Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Roof for a Steel Building
… And How To Avoid Them
For many building owners, choosing a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB), also known as a steel building system, is one of the smartest business decisions one can make.
Steel buildings are known for their long-term value, strength, and efficiency. They are valued by business and property owners alike for their durability, low maintenance, and flexibility to customize space for storage, commercial use, operations, or future growth. It’s no wonder many would consider purchasing a steel building system a “no-brainer.”
Selecting the right roof, however, requires a bit more thought. A metal roof plays a major role in how your steel building performs over time, affecting its maintenance needs, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability.
For more than 60 years, Pacific Building Systems has designed and manufactured metal roofing and siding systems for projects across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We have worked with retail businesses, municipalities, schools, farms, churches, airports, and more, giving us insight into what works and what can cause issues later.
Many roofing challenges begin with early missteps, and the following examples explain what to watch for and how to avoid them.
Mistake One: Miscalculating the Roof Slope
One of the most common missteps we see is building owners choosing a roof panel before fully understanding the roof’s slope or how steep it will be.
While metal roofing performs well on many building types, not every panel is designed for every slope. Some systems require a minimum pitch to shed water properly and perform as intended. Exposed-fastener panels and standing-seam roofing systems each have specific slope requirements that directly affect drainage and long-term performance.
How to avoid it
Once the correct roof slope is confirmed, the choice of the right panel becomes much clearer. At Pacific Building Systems, we review roof slope early and use that information to recommend systems, such as our standard PBR panel or standing-seam options like the SSQ 275 panel. This approach ensures the roof is designed to perform well from day one.
Mistake Two: Assuming All Metal Roof Panels Perform the Same
Metal roofing is often lumped into the same category, but first-time buyers need to understand that not all metal roof panels are a “one size fits all.” Choosing a roof based only on appearance or upfront cost can lead to higher maintenance needs or a shorter lifespan.
How to avoid it
Our team understands that every steel building system has unique requirements, and we help clients select roofing based on real performance rather than assumptions. We guide first-time buyers to consider how the panel is fastened, climate conditions, building use, and more; all of these factors will influence how a roof performs over time.
Pacific Building Systems manufactures a range of metal roof and siding systems to meet different needs, including:
- PBR Panel, our standard exposed fastener panel, used for architectural, agricultural, commercial, and industrial buildings
- SSQ 275 Standing Seam Panel, commonly specified for low slope and architectural applications where enhanced weather resistance and clean lines are important
- Reversed Rolled PBR Panel, a versatile fastener panel suitable for both roof and wall applications
- Tuff Rib Panel, an economical, lightweight metal panel that installs with exposed fasteners and is commonly used on commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings
Mistake Three: Forgetting to Account for Future Upgrades
The way you use your steel building today may look very different in the future.
Owners may add HVAC equipment, solar panels, vents, or other features that will impact the roof. When these future needs are not considered during design, they can compromise the roof system later.
How to avoid it
Plan ahead, even if upgrades are not immediate. By discussing future possibilities early, Pacific Building Systems can help design a roof system that allows for changes without relying on risky field modifications later.
Mistake Four: Not Accounting for Equipment Loads and Roof Access
A roof often supports more than weather alone. Mechanical equipment, maintenance access, and occasional foot traffic all place demands on the roof and the structure beneath it.
Assuming every metal roof can handle these conditions can lead to costly issues.
How to avoid it
Clearly define how the roof will be used throughout the life of the building. During the engineering phase, Pacific Building Systems evaluates equipment loads, panel strength, and structural support to ensure the roof system supports both current operations and future maintenance needs.
Mistake Five: Treating the Roof as a Standalone Decision
A roof does not operate on its own. Insulation, framing, ventilation, and drainage all affect how it performs. When roofing decisions are made late or without coordination, performance problems are more likely to occur.
How to avoid it
Work with your building manufacturer early in the process. At Pacific Building Systems, the roof is designed as an integral part of the complete steel building system. This coordinated approach improves efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance.
Experience Makes the Difference
Most roofing challenges do not come from the material itself. They come from decisions made without enough information, coordination, or experience.
With more than six decades of manufacturing steel building systems for a wide range of industries, Pacific Building Systems brings practical insight to every project. Our team works closely with building owners and project leaders to avoid common pitfalls and design roofing solutions that support both immediate needs and long-term goals.
If you are planning a steel building and want guidance grounded in real-world experience, we are here to help you move forward with confidence. Contact Pacific Building Systems to start a conversation about your project and request a quote tailored to your needs.
Related Content:
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Steel Building System
A Guide to Understanding Your Metal Roof Options
A Beginner’s Guide to Managing Your Steel Building System From Design to Completion
What Type of Foundation Does My PBS Metal Building Need?
Is Insulation Essential for Your Steel Building? Here’s What You Need to Know
5 Questions to Ask Before Investing in a Metal Building
Components and Materials Necessary for a Pre-Engineered Metal Building
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