WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF PBR PANELS ON METAL BUILDINGS?
What is a PBR Panel? PBR stands for “Purlin Bearing Rib” panels.
On a prefabricated metal building, steel components called “purlins” attach across the rafters.
The PBR panels fasten to the purlins to create the roof of the structure.
PBR panels connect to the steel “girts” that run across the steel columns.
Steel panels create the “skin” or exterior of most brand steel buildings.
Panels cover both the roof and the walls of basic pre-engineered steel buildings.
PBR panels are formed with deep trapezoid-shaped “ribs.” Smaller ribs fashioned between the deeper ribs provide added strength without adding weight to the panels.
- PBR steel panels are very economical. The ribs increase visual appeal.
- High-quality rust-resistant screws with weather-resistant washers connect PBR steel panels.
- PBR panels contain two layers of protective coating;
- The first layer is corrosive-resistant Galvalume®.
- The second layer is a baked-on color, available in a rainbow of vibrant colors, with a 30-warranty.
Two basic types of steel panels dominate the metal building market today:
- PBR-panels
- R-panels
What Makes PBR Steel Panels the Better Choice?
- PBR panels are 26-gauge steel, while R-panels are formed with thinner 29-gauge steel.
- The 1-1/4” rib height of a ribbed steel siding greatly increases strength over the shallow 5/8”-deep rib of an R-panel.
- PBR steel panels overlap more between panels than R-panels. Greater overlap equals a stronger joining; shorter overlap produces a much weaker connection.
- A person walking on the roof will not crush the stronger PBR Weaker R-panels may crimp or buckle under a worker’s weight.
- The deeper metal-to-metal contact of PBR panels increases waterproofing. The weaker connection of R-panels increases leak chances.
Energy-saving cool-coated panels, covered with a special light-reflective coating, save on utilities in warmer climates.
Coastal areas, where salt spray permeates the air, require panels coated with a special Kynar® corrosive-resistant coating.