Like anything else in life, you have good, better, and best. The same applies to metal roofing. Let's break it down. u003cbr/u003eThe thickness (gauge) of the metal plays a critical role in the quality of the roofing material, as does the quality of the metal alloys used. Paint or coloring is no different. Better alloys, increased thickness, and higher quality paint options will give you a far superior roof with protection that covers many potential issues down the road. These include: u003cbr/u003eIncreased Usable Lifespan. u003cbr/u003eLess susceptible to damage from hail, wind, and falling objects, such as a fallen tree limb. u003cbr/u003eYour budget 29 gauge metals are mostly for sheds and storage buildings. 29 gauge is the thinnest of all metal roofing panels. 29 gauge is more susceptible to oil canning (waviness and buckling of the metal) Make sure you keep trim, ridge, and flashing the same gauge when building with thicker material. The lessor metals used in these areas will leave you exposed to points of failure on the roof in extreme weather conditions. u003cbr/u003eNever short cut to save a few dollars that could cause catastrophic failure in straight-line winds from thunderstorms and hurricanes. u003cbr/u003eMake sure you use quality fasteners. Historically, fasteners are the first point of failure on metal roofing due to the 2nd law of thermodynamics, or entropy. Everything is in a state of degradation from the elements and time. Everything wears out. How long your roofing lasts is based on the decisions you make in your choice of materials used. u003cbr/u003eThere are far superior fasteners on the market that didn't exist just 20 years ago. There are now lifetime fasteners that can most literally weather the storm. u003cbr/u003eFor example, we use a lifetime screw on our Rib Panel roofs because the screw is often one of the primary leak points for metal roofs. Our standing seam product line has hidden fasteners and a lifetime paint and is considered the top choice for the best-looking, longest-lasting metal roofing system.