Fabral manufactures metal roofing and wall systems for contractors working on everything from agricultural barns to mountain homes. They’re the premier supplier of metal post-frame materials in the industry. Their core business focuses on manufacturing and supplying metal roofing and wall systems for residential, architectural, industrial, commercial and agricultural applications.
Core Product Lines
The strength of Fabral’s lineup starts with their Grandrib 3® series — a panel engineered for serious weather. The 29-gauge version delivers 80,000 PSI tensile strength steel with a Class 4 hail rating and 2.5:12 minimum slope requirement. That 80,000 PSI rating matters when you’re dealing with Montana snow loads. It’s twice the strength of some competitors’ 26-gauge offerings at 40,000 PSI.
The Grandrib 3 features 3/4” rib height with 9” spacing and 36” panel coverage, custom-cut up to 40 feet. The anti-siphon sidelap design prevents moisture infiltration — critical when spring snowmelt creates weeks of saturated conditions. UL testing confirms Class A fire resistance, Class 90 wind uplift rating, and that Class 4 hail impact rating.
For contractors wanting concealed fasteners, Fabral’s Horizon 16® standing seam changes the game. The 26-gauge steel panels use a snap-lock design with nail flange and pre-punched slots for thermal movement. Those thermal movement slots handle Montana’s temperature swings without buckling. The 16” coverage width includes factory-applied sealant in the female rib. Minimum slope requirement is 3:12.
The workhorse of the lineup remains their 2½” Corrugated panel. Made from Grade 80 full-hard galvanized steel in 29-gauge, it provides 24” wall coverage or 21⅓” roof coverage with 1.5 corrugation overlap. Available coating weights include G30, G60, and G90 galvanizing options. The 2.5:12 minimum slope requirement and custom lengths up to 40 feet make it practical for agricultural buildings where budget matters but performance can’t suffer.
Paint Systems and Warranties
Fabral’s coating technology separates weekend warriors from professional-grade panels. Their WeatherXL SMP (Silicone Modified Polyester) system uses a 10-layer protection process. The Enduracote coating includes ceramic pigments for UV resistance.
The warranty structure reflects real confidence in their coatings:
| Warranty Coverage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Film Integrity | 40 years |
| Fade/Chalk | 30 years (prorated) |
| Edge Rust (Galvanized) | 15 years |
| Non-Perforation Walls | 25 years |
| Non-Perforation Roofs | 20 years |
Energy Star approved colors span 22 options from Bare-Galvalume through True Black.
The Verdict
Fabral delivers what Montana contractors need: panels strong enough for real snow loads, coatings that handle UV punishment at elevation, and thermal movement engineering for extreme temperature cycling. They’ve established themselves as the benchmark leader in metal roofing systems.
The 80,000 PSI steel strength on Grandrib 3 isn’t marketing fluff — it’s measurable protection against snow load failure. The standing seam thermal movement slots aren’t an afterthought — they’re pre-punched at the factory because panels will move. The 40-year film integrity warranty reflects manufacturing confidence earned through decades of field performance.
With over 50 years of experience in the industry, Fabral understands that metal roofing in mountain country isn’t about pretty colors. It’s about panels that survive when nature doesn’t cooperate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gauge metal works best for Montana snow loads?
Fabral manufactures their primary panels in 29-gauge with 80,000 PSI tensile strength steel. This exceeds some competitors’ thicker 26-gauge panels rated at only 40,000 PSI. The steel strength matters more than gauge thickness for snow load resistance.
What lengths do Fabral panels come in?
Custom lengths up to 40 feet are available across their Grandrib 3, Horizon standing seam, and corrugated lines. Longer panels mean fewer seams and less opportunity for leaks on large agricultural buildings.
What’s the minimum roof pitch for Fabral panels?
Most Fabral panels require 2.5:12 minimum slope, which works for snow shedding. The Horizon 16 standing seam requires 3:12 minimum due to its concealed fastener design.
Where are Fabral products manufactured?
Products are manufactured and distributed from regional facilities including Salt Lake City, UT and Spokane, WA locations. Distribution varies by region and product line.
What makes Grandrib 3 different from standard corrugated?
Grandrib 3 features 80,000 PSI steel strength, Class 4 hail rating, Class A fire rating, anti-siphon sidelaps, and 3/4” rib height at 9” spacing. Standard corrugated uses 1/2” ribs at 2.67” spacing and typically lacks the premium ratings and anti-siphon design.
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Our roofing specialists can help you find the right Fabral products for your project.
