on your area and the type of building you intend to build.

The most common roof panel (most types can also be used as wall panels) is called SIPS, or structural insulated panels. These are made by sandwiching a layer of polystyrene or polyurethane foam between two pieces of plywood or fiber cement. This panel provides one-stop framing, insulation, and outside sheathing rather than having to have three separate construction processes. Although the individual components are not that strong alone, when put together like this in a SIPS the result is a roof panel that can handle high wind, shear loads, and earthquakes. Insulating the roof at the same time as serving as the frame, SIPS will vary in thickness up to twelve inches to provide the R-rating needed.

Other materials are beginning to make their way into panelized roofing. Different systems may be designed for specific needs, but they all offer lightweight panels that need little framing and that provide structure as well as insulation. You may find panels that are made from light gauge steel, fiberglass, concrete, or aluminum. All will meet codes to withstand wind, impact, earthquakes, termites, and moisture.

Light Gauge Steel

Some companies build roof panels with steel and foam insulation. Some will also have steel trusses in a package deal with the roof panels. Steel roof panels will provide a strong, fire-resistant roof and reduce the chance of termite infestation. Of course, connections of the roof panels will use self-tapping screws.

Concrete

Concrete with a foam core is used mostly in Florida. This type of roof panel can handle up to 140 mile per hour winds and resists termites. The panels provide a rating of two hours of fire resistance. The roof panels are finalized by covering them with a layer of membrane roofing to further protect them against moisture.

Fiberglass

These roof panels are made of fiberglass composite that is made of polymer resins and structural glass fibers. This composite forms a layer over a truss-like center that is also made of composite. The middle is the usually foam insulation.

Overall, panelized roofing offers better insulation, strength, and fire ratings than traditional frame construction. They are easily inspected as they are built in the factory and easily installed once they are on the job site. Roof panels make construction faster and result in a stronger, safer end product.

Get started with free price quotes from your local roofing contractors.

Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote on your roofing project. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your roofing price estimate.