How to Order Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication (Without the Headaches)
Ordering custom sheet metal doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're a roofing contractor, siding contractor, or masonry contractor, here's exactly what information to provide, how to spec your profiles, and how to get your order right the first time.
Start With a Clear Profile Drawing
The most important thing you can give a sheet metal shop is a clear drawing of the profile you need. It doesn't have to be a CAD file. A hand sketch with dimensions works fine. What matters is that you capture every bend, every leg length, every angle, and every hem.
A good profile drawing shows the cross-section of the piece as if you cut it transversely and looked at the end. Each leg should have its length noted, each bend should have its angle noted. If there's a drip leg, hem, or tab, show it.
If you don't have a drawing, most fabricators, including us, can work from field measurements. Take photos of the existing piece if you're replacing something, measure leg lengths, and note any angles you can measure. We can often replicate a piece from a good set of photos and dimensions.
Specify the Material and Gauge
Not all sheet metal is the same, and the wrong material or gauge for an application will cause problems down the road: corrosion, incompatibility with adjacent materials, or insufficient stiffness for the profile.
For most commercial flashing applications, 24-gauge galvanized steel (G-90) is the standard. It's strong enough to hold a crisp bend and widely used. Aluminum is typically used at 0.040" for flashings and 0.050" or 0.063" for coping wider than 18". Copper is specified by weight: 16 oz and 20 oz are the most common for flashing and coping. Kynar (PVDF) coated steel is available in 24 and 22 gauge in dozens of standard colors when the metal needs to match an architectural palette.
Tell us the material, the gauge or weight, and any finish requirements. We'll confirm it's appropriate for the application.
Quantities, Overage, and Lead Times
Sheet metal shops quote and fabricate by the linear foot. For each profile, provide: total linear feet, material, gauge, and whether you need any special finishes, factory holes, or notching.
Add 5–10% overage to your measured quantities. You'll have field cuts, damaged pieces, and unforeseen conditions. It's far less expensive to include overage in your original order than to reorder a small quantity of a custom profile later.
At PDX Panels, most standard flashing and coping orders are completed in 3–5 business days from a confirmed order. Rush turnaround is available. Call us and we'll tell you what we can do. For large projects where the sheet metal is on the critical path, get your order in early. We can hold finished goods or release in phases. Pickup is available at our shop at 19140 NE Portal Way, Portland, OR. Call (503) 914-0210 to place an order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do I need to order custom sheet metal?
A profile drawing or hand sketch with dimensions, material type and gauge, and total linear feet. Photos of existing pieces help if you're replacing something. If you're unsure, call us. We can often work from field measurements and photos alone.
What are typical lead times for custom sheet metal fabrication?
Most standard flashing and coping orders are completed in 3–5 business days from a confirmed order. Rush turnaround is available. Call (503) 914-0210 and we'll tell you what we can do.
Does PDX Panels require a minimum order quantity?
No minimum order. We fabricate what you need, from 10 feet to 10,000 feet. Trade pricing is available for contractors. Contact us to set up an account.
Need Custom Sheet Metal Fabricated?
PDX Panels fabricates precision sheet metal for contractors across Portland, OR. Get a quote in 24 hours.