Sheeting & Trim Standards

Profiles, gauges, finishes, coverage math, fasteners, flashing/closures, gutters, penetrations, and maintenance — the details that make a building tight and sharp. Confirm your site’s Loads & Codes first to align spans, gauges, and edge zones, or run CodeSmart™ for local criteria.

1) Panel Profiles (What to use where)

PBR (R-Panel)

The workhorse roof/wall panel for PEMBs. Good strength-to-cost, widely available accessories, and predictable performance.

Use on roofs and walls in most regions when detailed correctly — see Cold-Formed vs Rigid Frame for structural context, and verify end/side-lap closure details per manufacturer.

AVP / Architectural Wall

Cleaner appearance for façades and higher-visibility walls. Often used vertically with concealed or minimized fasteners (system-dependent).

Tip: Plan crisp corners and openings by coordinating trim terminations early.

7.2 (Deep Rib)

Higher rib for stiffness and wind resistance; great for long spans or accent walls. Fewer supports may be needed — confirm deflection against chosen framing in Cold-Formed vs Rigid Frame.

Standing Seam (Roof)

Premium roof system with concealed clips allowing thermal movement. Excellent for low-slope roofs and long life when installed to spec.

Follow clip spacing tables and seamer requirements (check with CodeSmart™). Underlayment/ice-barrier are climate-dependent — see moisture basics in Insulation 101.

2) Gauges, Coverage Widths & Lap Logic

Common gauges & coverage

PBR
Gauge: 26 (std), 24 (high-wind) Coverage: ~36″ Use: Roof & Wall
AVP
Gauge: 26 / 24 Coverage: ~36″ Use: Wall
7.2 (Deep Rib)
Gauge: 24 / 22 (loads) Coverage: ~36″ Use: Wall / Accent
Standing Seam
Gauge: 24 / 22 Coverage: ~16–24″ Use: Roof

Numbers vary by manufacturer — confirm spans/loads (frame type comparison at Cold-Formed vs Rigid Frame).

Lap orientation & math

Lay panels so wind blows over, not into, the side-lap; confirm which edge leads. Use coverage width for takeoffs and add waste for cuts/damage — align wall lengths with slab layout so trim lands clean.

3) Finish Systems (Durability & Look)

Galvalume® (bare)

Durable metallic coating for roofs; high reflectivity, low maintenance. Expect a metallic patina; pair with proper underlayment noted in Insulation 101 for condensation control.

SMP / PVDF paint systems

SMP balances cost/performance; PVDF (Kynar®) gives top-tier color retention and chalk resistance.

Use PVDF for dark/saturated colors and coastal UV; match trim coil to panel finish to avoid sheen mismatch.

4) Fasteners, Patterns & Spacing

Type & sealing

Use corrosion-appropriate screws with integral washers compatible with your finish and climate. Stainless or long-life coated fasteners in coastal/industrial zones.

  • Pre-drill when required to keep lines straight and prevent paint cracking.
  • Use stitch screws at side-laps per panel spec; confirm spacing with CodeSmart™.

Typical spacing concepts

LocationConcept SpacingNotes
PBR to purlin/girtEvery rib at supportsEdge zones may require tighter spacing.
Side-laps12"–24" o.c.Per manufacturer and wind zone.
End-lapsAt each rib + sealantUse butyl tape per spec.

Follow stamped drawings and manufacturer manuals for exact counts/spacing — verify loads with CodeSmart™ if uncertain.

5) Flashing, Closures & Weather-Tight Details

Trim checklist

  • Base trim & base closure
  • Jamb & head trims at doors/windows
  • Corner trims (inside/outside)
  • Ridge cap with closures & sealant
  • Eave trim/drip edge, gutters & downspouts

Order extras: a couple spare lengths keep terminations clean — reference manufacturer profiles.

Sealants & tapes

Use butyl tape at end-laps and critical seams; compatible sealants at penetrations and trims. Don’t stretch butyl; compress evenly for a uniform seal (see moisture guidance in Insulation 101).

6) Gutters, Downspouts & Drainage

Sizing & slopes

Size gutters for local rainfall intensity; maintain continuous slope to outlets. Provide adequate downspouts and drain away from slab edges — coordinate with Concrete Foundations 101.

Integration details

Coordinate eave trim, gutter straps, and liner panels. Seal at corners and end-caps. Debris screens help where trees shed leaves/needles.

7) Penetrations & Framed Openings

Plan penetrations early

Route MEP to minimize roof penetrations; where needed, use curb kits and boots rated for your profile/slope. Flash to panel ribs per manual and maintain vapor continuity — details in Insulation 101.

Doors & windows

Frame openings per drawings; use proper jamb/head trims, backer plates if required, and seal at fasteners. Confirm clearances against slab/grade elevations before ordering doors.

8) Standard Colors & Swatches (SIG200 vs SIG300)

Paint systems in plain English

SIG200 (SMP) is cost-balanced; SIG300 (PVDF/Kynar®) offers superior fade/chalk resistance — especially for dark/saturated colors and coastal UV. Consider finish alongside condensation strategy in Insulation 101.

Note: Color names/availability vary by manufacturer. On-screen swatches are approximations — always confirm with physical chips.

Browse swatches

Tip: For dark roofs/walls, prefer SIG300 to minimize long-term fade/chalk; for light/neutral colors inland, SIG200 is often sufficient.

9) Care, Cleaning & Inspection

Routine checklist

  • Clean gutters/downspouts; verify slope and leaks (protect slab edges as in Concrete Foundations).
  • Inspect fasteners for back-out; retighten/replace as needed.
  • Wash panels gently; avoid abrasive brushes and harsh chemicals.

Sealants & touch-ups

Inspect sealants annually at penetrations/trim laps; re-apply compatible products. Use manufacturer-approved touch-up paint sparingly, especially on PVDF finishes.

10) Common Mistakes to Avoid

Usual suspects

  • Wrong lap orientation into prevailing wind.
  • Skipping closures at ridge/eave/corners.
  • Over-driven screws crushing washers or missing purlins.
  • Unsealed end-laps or stretched butyl tape.

Spec drift

Mixing finish systems (SMP trim with PVDF panels) or gauges without re-checking spans/loads can void warranties or cause performance issues — quick-check loads with CodeSmart™.

11) Quick FAQ

Vertical or horizontal wall panels?

Both work. Vertical sheds water and hides laps; horizontal can align with architectural lines. Follow manufacturer guidance for support spacing and trim detailing.

Do I need underlayment on metal roofs?

Many systems require synthetic underlayment and ice-barrier by code/climate. Standing seam with clips often mandates specific underlayment (see framing differences in Cold-Formed vs Rigid Frame).

Disclaimer: Educational guidance only. Verify final loads, details, and energy/moisture requirements with the engineer of record and your local building department.