Guide · Building Components
26, 24, or 22 gauge?
Lower number, thicker steel.
Gauge is steel thickness — and a lower gauge number means thicker, stronger steel, not thinner.
The difference
Three gauges, three jobs
26 gauge
The standard — homes, ag buildings, light commercial. The most economical and the most common roofing gauge.
24 gauge
Thicker and stronger — commercial roofs, high-wind areas, longer purlin spans, and the standard for standing seam.
22 gauge
The heaviest exposed-fastener gauge — heavy commercial and industrial roofs.
Which to choose
Homes and barns → 26 ga.
Commercial or standing seam → 24 ga.
Most residential and ag roofs run 26 ga. Step up to 24 ga for commercial, high-wind, or standing seam, and 22 ga for heavy industrial. We stock and roll all three.
Still not sure?
Tell us the job — we'll spec it
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