By The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
A corrugated tin roof is a corrugated metal roof: wavy or ribbed metal sheets fastened directly to the deck or purlins with exposed screws. Despite the name, almost none of these panels are tin. Modern corrugated tin roofs are galvanized steel or Galvalume coated steel, sometimes aluminum, roll formed into repeating ridges that stiffen a thin sheet weighing 0.70 to 1.17 lb per square foot in 29 to 24 gauge.
The word “tin” comes from tin-plate iron. The National Park Service’s Preservation Brief 4 records that the method for corrugating iron was patented in England in 1829, galvanizing with zinc was developed in France in 1837, and tin-plate iron, “commonly called tin roofing,” became the most common American roofing material once domestic rolling mills opened. The name stuck to the silvery, ridged look after the metal changed. For the full technical spec sheet, see our corrugated metal roofing buyer’s guide.
Is a corrugated tin roof actually made of tin?
No. A corrugated tin roof is almost never tin today. The panels sold as “tin” at Home Depot, Lowe’s and farm supply stores are galvanized steel (zinc coated to ASTM A653) or Galvalume (55% aluminum-zinc alloy coated to ASTM A792), and occasionally aluminum. Historic tin plate was iron dipped in tin, and terne plate was iron dipped in a lead and tin alloy; NPS notes that records often confuse the two.
The real material sets the price, the lifespan and the maintenance. The model code minimum coatings, in International Building Code section 1507.4, are G-90 for galvanized steel and AZ 50 for 55% aluminum-zinc coated steel, with G60 allowed on Group U utility buildings such as sheds and barns. The table maps the folk terms buyers use against what they are actually buying.
| What people call it | What it usually is | Core + coating | Standard and code minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tin roof / corrugated tin | Galvanized or Galvalume steel | Steel core, zinc or aluminum-zinc coating | ASTM A653 or A792 |
| Barn tin / ag panel | Corrugated or ribbed steel | Steel core, painted or bare Galvalume | G60 minimum on Group U buildings (IBC 1507.4.3) |
| Galvanized roofing | Zinc-coated corrugated steel | Steel core, zinc coating | ASTM A653, G-90 |
| Galvalume / Zincalume | Aluminum-zinc coated steel | Steel core, 55% aluminum-zinc alloy coating | ASTM A792, AZ 50 |
| Aluminum roofing | Corrugated aluminum sheet | Solid aluminum, no separate coating needed | ASTM B209 |
For a deeper look at coatings, our Galvalume vs galvanized comparison explains why the coating (ASTM A653 zinc or ASTM A792 aluminum-zinc), not the word “tin,” decides how long a panel survives.
What do corrugated tin panels look like, and what sizes come standard?
Classic corrugated tin panels have a rounded, repeating wave. Metal Sales’ corrugated panel sheet lists a 2.5 inch corrugated roof panel with ribs 2-2/3 inches on center, 1/2 inch deep and 21-1/3 inches of coverage, plus a shallower 1.25 inch profile with 1/4 inch ribs and 24 inches of coverage. Deeper 7/8 inch corrugated profiles are also sold, and ribbed profiles like R-panel and PBR use squared trapezoidal ribs instead of the round wave.
Thickness is quoted in gauge, where a lower number is thicker metal. Metal Sales stocks corrugated in 29 and 26 gauge, with 24 gauge optional, and HomeGuide notes that residential roofs use 22, 24 or 26 gauge while unpainted 29 gauge is meant for outbuildings and barns. Panel details and coverage widths are broken down in our corrugated roof panels reference.
| Spec (2.5 in corrugated roof panel) | 29 gauge | 26 gauge | 24 gauge | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight, lb per sq ft | 0.70 | 0.90 | 1.17 | Metal Sales |
| Steel yield strength | 80 ksi | 50 ksi | 50 ksi | Metal Sales |
| Allowable inward load at 2 ft spacing | 118 psf | 153 psf | 200 psf | Metal Sales load table |
| Allowable inward load at 3 ft spacing | 35 psf | 45 psf | 59 psf | Metal Sales load table |
| Panel material cost per sq ft | $1.00 to $1.50 | $1.00 to $2.50 | $2.00 to $3.50 | HomeGuide |
| Ratings | UL 2218 Class 4 impact; UL 790 Class A fire per building code; ICC-ES ESR-2385 | Metal Sales | ||
Where does a corrugated tin roof make the most sense?
A corrugated tin roof fits buildings that need a light, low-cost metal cover at 3:12 pitch or steeper, which is the minimum slope on Metal Sales’ corrugated sheet and the code minimum for lapped panels without lap sealant. At 0.70 lb per square foot for 29 gauge, the panel weighs a fraction of most roofing, which is why it spans open purlins on farm buildings.
- Barns and pole barns: the traditional home of corrugated steel, spanning purlins without solid decking; 29 gauge 2.5 inch corrugated carries 118 psf at 2 ft spacing in Metal Sales’ load table. See our barn roofing guide for panel and framing specifics.
- Sheds and workshops: HomeGuide prices 29 gauge panels at $1.00 to $1.50 per sq ft, the cheapest metal option, and the code allows G60 coating on these Group U buildings.
- Farmhouse and rustic homes: chosen for the agricultural look, typically in 26 or 24 gauge with a painted finish.
- Porches, awnings, and accents: a small run of corrugated panel adds a heritage detail without recovering the whole house.
- Interior accents: the same panels are used on ceilings, backsplashes, and feature walls where the look, not the weatherproofing, is the point.
Corrugated tin is a weaker fit on houses where no exposed screws are wanted or where the pitch is under 3:12. There, standing seam fits better, and HomeGuide prices it at $9 to $16 per square foot installed.
Which corrugated tin roof should you buy?
| If your project is | Choose | Threshold and source |
|---|---|---|
| A shed, barn or other Group U building on open purlins | 29 gauge galvanized or Galvalume | G60 minimum coating allowed on Group U (IBC 1507.4.3); 29 ga at $1.00 to $1.50/sq ft (HomeGuide) |
| A purlin layout wider than 2 ft on center | 26 or 24 gauge, or tighter purlins | 29 ga 2.5 in corrugated drops to 35 psf allowable at 3 ft vs 118 psf at 2 ft (Metal Sales) |
| A house roof | 26 or 24 gauge with a painted finish over solid deck | Residential uses 22 to 26 ga; 29 ga not recommended for homes (HomeGuide); min. 30# felt over solid substrate (Metal Sales) |
| A roof pitch below 3:12 | Lap sealant at every side and end lap, or a different panel | 3:12 minimum without lap sealant, 1/2:12 with it (IBC 1507.4.2); Metal Sales corrugated min. 3:12 |
| A coastal or salt-spray site | Corrugated aluminum | Aluminum is naturally immune to rust (HomeGuide); $7 to $13/sq ft installed |
| A hail region | A panel with a UL 2218 Class 4 listing | Metal Sales lists Class 4 for its 1.25 in and 2.5 in corrugated panels |
How much does a corrugated tin roof cost?
A corrugated tin roof costs $5 to $12 per square foot installed, or $6,000 to $22,000 for an average roof, per HomeGuide’s corrugated metal roof cost guide. That is $500 to $1,200 per roofing square (100 square feet). Panels alone run $1 to $5 per square foot and labor $4 to $7, and HomeGuide puts a full replacement including tear-off at $6 to $15 per square foot.
| Corrugated metal | Material per sq ft | Installed per sq ft | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized steel (CGI) | $1 to $5 | $5 to $12 | HomeGuide |
| Galvalume | $1 to $3 | $5 to $10 | HomeGuide |
| Aluminum | $3 to $6 | $7 to $13 | HomeGuide |
| Actual tin | $3 to $11 | $6 to $18 | HomeGuide |
| Zinc | $5 to $10 | $10 to $20 | HomeGuide |
| Copper | $9 to $20 | $13 to $30 | HomeGuide |
Gauge and finish move the material line most: HomeGuide lists 29 gauge SMP or unfinished panels at $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot and 22 gauge PVDF (Kynar 500) panels at $3.50 to $5.00. Tear-off adds $1 to $3 per square foot and new plywood decking $2 to $5. For a full breakdown by house size and material, see our tin roof installation cost guide.
How long does a corrugated tin roof last?
HomeGuide puts corrugated roofing at 30 to 45 years on average, and up to 50 to 70 years for thicker galvanized metal with a heavy zinc coating. Coating weight is the main lever: G-90 galvanized carries more zinc than G60, which is why the building code reserves G60 for utility buildings. Painted panels with a PVDF (Kynar 500) finish carry longer color warranties than SMP, per HomeGuide, and coastal salt air and standing water shorten service life on any steel panel.
The most common failure point is not the field of the panel but the cut edges, fastener holes and washers. Exposed screws seal with a rubber washer that ages faster than the coated steel, so check for backed-out or cracked washers at each inspection and re-tighten or replace them before leaks start. HomeGuide prices minor metal roof leak and flashing repairs at $150 to $400. Independent field-life data across metal and other roofing is compiled in our 2026 roofing material lifespan report.
What are the real pros and cons of a corrugated tin roof?
The appeal of a corrugated tin roof is low cost ($5 to $12 per square foot installed), light weight (0.70 to 1.17 lb per square foot) and a Class A fire rating on a listed assembly. The drawbacks are rain noise over open framing, denting on 29 gauge and the upkeep of hundreds of exposed fasteners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low material and install cost: $1 to $5 per sq ft for panels (HomeGuide) | Rain noise without solid deck and underlayment |
| Light enough to span purlins with no solid deck | Thin 29 gauge dents from hail and foot traffic |
| UL 790 Class A fire rating on listed assemblies (Metal Sales) | Exposed screws and washers need periodic checks |
| 30 to 45 year average life (HomeGuide) | Cut edges and scratches can rust if left unsealed |
| Fully recyclable at end of life | Rustic look reads as too industrial for some homes |
Rust at field cuts is the issue most often underestimated. Galvalume’s coating is 55% aluminum (ASTM A792), so it gives less sacrificial zinc protection at a fresh cut edge than galvanized does. Seal cut ends and touch up scratches with the panel maker’s paint, especially in humid or coastal areas.
How is a corrugated tin roof installed?
A corrugated tin roof is installed by fastening panels through their face into the deck or purlins with gasketed screws, overlapping each panel at the side laps, on a pitch of at least 3:12 unless the laps are sealed. It is an exposed-fastener system, which makes it fast and DIY-friendly but puts hundreds of sealed holes in the roof that depend on correct screw placement and torque.
- Confirm the pitch is at least 3:12; below that, the code requires applied lap sealant and Metal Sales’ corrugated panel is not rated.
- Over solid sheathing, lay a minimum 30 lb felt underlayment, per Metal Sales; on an open-frame barn, check purlin spacing against the panel’s load table.
- Set the first panel square to the eave, with the overhang shown in the panel maker’s eave detail.
- Drive #10-14 wood screws (the size Metal Sales specifies for wood) with sealing washers, snug enough to compress the washer without crushing it.
- Lap the next panel per the maker’s side-lap detail (ribs on the 2.5 inch profile sit 2-2/3 inches on center) and seal the lap where the pitch is under 3:12, then finish with ridge cap, closure strips and trim at hips, valleys and gable ends.
Screw placement (rib versus flat) and spacing decide whether the roof stays watertight, so follow the panel maker’s fastening schedule rather than eyeballing it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a corrugated tin roof actually tin?
No. Corrugated tin is a folk name from tin-plate iron, which NPS Preservation Brief 4 describes as once the most common American roofing material. Modern panels sold as tin are galvanized steel (ASTM A653), Galvalume coated steel (ASTM A792) or aluminum, so the word describes the wavy silvery look, not the metal.
How much does a corrugated tin roof cost?
HomeGuide puts corrugated metal roofing at $5 to $12 per square foot installed, or $6,000 to $22,000 on average. Panels alone run $1 to $5 per square foot, from $1.00 to $1.50 for 29 gauge up to $3.50 to $5.00 for 22 gauge PVDF-painted panels. Tear-off adds $1 to $3 per square foot.
How long does a corrugated tin roof last?
HomeGuide puts corrugated roofing at 30 to 45 years on average, and 50 to 70 years for thicker galvanized metal with a heavy zinc coating. The exposed screws and rubber washers age faster than the panels, so they need checking and replacement before the panels reach end of life.
Is a corrugated tin roof noisy in the rain?
It can be, but noise depends on what sits under the panels. Corrugated tin over solid decking with underlayment, which Metal Sales specifies as at least 30 lb felt, is muffled by the deck. Corrugated tin over open purlins, common on barns and sheds, is noticeably louder because there is no mass or insulation to dampen the drumming.
Can you put a corrugated tin roof on a house?
Yes, on a pitch of 3:12 or steeper. HomeGuide notes that homes use 22, 24 or 26 gauge panels with a coated finish and that unpainted 29 gauge is meant for outbuildings. Where no exposed screws are wanted, standing seam runs $9 to $16 per square foot installed.
Do corrugated tin roofs rust?
The coated face resists rust for decades, but cut edges, scratches and fastener holes can rust if left unsealed, especially in coastal or humid climates. Galvalume’s coating is 55% aluminum, so it protects cut edges less than zinc-rich galvanized. Aluminum panels do not rust, which is why HomeGuide points coastal buyers to them.