When you’re considering purchasing metal panels for roofing, siding, fencing, accent, or interior projects, you will hear the term “gauge” used quite frequently. Gauge refers to the standard measure of thickness of steel and steel panels. A lot of factors determine which thickness you need. Here’s everything you need to know about gauge when it comes to metal panels.
What Are Gauge Numbers?
As gauge numbers increase, thickness decreases. The numbers actually represent weight — a concept that began way back during the industrial revolution. Basically, workers who produced wire needed to be able to quantify it, and using a spool’s weight was the easiest way to do so. They would then measure the diameter (so thickness could be specified), and the concept of gauge was born. Sheet metal also gets rolled, therefore using “gauge” as the way to measure it made sense.
Bridger Steel offers panels in a variety of different gauges to meet the needs of any project in virtually any environment. From our thickest 20 gauge Galvanized to thinnest 29 gauge panels, there is a thickness to fit your plans so you never have to sacrifice strength for style. Our different panel profiles have different gauge availability, so you should talk to your Product Specialist about the specific product you have in mind to ensure you can choose the desired profile, gauge, and color/finish to fit your needs.
What Panels Are Available in Each Gauge?
We offer a variety of gauges for all our steel panel profiles. Here is a list of all our panel profiles we offer along with their respective available gauges:
Standing Seam
- 3” Trapezoidal Panel — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request) and 24 Ga.
- 2” Mechanical Lock — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request) and 24 Ga.
- Mechanical Lock — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request) and 24 Ga.
- 2” Snap Seam — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request) and 24 Ga.
- 1.75” Tru Snap — Available in 22 Ga. and 24 Ga.
- Tru Snap — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request) and 24 Ga.
- Nail Strip — Available in 24 Ga.
Corrugated
- ⅞” Corrugated — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request), 24 Ga., and 20 Ga. Galvanized finish only
- ¾” Corrugated — Available in 26 Ga. and 29 Ga.
- ½” Corrugated — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request) and 24 Ga.
- ¼ Corrugated — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request) and 24 Ga.
Batten
- Ultra Batten — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request) and 24 Ga.
- Snap Batten — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request), 24 Ga., and 26 Ga.
Box Rib
- 7.2 Structural Box Rib — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request), 24 Ga., and 20 Ga. Galvanized finish only
- 7.2 Fencing Panel — Available in 22 Ga. (upon request), 24 Ga., and 20 Ga. Galvanized finish only
- Valley Box Rib — Available in 24 Ga. and 26 Ga.
Flat
- Shiplap Wall — Available in 22 Ga. and 24 Ga.
- V Groove Wall — Available in 22 Ga., 24 Ga., 26 Ga., and 29 Ga.
All Purpose
- 3’ Tuff Rib — Available in 26 Ga. and 29 Ga.
- 3’ Delta Rib — Available in 26 Ga. and 29 Ga.
- Platte River — Available in 26 Ga. and 29 Ga.
- Purlin Bearing Rib — Available in 24 Ga. and 26 Ga.
Soffit
- V Soffit — Available in 22 Ga., 26 Ga., and 29 Ga.
- Flush Soffit — Available in 22 Ga. and 24 Ga.
Before deciding on which gauge you want, you should always talk to a Bridger Steel Product Specialist. Our team can help you analyze your environment and metal panel application to ensure you’re choosing the right thickness to withstand your environment and other types of stresses that your panels may undergo.
For example, if you live in an area that’s prone to hail, you may want to opt for a thicker gauge. Or if you’re installing your metal inside a building as a wainscoting, you may want to consider choosing a thinner gauge as the panels won’t be exposed to such harsh conditions.
Your specific project, environment, and desired color or finish all factor into your panel’s gauge selection. Contact a team member to get started today, or if you have any questions about gauge.