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Metal roofing

What Is a 5V Crimp Metal Roof? A Florida Homeowner's Guide

A 5V crimp metal roof is made of 24-inch steel panels with raised V-shaped ribs spaced 12 inches apart. Installers screw each panel down through the flat part, so the screws show. It costs less than standing seam, needs a 3:12 slope or sealant, and needs its screws checked as it ages.

By Josh Hildebrand, owner of Coastline Roofing · Florida license CCC1331076 ·

5V crimp is the classic ribbed metal roof. This page explains how it works, what to watch in Florida, and how it differs from the hidden-fastener style.

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The basics

What is a 5V crimp metal roof?

It is a corrugated steel roof with a raised V-shaped rib every 12 inches, screwed down through the flat part of each panel.

A 5V crimp panel is 24 inches wide. Along each panel, a pair of raised ribs forms a "V" shape, and the ribs sit 12 inches apart. McElroy and Metal Sales both list a half-inch rib height. The Metal Alliance approval we cite below lists a rib height of about three-eighths of an inch, so rib height varies by maker.

The panels are "exposed fastener" panels. That means installers drive screws through the flat part of the panel into the deck, and the screw heads stay visible. Each screw has a rubber-type washer under the head that seals the hole. This is the main difference from standing seam, where clips hide the fasteners.

5V crimp is a simple panel with few parts. It usually costs less than standing seam, and the exact numbers live on our metal roof cost guide. Coastline installs 5V crimp as well as 24-gauge standing seam. See our metal roofing page for the overview.

Weighing 5V crimp for your roof?

Coastline installs 5V crimp and 24-gauge standing seam. An inspection with a written photo report shows your deck, slope and distance to salt water. Coastline Roofing works all over Florida (license CCC1331076).

Call (941) 896-7793 or text your town and a photo.

How it goes on

How is a 5V crimp roof installed?

Panels are screwed through the flats into a solid deck, with fasteners placed to match the wind load for the home.

The roof starts with a solid deck. Metal Sales lists a minimum of plywood with 30-pound felt underlayment under its panels. The Florida Building Code says metal roof panels go on a solid or closely fitted deck unless the panel is designed for spaced supports.

Then the panels go on from one edge to the other, overlapping at the ribs. Here is how the data sheets lay it out:

Typical 5V crimp specs from two manufacturers
SpecMetal Sales (2024 data sheet)McElroy Metal
Panel coverage24 inches24 inches
Rib height1/2 inch1/2 inch, major rib every 12 inches
Steel gauge26 standard, 29 and 24 optional26-gauge Galvalume, or 29-gauge galvanized (unpainted only)
Minimum slope3:123:12
DeckPlywood with at least 30-pound felt underlaymentSolid deck
Fire and impact listingsUL 790 Class A, UL 2218 Class 4UL 263 Class A, UL 2218 Class 4
Florida approvals listedFL14645.2 and FL14645.3, Miami-Dade NOAFlorida Product Approval and Miami-Dade

  1. Prepare the deck

    Repair soft or damaged plywood. Lay underlayment as the product and code require.

  2. Set the first panel square

    A crooked first panel carries through the whole roof.

  3. Fasten through the flats

    Metal Sales lists a #10-14 wood screw for wood decks. Fasteners should reach at least a half inch past the inside face of the support.

  4. Overlap and seal the laps

    Metal Sales says the minimum slope allowed by the building code is 3:12 with no sidelap sealant, and as low as 1/2:12 with sidelap sealant.

  5. Add trim and flashing

    Ridge, eaves, walls and penetrations get formed metal trim and sealant.

Wind. Fastener spacing is what holds a 5V roof on. One Florida Product Approval for a 26-gauge 5V panel over plywood uses a #10 by 1.5-inch screw with a sealing washer. At 16 inches apart along the rib, it lists an allowable uplift of 117.75 pounds per square foot. At 8 inches apart it lists 206 pounds per square foot, with a safety factor of 2 applied. That is one product's numbers, not a rule for every roof. The point is simple: screws spaced closer hold more.

Overdriving. Metal Sales warns that overdriven fasteners distort the panel. Gibraltar adds that an over-tightened screw can crack or spin the washer, and that an under-tightened one leaves the seal unseated. Both leave a path for water.

Pros and limits

What are the pros and limits of a 5V crimp roof in Florida?

It is a proven, plain panel. Here is what it does well and where it needs attention.

Simple and lower cost

Fewer parts and no seaming machine make it easier to install than standing seam. That is why it usually costs less. See the cost guide for Josh's ranges.

Fire and impact listings

Metal Sales and McElroy list 5V panels as Class A fire rated and UL 2218 Class 4 impact rated. Check the exact product and deck, because the listing depends on both.

Washers wear out

Gibraltar calls faulty washers and screws the largest cause of metal roof leaks. It says the rubber breaks down in sun and heat. Plan to inspect the screws as the roof ages.

Panels cannot move freely

Because screws pin the panel to the deck, Metal Construction News says the panel cannot move with heat changes, so fastener holes can wear open over time.

Needs a solid deck and slope

5V needs a solid deck and a 3:12 slope, or sealant on the side laps to go lower. It suits many pitched homes, but not flat porch roofs.

Salt air limits the warranty

Steel panels often carry warranties that stop within 1,500 feet of salt water. See the next section before you choose a coating.

Salt air and coatings

Is a 5V crimp roof good near salt water?

It can be, but only if the coating, the fasteners and the warranty match how close the home is to the water.

Most 5V panels are steel with an aluminum-zinc coating (Galvalume) or a zinc coating (galvanized). Metal Sales lists the coating weights: AZ55 for unpainted Galvalume, AZ50 for painted Galvalume and G90 for galvanized. The Florida Building Code table quoted by DBPR sets the minimum for aluminum-zinc steel at AZ50 and for galvanized at G-90.

Salt is the problem. Sheffield Metals says steel and Galvalume are usually not warranted within specified distances from a coast. Its typical Galvalume exclusions are 1,500 feet from a coast with breaking surf, 800 feet from a large bay and 400 feet from a marsh. McElroy's PVDF paint warranty on Galvalume is void within 1,500 feet of salt water, and it also excludes rust that forms on panel edges.

Exposed fasteners need a plan too. Florida Roof magazine quotes experts who say to use stainless steel fasteners near the coast. Ask what screws the roofer uses, and what they are made of.

Two of our guides go deeper: Galvalume vs galvanized and aluminum vs steel. If rust is already showing, read is my metal roof rusting. If screws are leaking, read metal roof screws leaking.

Measure first

Before you pick a coating, measure the distance from your home to the nearest salt water, bay or marsh. Then read the warranty line that names that distance. If the warranty excludes your address, ask what the roofer would use instead.

Who and when

When does a 5V crimp roof make sense, and who installs it?

It makes sense on a pitched roof with a sound deck when you want metal at a lower price than standing seam.

When. 5V fits when a roof is at the end of its life, the slope is 3:12 or steeper, and the budget points to metal. It also fits an older home where the ribbed look matches the neighborhood. If your roof is leaking right now, read what to do until the roofer arrives.

Over shingles. One Florida Product Approval for 5V says the panel may go over a single layer of existing shingles where local code and the existing roof allow it. Our roof over shingles guide covers the code, and Josh can tell you what your deck needs after an inspection.

Who. Coastline installs 5V crimp and 24-gauge standing seam. He reviews every job through photo reports, and the crew follows a checklist. You see what was done in photos. Check any roofer's license first: how to verify a Florida roofing license.

Where to go next. Compare styles in standing seam vs 5V crimp, or see how the work is done in the metal roof installation process.

Reviews

What homeowners say about working with Coastline

★★★★★
"From beginning to end the roof was done in 2 days. One night the crew stayed until 8:00. Each evening before leaving the crew ensured the yard was cleaned. We are so happy, and our roof is beautiful!"
Sharon T.Roof replacement
★★★★★
"Russell was great to work with. He was prompt in coming out to assess our roof and very knowledgeable. ... The job was complete in 2 days once work began."
Bryan S.Roof replacement
★★★★★
"Josh was especially amazing. He was professional, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly so I felt comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. You can tell he genuinely cares about his customers and takes pride in his work."
Madison T.Roofing customer
Keep reading

Related guides

Metal Roofing

5V crimp and standing seam from Coastline.

See our metal roofing →

Metal Roof Cost in Florida

What moves the price of 5V and standing seam.

Read the cost guide →

Standing Seam vs 5V Crimp

The two styles side by side.

Compare the two →

Also see metal roof warranty near salt water and 24 gauge vs 26 gauge.

FAQ

More questions

What does 5V mean on a metal roof?

The name comes from the shape. Each panel has raised ribs that form a V, and 5V crimp panels have a rib every 12 inches across a 24-inch panel. Makers list a rib height of about half an inch, and the exact profile varies by manufacturer, so compare data sheets.

Does a 5V crimp roof leak at the screws?

It can. Gibraltar calls failed washers and badly set screws the largest cause of metal roof leaks. Heat and sun break the rubber down, and overdriven or crooked screws do not seal. Inspections that look at every screw head catch it early. See our page on metal roof screws leaking.

What is the minimum slope for 5V crimp?

Metal Sales and McElroy both list 3:12, meaning 3 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run. Metal Sales says building code allows a slope as low as 1/2:12 when sealant is used on the panel side laps. Your roofer and building department confirm what applies.

Can 5V crimp go over shingles?

One Florida Product Approval for a 26-gauge 5V panel allows a single layer of existing shingles where local code allows. Josh can tell you what your deck needs after an inspection, since the tear-off decision depends on what is under the shingles.

Is 5V crimp the same gauge as standing seam?

Not always. Metal Sales lists 26-gauge as standard for 5V, with 29 and 24 optional. Coastline installs 24-gauge standing seam. A lower gauge number means thicker steel. Ask any roofer for the gauge, the coating and the approval number in writing.

Sources

  1. Metal Sales: 5V-Crimp Condensed Technical Reference (2024)
  2. McElroy Metal: 5V exposed fastener panel
  3. Florida Building Commission: Product Approval FL31652.01 R4, Metal Alliance 26-gauge 5V Crimp (Dec 2023)
  4. Gibraltar Building Products: Common issues with exposed metal roofing fasteners
  5. Metal Construction News: standing seam vs exposed-fastener thermal movement
  6. Sheffield Metals: Metal roof warranty types
  7. McElroy Metal: Fluropon Kynar 500 PVDF with Galvalume substrates warranty
  8. Florida Roof Magazine: Metal Roofing by the Sea (October 2021)
  9. Florida DBPR: Staff analysis for Declaratory Statement DS2014-002, quoting 2010 FBC Chapter 15 metal roof sections

Want a straight answer on 5V crimp for your home?

Josh will check your deck, slope and distance to salt water and send you a written photo report you can compare to any other quote.

Call (941) 896-7793 Text (941) 345-0072
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