Choosing a metal roof is more than picking a color or finish — selecting the right panel profile affects aesthetics, performance, installation complexity, and longevity. For Florida homeowners, contractors, and architects, understanding the differences between metal roofing panel types is essential.
At Sunshine Metal Supply, we offer a variety of profiles to suit diverse needs, whether it’s coastal homes, commercial buildings, agricultural structures, or modern residential designs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our panel profiles and how to pick what fits your project best.
What Is a Panel Profile & Why It Matters
A panel profile refers to the shape, rib design, exposure width, fastener location (exposed or concealed), and how panels interlock or overlap. A few key reasons it matters:
- Water performance & leak resistance
- Wind uplift resistance, especially in hurricane zones
- Ease of installation & required labor
- Visual style/curb appeal
- Material costs and waste
A profile that doesn’t match the job can lead to early failures, leaks, or unsatisfactory aesthetics. That’s why Sunshine Metal Supply offers multiple profile options tailored for Florida climates and conditions.
Popular Metal Roofing Panel Profiles at Sunshine
Here are some of the standout metal panel types you’ll find in our catalog, along with where and why they’re commonly used:
SUNLOC (Hidden Fastener/Standing Seam)
SUNLOC is our hidden-fastener (standing seam style) profile. Because the fasteners are concealed, this profile offers a clean, sleek appearance with minimal risk of water intrusion through fastener holes.
Strengths:
Modern, clean lines — great for high-end residential or architectural projects
Fewer exposed penetrations = lower risk of leaks
Good for climates prone to heavy rainfall and storms
Considerations:
- Typically more expensive in labor and parts
- Requires precise installation and experienced crews
- For homeowners wanting a premium look and strong performance, SUNLOC is often the go-to.
5V Crimp (Exposed Fastener)
One of the most traditional and recognizable metal roof profiles is 5V Crimp. It’s an exposed fastener panel, meaning screws are visible, but it’s tried-and-true, especially in coastal and rural settings.
Strengths:
- More economical in material and labor
- Easier to install and repair
- Classic, coastal look that many homeowners expect
- Available in many colors and coatings
Considerations:
- Exposed fasteners mean more maintenance over time
- Each fastener location is a potential weak point
- Coatings and gaskets must be high quality to resist corrosion in Florida
For many Florida homes, especially older or more traditional designs, 5V Crimp remains a popular and reliable choice.
SUN-PBR/PBR Panels (Exposed Fastener)
SUN-PBR is offered by Sunshine Metal Supply as a robust option for commercial and agricultural structures. It’s an exposed fastener panel with large coverage width and ribbed design that handles open framing.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective for large roof spans
- Efficient in material usage
- Good structural strength, especially over open framing
Considerations:
- Needs careful detailing at seams and overlaps to prevent leaks
- Exposed fasteners, so similar maintenance challenges to other through-fastened panels
- PBR panels are often favored for metal warehouses, barns, and commercial roofing where cost and installation speed are important.
SUNRIB/Ribbed Exposed Panels
Another profile in Sunshine’s lineup is SUNRIB — an exposed fastener, ribbed panel often used for both roofs and walls.
Advantages:
- Durable and versatile
- Cost-effective option
- Good wind performance
- Aesthetic versatility
Considerations:
- Visible fasteners
- More frequent maintenance
- Less sleek appearance
Ribbed panels like SUNRIB combine moderate aesthetics with structural strength, making them useful in transitional zones between pure residential and industrial use.
How to Choose the Right Panel Profile
Picking the right profile depends on several project-specific factors. Here are key considerations:
- Aesthetics & Architectural Style. For sleek, modern homes or commercial facades, hidden-fastener profiles like SUNLOC often win. For traditional, coastal, or farm-style structures, exposed fastener options like 5V Crimp or PBR deliver classic looks.
- Budget & Labor Costs. Hidden-fastener systems generally cost more in labor and parts. If your budget is tighter, exposed fastener profiles may offer a better balance.
- Maintenance Expectations. Hidden fastener profiles reduce leak points, but even they require periodic inspections. Exposed fasteners increase maintenance needs, as gaskets and screws may wear over time.
- Weather & Climate Conditions. In Florida’s coastal, high-humidity environment, profiles designed to resist water intrusion, uplift, and corrosion (combined with strong coatings) are critical.
- Structural & Span Requirements. Some profiles are better for longer spans or open framing. PBR, ribbed panels, and certain standing seam systems can manage different structural challenges.
- Building Code & Approval Requirements. Panels often must meet Florida Building Code, Miami-Dade hurricane standards, and local permitting guidelines. Make sure your chosen profile is approved for your region.
Performance Under Florida Conditions
Because Sunshine Metal Supply focuses on Florida jobs, our selected profiles are tested for:
- Wind uplift & uplift resistance
- Corrosion resistance in salt-laden air
- Thermal expansion and contraction
- Long-term finish durability
When you choose a trusted profile from Sunshine, you’re getting a system equipped to handle Florida’s unique climate demands.
Installation Tips & Challenges
Even the best profile fails with poor installation. Keep these best practices in mind:
- Use proper flashing, trim, and transitions.
- Align panels squarely to avoid drift or misalignment.
- Secure fasteners properly—avoid over- or under-tightening.
- Ensure expansion/contraction gaps are accounted for.
- Seal edges, ridges, eaves, and penetrations properly.
- Work with experienced roofing crews familiar with each profile.
Typical Use Cases (When to Choose Each Profile)
- SUNLOC (Hidden Fastener): Premium homes, architectural projects, coastal and luxury builds
- 5V Crimp: Traditional beachfront homes, cottages, accessory buildings
- SUN-PBR: Commercial, agricultural, warehouses, low-slope large roofs
- SUNRIB / Ribbed: Mixed-use buildings, facades, economical roof + wall combinations
Maintenance & Longevity
Regardless of profile, longevity depends on materials, coatings, and care. Here are tips:
- Inspect annually, especially in Florida’s rainy season
- Clean off debris, leaves, or salt buildup
- Check fasteners (for exposed systems)
- Touch up scratched paint or coatings
- Repair loose trim or flashing promptly
When properly cared for, many metal roofs last 40–70 years.
Why Contractors Trust Sunshine’s Panel Profiles
Contractors working in Florida choose Sunshine for several reasons:
- Wide selection of profiles fitting diverse projects
- Quality control and consistent panel tolerances
- Fast turnaround and local inventory
- Expert support in matching profile to project needs
- Florida Product Approvals (FPA)
Sunshine’s knowledge of Florida’s climate gives contractors confidence their panels will perform long term.
Next Steps: How to Decide for Your Project
- Assess your building style and desired look
- Review projected loads and structural conditions
- Compare cost vs long-term value for each profile
- Consult with your Sunshine sales rep for recommendations
If you’re unsure, Sunshine’s team is ready to walk through your project, help you understand trade-offs, and guide to the optimal profile.
Understanding metal roofing panel profiles is crucial to making the right decision — one that blends aesthetics, performance, and budget. At Sunshine Metal Supply, our goal is to offer you profiles engineered for Florida’s climate and backed by support and expertise.
Whether you choose SUNLOC, 5V Crimp, SUN-PBR, or SUNRIB, our panels are designed for durability, weather resistance, and visual excellence. Choose wisely, install the right way, and maintain your roof well — and it will protect and beautify your property for decades.
Questions? Contact Sunshine Metal Supply today!
