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Striations vs. Flat Pan vs. Minor Rib: Which Metal Roofing Style Is Right for You?
- Shannon Clark
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
When choosing a metal roof, it’s easy to focus on color, finish, or panel type—but there's another important design element to consider: the surface detail between the ribs of the panel. That area may seem subtle, but it plays a big role in both the look and performance of your roof.
At True Metal Supply, we offer three primary Standing Seam metal roofing styles: Striations, Flat Pan, and Minor Rib. Here’s how they compare:
Striations: Clean, Reliable, and Our Most Popular Look
What it is: Striations are shallow, evenly spaced grooves that run the length of the panel surface. They add subtle texture while helping prevent visible waviness known as oil canning.
Why it works:
Most popular standing seam metal roofing style offered at True Metal Supply
Minimizes the chance of oil canning
Adds a modern, finished look without being too flashy
A great fit for residential and light commercial builds
Especially ideal for standing seam panels
Bottom line:Â A dependable, go-to style that gives you peace of mind and a polished appearance.
Learn more about how Striations and other techniques can prevent oil canning with this article: Understanding Striations and Preventing Oil Canning in Metal Roofing
Flat Pan: Bold and Minimalist—with Some Trade-Offs
What it is: Flat Pan panels have a completely smooth surface between the ribs—no breaks, no texture. This delivers a crisp, ultra-modern standing seam metal roof look, but may also leave the panel more vulnerable to oil canning.
Why it works:
Sleek, high-end architectural appeal
Perfect for contemporary homes or eye-catching designs
Offers a clean, uninterrupted finish
What to watch for:
Highest risk of oil canning
Consider a higher gauge metal for flat pan
Best for short panel runs or when installed over decking
We recommend consulting with us before choosing this style, especially for standing seam roofs
Bottom line: Flat Pan makes a dramatic visual statement—but you’ll want to weigh the potential for waviness carefully.
Minor Rib: Practical Strength with a Touch of Definition
What it is: Minor Rib panels include a small center ridge in each section, giving the metal panel added structure and reducing the appearance of waviness.
Why it works:
Subtle rib enhances rigidity
Helps manage oil canning
Adds a bit of traditional charm to the panel surface
Common in utility and agricultural buildings, but clean enough for residential use
Bottom line:Â A smart, functional choice that blends durability with understated style.
Quick Comparison
Style | Visual Texture | Oil Canning Resistance | Best Fit For |
Striations | Light texture | High | Most residential & light commercial roofs |
Flat Pan | Completely smooth | Low | High-end architectural or modern designs |
Minor Rib | Defined center ridge | Medium | Utility, agricultural, and versatile builds |
Consider Backer Rods:
Additional Support: Backer rods may be used in metal roofing (or metal siding) to provide additional support and minimize the appearance of oil canning. Placing backer rods behind the metal panels can help distribute stress more evenly and reduce the likelihood of waviness.
Installation: When installing backer rods, ensure they are positioned correctly and securely behind the panels to offer consistent support across the entire surface area.
Still Not Sure?
Each of these panel styles serves a different purpose—from aesthetics to performance. Whether you're designing a sleek modern home or a functional post-frame building, we’ll help you find the right match.
Want to see a quote for your metal roofing or siding project? Get in contact with a True Service Representative by clicking here or calling 888-455-8783.