Exterior Metal Paneling – Ribbed vs Flat

trachte building

Have you ever wondered why we use ribbed sheet metal instead of flat panels on the exterior of our buildings? Overall, it is because of the added strength, improved drainage, and the aesthetic appeal.

The Top 5 Benefits of Ribbed Metal Sheeting

  • Increased strength. We offer the option of Mega-Rib of Multi-Rib exterior sheeting for walls and roofs. 18-gauge mega-rib industrial paneling is more than 25 times stronger than 14-guage flat sheets and more than 35 times stronger than 16-guage flat sheets. 
  • Improved drainage. The ribs create channels that allow water to flow off the surface more easily, which can help prevent water damage or corrosion. 
  • Aesthetic appeal. Ribbed sheet metal offers a more interesting and textured appearance than flat sheet metal, which can be desirable for certain architectural or decorative applications. 
  • Reduced weight. Ribbed sheet metal can be manufactured with less material than a flat sheet of the same size and strength, which can reduce the weight and cost of the finished product. 
  • Increased ventilation. Interior ribbed sheet metal with perforations or slots can be used for ventilation or filtration applications, allowing air or liquid to flow through the surface while still providing some protection. 

Trachte buildings come standard with 18- or 24-gauge exterior metal panels with a baked-on Kynar 500 PVDF finish that are attractive and maintenance free. Our 22-gauge interior liner panel also has a Kynar 500 PVDF finish, offering additional structural strength.

Exterior panels with Kynar 500 PVDF resin-based super coating come with a 30-year and 40-year manufacturer warranty that states the metal sheeting will not crack, check, peel, chalk or change color.