Guide · Building Components
R-Panel or PBR?
Here's the difference.
They look almost identical — both are exposed-fastener steel panels with 36-inch coverage and 1-1/4-inch ribs. The difference is the lap.
The difference
Same panel, different rib
R-Panel
The workhorse exposed-fastener panel — 36-inch coverage, standard lap, in 26, 24, and 22 gauge. Great for walls, fences, and budget roofs.
PBR Panel
Purlin Bearing Rib adds a small bearing leg under the overlapping rib, so panels nest tighter over purlins for a stronger, more weathertight roof lap.
Both, rolled in-house
We roll R-Panel and PBR on our own Arizona lines in galvalume or prepainted, cut to your length.
Which to choose
Roof over purlins → PBR. Walls and budget roofs → R-Panel.
If it's a roof sitting on purlins, PBR's bearing leg gives you the tighter, stronger lap. For walls, fences, or a tight budget, R-Panel does the job. Tell us the application and we'll spec the gauge and finish.
Still not sure?
Tell us the job — we'll spec it
Send us what you're building and we'll match the right product and get you a quote within one business day.