Author: Ken Buchinger

How to Prevent Ice Dams on Metal Roofs

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

Those in areas prone to below-freezing temperatures are likely familiar with ice dams and the costly damage they can cause. With winter weather already upon us, it’s important to ensure your building is protected against the dangerous and expensive effects of ice dams.

What Causes Ice Dams to Develop?

Most ice dams are a result of building air barrier flaws. When warm indoor air escapes through a rooftop, it warms the roof sheathing. This rise in temperature melts the underside of the layer of snow on top. The melted snow then moves down the slope of the roof toward the eaves, where it freezes into ice. As this process continues, the ice thickens, resulting in ice dams. These obstructions can cause water to back up and form a reservoir that can damage ceilings.

Ice Dams | ABC Blog

How Can Ice Dams Be Prevented?

To prevent ice dams, follow these four steps:

  1. Seal Air Leaks: Sealing air leaks between the warm building interior and the attic or ceiling is imperative to prevent increased sheathing temperatures that can lead to ice dams. If your roof leaks every winter, it’s likely that an air leak is to blame. And, getting a new roof is not likely to help—even if it features more ventilation. The simple way to determine if you have air leaks is to get into your attic and check. Leaks can likely be easily sealed with two-component polyurethane spray foam. And extending any exhaust fans that don’t reach outside can help adequately seal the structure.
  1. Ensure Proper Insulation: Many buildings don’t have adequate insulation levels to prevent ice damming. Building codes based on your geographic location can help you determine how much insulation you need. If the structure’s design doesn’t allow for adequate insulation, we recommend installing as much closed-cell spray polyurethane foam as possible. If replacing your roof, you can also install additional rigid foam insulation on top of the existing roof sheathing before you install the new roof. When taking that approach, make sure all products used are compatible with your new roof and adhere to manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s also imperative that attic insulation completely covers the top plates of a building’s exterior walls.
  1. Improve Ventilation: Improving ventilation alone will not prevent air leaks that cause ice damming and should never be your first or only defense. In fact, improving ventilation without sealing air leaks and installing adequate insulation can increase heating costs and make ice damming problems worse. Despite this, if combined with steps one and two above, addressing your roof ventilation can’t hurt. The best ventilation options include soffit and ridge vents. It’s important to remember that all attic ventilation systems require an insulation dam (blocking) between the trusses and ventilation baffles at the attic’s perimeter, facing the soffits, to maintain a ventilation channel from the soffit to the attic and protect against wind-wash.
  1. Use Underlayment: Covering your roof sheathing with two or more layers of rubberized membrane underlayment is another protection method that is far less effective if not used in concert with steps one and two. To use properly, it should extend from roof eaves to a point that’s three feet higher than your exterior wall.

Additional measures like framing your roof with raised-heel trusses can also help prevent ice dams. Additionally, avoiding including valleys as well as gutters that are at or above the roofing plane is ideal. Taking these steps can help ensure people and property are safe from overhead dangers. This should be a priority when designing, installing and maintaining your metal roof.

For additional information on how metal roofs perform in winter weather, read part one and part two of our ‘Metal Roofs and Snow’ blog series. For additional tips on how to winter-proof your roof, reach out to a local ABC representative today.

DISTRIBUTORS: Shop online at shop.abcmetalroofing.com!

Roofing and Snow: Everything You Need to Know – Part Two

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

Additional considerations for working with metal panels in winter.

In part one of our series on metal roofing and snow, we covered five of the most important elements to consider when preparing structures for winter weather. In this post, we’ll review four more ways to prevent unexpected, costly damage of metal panels in winter.

  1. Consider roof material and surface color

Metal roofs absorb heat quickly and radiate it effectively. Darker panel colors can enhance this solar absorption effect, which can save you money year-round. But because UV light can pass through 3-5 inches of snow, when combined with heat loss through the roof, it becomes more difficult for snow to stay solid. To minimize the chance of ice damming, you should ensure your roof system is properly sealed and insulated. If not, ice damming may occur and the melting and re-freezing of snow throughout the day can result in icy layers that promote snow sliding—no matter the roof material or color.

  1. Review weathertightness factors

For low-sloped roofs (less than 3:12), it is especially important for panel seams to be watertight to prevent water (melted snow) from leaking into the structure. This can be problematic when snow gathers and stays on a roof. Architects, designers and specifiers, therefore, should consider using panels that have passed the ASTM 2140 water head test or FM 4471 Appendix G water test. Water-resistant underlayment should also be considered for all roof slopes.

ABC Blog: Roofing and Snow: Everything You Need to Know about Metal Panels in Winter - Part Two
A close-up of this dormer roof illustrates how the impact of sliding ice and snow can damage panel seams.
  1. Consider your roof layout

Design elements like valleys and slope changes cause snow to collect and increases your snow load. Also, when dormers extend from a large roof area and one area is significantly bigger than the other, the structure is susceptible to experiencing unbalanced sliding snow. This imbalance can actually tear open standing seams and displace panels. Also consider that drifting snow may accumulate behind HVAC units, at perimeter walls, and behind solar and photovoltaic (PV) panels.

  1. Ensure Proper Roof Maintenance

One of the best ways to prevent snow and ice issues is to regularly inspect and maintain your roof. In addition to cleaning and inspecting your roof for possible issues, properly removing standing snow and preventing ice dams is a vital part of avoiding damage to your metal panels in winter. This often requires that you get into your attic to inspect for air leaks—the leading cause of ice dams. Read more about how to properly maintain and remove snow from your roof in this blog post.

If an issue is discovered, consult your roofing material manufacturer for recommendations as well as advice on warranty claims. Additionally, you can reach out to a trusted roofing professional in your area. These professionals can thoroughly inspect your roof system to help you determine ways to rectify any potential issues. You’ll want to do this before damage and/or injury occurs and before you pay for sub-par or ineffective repairs.

If you missed part one of this series, click here for our top five considerations. These include managing snow load and sliding snow, preventing ice dams, using retention systems and more! For more information on how metal panels fare in winter weather conditions and for advice on how to winter-proof your roof, reach out to an ABC representative today.

Roofing and Snow: Everything You Need to Know – Part One

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

What to consider when designing and building in snow-prone areas.

While properly-designed metal roofs historically perform well in winter, heavy snowfall can be detrimental to buildings of all kinds. Those who live and work in and around them are also at risk when snow and ice cause dangerous situations. Even though winter doesn’t formally begin until late December, colder weather is upon us. And while you might not be expecting snow or ice yet, keep these roofing and snow tips in mind when designing, constructing and maintaining structures in areas where there’s a chance for snow and/or ice over the course of the year.

Considerations for Snow-Bearing Roofs:

  1. Anticipate Snow Load

Snow accumulates on every roof type, and as this happens, it increases the amount of weight your structure is bearing. This increased weight (snow load) can pose several threats to the structure and those in and around it. For example, when the weight of snow or ponded water from melted snow exceeds the structure’s limits, the roof or even the entire structure can collapse. Be sure you’re aware of the weight your structure can bear and remove snow to keep it within its limits. Consult the International Building Code (IBC) as well as state and local codes for guidance based on your location.

  1. Prevent Ice Dams

Most ice dams are the result of air barrier flaws in buildings. If warm indoor air escapes through the roof floor, it warms the roof sheathing and melts the underside of the layer of snow on top. This water then moves down the slope of the roof toward the eaves, where it freezes into ice. As this process continues, the ice gets thicker and thicker, resulting in ice dams. The presence of these dams allow water to back up and form a reservoir that can cause major damage.

To prevent ice dams, you should:

  • Seal all air leaks at the attic floor
  • Ensure proper insulation
  • Provide adequate attic ventilation

Another tip is to use a peel and stick membrane on the roof deck extending from the eave to about 3’ up-slope from the exterior wall. For more specific details on the ice dam prevention tips above, read our recent blog post.

  1. Prevent Sliding Snow

Gravity can cause accumulated snow to slide down the roof’s slope (shedding), potentially injuring people and damaging property below. Despite this, snow shedding must occur to keep the snow load from accumulating beyond the buildings structural limits. Balancing snow load and shedding is important and requires that you consider geographical and building material and roof design factors.

ABC Roofing and Snow Blog
Ice and snow sliding down the main roof has damaged the roof panels and the valley trim on this connector roof.

Roof slopes of 45 degrees (12:12) or more, can accelerate sliding snow with sometimes immense and dangerous consequences. For example, if snow accumulates and then falls onto an exterior gas line, pipes could rupture. From there, the smallest of ignition sources could set the structure ablaze. In addition, the weight of sliding snow can propel any icicles formed on eaves can be propelled down by the force and weight of sliding snow onto people and property below.

On slopes less than 45 degrees (6:12 to 9:12), low amounts of friction (like on smooth roof surfaces) means it offers less resistance to sliding. Striations and embossing on roofing materials like metal panels add a small 3D profile and improve the resistance to sliding, especially when they run traverse to the slope.

This can get complicated, but in general, installing metal panels with snow retention devices on a steeply-sloped roof is recommended. This approach will naturally shed snow and ice, and protect your structure from excessive snow loads. If you have a low-sloped roof, be sure it’s design supports snow as shedding won’t occur naturally. Including enough snow retention devices from ridge to eave is also imperative for this design.

  1. Use Retention Systems

A variety of retention options, such as snow fences, bars or guards, are designed to make snow and ice melt completely or fall from roofs in small amounts. This helps reduce risks associated with sudden rooftop avalanches while maintaining the clean lines of the roof. It is important that snow retention systems are carefully engineered and properly installed. Models like S-5!’s snow-retention device design resource allow you to input your roof dimensions and expected snow load to adequately engineer snow fence assemblies.

  1. Protect Roof Attachments
ABC Roofing and Snow Blog_Pipe Protection
This pipe penetration is protected from sliding ice and snow by a small section of S-5! ColorGuard to the panel seams immediately up-slope from the pipe.

The weight of sliding snow can be powerful enough to take off attachments like exhaust vents. To combat this, reduce the shear load by installing rigid vent pipes securely and as high up on the roof slope as possible. If this is not possible, protect the pipes with a snow retention system.

While metal roofing responds well to harsh winter weather, it is imperative to take the time to keep snow, ice and moisture from causing issues. No matter the roofing design or material used, keeping people and property safe from overhead dangers should be a priority when designing, installing and maintain your structure.

In part two of this roofing and snow series, we’ll review additional considerations. It contains tips on roof layout, color, weathertightness and maintenance, which also play important roles in winter weather protection.

For more information on roofing and snow like how metal panels fare in winter weather conditions and for advice on how to winter-proof your roof, reach out to an ABC representative today.

When to Call a Metal Panel Manufacturer: Part II

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

In Part 1 of this series, the success of a metal roof or wall project can rest heavily on the installer’s ability to recognize issues. When that happens, calling the manufacturer is not just suggested, but imperative to ensure any potential problem is averted before it’s too late. In addition to issues like damage to the physical panel or problems with the fasteners discussed previously, let’s take a closer look at a few other common circumstances under which ABC recommends reaching out to the manufacturer:

Alignment and Substrate Issues

The installer is responsible for verifying the condition of the substrate and checking for proper alignment before attaching any sheeting materials. If the installer notices any issues like this (either before installation or once they begin laying panels), they should stop and address them immediately. This might include oil canning or other irregularities in panel appearance. The installer should investigate the source, and—if unable to identify and properly remedy the situation on their own—they should call to the manufacturer’s support team. They may be able to suggest ways to identify source of the problem—whether it be installation or manufacturing—and from there, make suggestions on how to best address the situation.

 

Accessories

Adding penetrative accessories such as snow guards or mechanical curbs to a roof or installing doors, windows or louvers to walls can impact the system, its weather-tightness and appearance. Oftentimes, accessory installers with little or no knowledge of metal sheeting systems come onto the job to perform accessory installation. In these cases, it’s wise to visit with manufacturer prior to installation of these accessories and to alert the non-metal panel installer of precautions the manufacturer suggests be taken.

The image at left represent several installation issues that could have been avoided by calling the metal manufacturer prior to installation. The piping used is not compatible with metal roofing and was not installed in such a way to prevent issues with roof performance, including leaking and water damage.

Manufacturer recommendations can vary based on the panel type and building slope, as well as on the accessory and fastener type, and installation location.

Another factor to consider when adding accessories to your metal building is that some material types can react negatively with the installed metal system and lead to damage as well as void manufacturers warranties. Since accessories can be make of many different types of material, any potential accessories should always be researched prior to installation to ensure the material type is compatible with your metal roof and/or wall system.

 

Panel Engagement

Panel systems are designed and engineered to attach and engage one another to ensure optimal performance. These specification are outlined in the manufacturer’s installation manuals and project drawings. If at any point the panel does not engage as depicted in the details, installation should be halted and reviewed to determine the cause. This can require a call to the manufacturer to help determine if the matter is site- and/or substrate-related or if it’s a manufacturing issue requiring replacement material.

Panel engagement issues that warrant ceasing installation and making a call to the manufacturer include:

  • laps are not nesting properly
  • clips are not engaging as they should
  • panel modularity can’t be controlled
  • panels aren’t “resting” on the substrate—causing excessive bowing and stress

Once the material is completely installed, it is much more difficult to determine the cause of a problem and is potentially more expensive to remedy. Additionally, in many cases, full installation constitutes acceptance of the product and the manufacturer’s hands could be tied or extremely limited in being able to assist in remedying after the fact.

By knowing when to be proactive with a call to the manufacturer, installers can mitigate many types of potential pitfalls. And if you’re just not sure, it’s best to call.

For more information on metal roof and wall products, visit us online or reach out to your local representative today!

When to Call a Metal Panel Manufacturer: Part 1

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

Each metal building installation is unique and even the most experienced of installers can run into trouble on a job. Whether a panel isn’t engaging properly, it’s not meeting stated tolerances or fasteners are missing or not working, anyone who takes on the task of installing metal panels needs to know when to call a metal panel manufacturer for support, guidance and resources at any time to ensure the success of their project.

ABC Blog: When to Call a Metal Panel Manufacturer

Manufacturer Resources:

While it’s not the manufacturer’s responsibility to guarantee their panels are installed correctly, reputable manufacturers should set installers up for success. They can do this by providing product resources and recommendations on how to alleviate or mitigate potential pitfalls, and by sharing tips on how to avoid common mistakes that other installers have made.

  • Product Installation Manuals and Construction Drawings: Before installation begins, the product installation manual and detailed construction drawings should be reviewed by the installer—especially if this is his or her first time working with the product. These resources contain all the product information needed as well as installation best practices. American Building Components makes product details and installation information available to metal panel dealers and distributors through shop.abcmetalroofing.com. If you’re a dealer or distributor, click here to learn more and sign up for an account!

Installation techniques can vary based on the unique dimensions of the panel as well as on the actual building design. When an issue arises that is beyond an installer’s expertise, it’s in the best interest of everyone involved to call a metal panel manufacturer for input before permanent mistakes are made.

When to Call a Metal Panel Manufacturer

Examples of when American Building Components recommends that an installer immediately call a metal panel manufacturer are:

  • Product Damage: Building owners may not always be able to recognize material damage and understand how it can be detrimental. Therefore, installers should always evaluate all building materials before any installation begins. If—after review—damage is suspected, the building owner should take pictures of the damage and notify the manufacturer immediately. The manufacturer will advise if the issue is minor and installation can begin, or if the panels should not be installed. The last thing you want to do is install damaged panels and have to uninstall them and wait for new materials. The impact of removing and replacing panels like this will significantly increase cost and delay the construction schedule.
  • Fastener Issues: The type of fastener used depends on the material they will be fastening to (substrate). If the substrate differs from what’s stated in the project details, check with the manufacturer to verify that the provided fasteners can be used. If the screws aren’t engaging properly, or there any problems with the fastener type. The manufacturer can advise how to move forward based on the project details. In short, substituting fasteners with ones not supplied by the manufacturer is never recommended.

Remember: no problem is too small to call a metal panel manufacturer for advice! In part two of this series, we’ll share more situations when calling the manufacturer will save time, money and headache. For more information on metal roof and wall products, visit us online or reach out to your local representative today!

Metal Panel Installation: Surface Considerations and Building Applications

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

In our last blog post, we outlined the steps to take before metal panel installation to ensure projects are built to last. In this post, we’ll take a look at the important metal panel installation considerations that should be made, particularly when working with varying surface conditions and building end-uses.

Surface Considerations:

During the installation of metal panels, it is critical that installers:

  • make sure everything is square and on a level plane (i.e., plumb and true). If it’s not, it will need to be corrected. Note: It is not recommended that the building owner do this themselves unless they are experienced and comfortable assuming the associated risks.
  • ensure the integrity of the substrate is not compromised. If installation issues or delays are caused by faulty substrate, for example, the parties responsible for the substrate would need to correct the causal issue. In retrofit projects, existing substrate issues must be addressed, but it is likely that the original builder will not be able to be sourced to correct the problem. In this case, a roofing consultant or knowledgeable substrate tradesman can help advise.
Installing Metal Panels with Different Building Applications

While installation is generally the same for most end-use applications, some equipment may vary. Depending on the other products or materials in the mix, there are certain caveats to keep in mind. For instance:

  • Over Asphalt Shingles: While installing a metal roof over an existing asphalt shingle roof is possible, it is not recommended to place metal panels directly over asphalt. In this scenario, keep in mind that:
    • It’s best to remove asphalt shingles or use a furring strip to create a buffer. (This means you can use a 1” x 4” piece of wood to provide clearance between the asphalt shingles and the metal panels.)
    • It’s not ideal to lay underlayment on top of asphalt and then install a metal roof because the shingle will curl and those imperfections will show through the metal, particularly when using lighter gauge.
  • Over Dissimilar Metals: Do not let your metal panels come into contact with dissimilar metals or allow run-off water that has been in contact with dissimilar metals to come into contact with the metal panels.
  • Over Treated Lumber: Separator material can be recommended by your installer or preferred material provider (lumber yard, home improvement store, etc.) and should be used; appropriate fasteners designed to be used to connect treated lumber with metal panels should always be used in these cases as well.
Other Metal Panel Installation Considerations:

The need for the following features and considerations can vary based on projects.

  • Vapor barriers
  • Ice and water shields
  • Regardless of all else, you’ll always want to be sure local codes/Homeowners Association (HOA) requirements are met.
Final FAQ:

How to choose a Metal Panel installer? End-users can request a list of nearby installers who may be able to help with their project from their metal building material supplier. Material manufacturers do not make these recommendations.

What if your panels are installed incorrectly? Let the installer know about any issues as soon as possible and work to get them resolved quickly. If you think the improper installation jeopardizes the product warranty, please advise the company that sold the material to you (metal panel distributor) as soon as possible. They will work with the manufacturer to resolve any warranty issues.

For more information on metal panel installation considerations or to find a metal panel distributor or installer in your area, contact your local ABC representative.

 

Metal Roof Pitch Part II: Panel Selection for Your Building End-Use

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

In part one of our series on metal panel roof pitch, we looked at the engineering and strength considerations that need to be taken into account when designing or specifying a building. In part two, we’ll review how to make the right metal panel selection for your building end-use by looking at the building type and roof pitch to find the optimal combination of form and function.

Types of roof panels:

Different types of metal roof panels are better suited for certain roof pitches and this mostly has to do with panel rib height and how they’re seamed together. For instance, the lower the pitch, the taller the rib of the roof panel needs to be in order to optimize water carrying capacity. Also, the lower the pitch, the slower water runs off the roof; combined with wind pressure, this can hold water at the eave. As an example:

  • On 2:12 and lower pitches for commercial/industrial jobs, weathertightness warranties will use a mechanically seamed panel because it creates an impenetrable lock that keep water from seeping between the panels. Seamed panels can be thought of as more hydrostatic (resistant to water), whereas non-seamed panels are hydrokinetic, i.e., water runs off of them, but they are not designed to be a water barrier.

Building Type and Use:

Whether residential, post-frame or commercial, structures follow general design criteria regarding metal roof slope, based on to the building type and use. For instance:

Gabled v. Hipped: gabled roofs provide more interior headroom while with hipped roofs, endwall sheet height can be reduced, making for easier ordering and installation as you don’t have to cut/miter the sheets.

  • Residential v. Post-Frame and Commercial Use: While it can generally be assumed that thicker-gauge panels are stronger, the type of building construction, location and end-use can affect the choice in panel thickness. Residential roofs generally have steeper slopes (often due to aesthetic sensibilities), while commercial and post-frame buildings will typically have a shallower pitch to increase the strength of the building. Buildings such as pole barns, post-frame buildings, warehouses and garages can require roof panels to span longer distances between supporting trusses and purlins and therefore require thicker panels to ensure the roof is structurally sound and can aid in reducing the chance of collapse under the weight of snow and water—particularly when the roof pitch is low. For smaller buildings—like residences—with supporting trusses and purlins that are typically closer together, thinner panels can be used in conjunction with thicker trim for an economic, structurally ideal residential metal roofing system. See our blog on metal panel gauges for more.
  • Economics: When a roof has a shallower pitch, less material is needed to cover the same roof span. This can be more economical since fewer square feet of material needs to be purchased, or at least help in offsetting the cost of the thicker panels commonly used on low-slope roof—a consideration often important to companies with multiple properties. Likewise, while more material may need to be purchased for a high-sloped roof, you may be able to buy thinner, less expensive panels since high-slope roofs don’t typically need to be able to support heavier loads like low-slope roofs do.
  • Aesthetics: Traditional residences typically feature a higher roof pitch while this may be less important to commercial building owners. However—from a functional standpoint—thicker panels can be more forgiving of installation errors such as over-tightened screws and aren’t as likely to transfer waves and bumps in sheathing.

Solar Panels and Roof Pitch:

The geographic location of a structure will determine the angle at which the solar panels should be installed. Generally. the closer to the equator you get, the lower the slope the solar panels can tolerate as roofs closer to the equator have more consistent exposure to sunlight as compared to those farther away. If you plan to add solar panels to your metal roof, be sure to check the Solar Reflective Index (SRI) values and minimum slopes set by the ASTM and local governing codes. These standards will advise adequate slope based on your location as well as help control things such as heat island effects, etc.  For more information on solar reflectance and how it is affected by the color of your metal roof panels, see our blog post on cool metal roofs.

Conclusion:

Roof slope is a factor that affects many decisions when it comes to any metal building roofing project regardless of the building’s end use. When embarking on any metal roofing project, be sure that the panels you’ve selected meet local building codes and are produced by a quality manufacturer with knowledge and experience designing for different applications to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for. For more information on metal panel selection for your building end-use and to learn more about recommendations on roof slope for different building types, contact your local ABC representative today.

 Additional Resources:

For more information on slope requirements, visit NRCA’s website. For more information on steep-slope metal roofs and their benefits, visit the Metal Construction Association’s website.

It’s the Little Things: How to Measure Metal Panels with a Micrometer

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

As installers and distributors know all too well, the tiniest differential when measuring metal panels for installation can mean success or failure. Close just isn’t good enough. That’s where a micrometer—a precision tool used for measurement accuracy—comes in. But how can you be sure the panels purchased for a project don’t exactly live up to their stated specifications or fit within a gray area that may seem minimal, but ends up causing problems when actually applied to a structure?

In a previous blog post, we discussed the importance of knowing the thickness (gauge) of your metal panels to ensure you know how to choose the correct thickness of the metal panels you choose to use on a project. This is important because you can easily find panels from different manufacturers that—while labeled with the same gauge measurement—can actually vary greatly in the actual thickness of the metal sheeting, creating a noticeable difference in panel stiffness and strength. Since the labels on the panels don’t tell the entire story, using a micrometer to measure the exact thickness of the panels is a sure-fire way to know what you’re paying for.

What is a Micrometer?

From the Greek, the word micrometer’s literal meaning comes from micros (small) and metron (measure). The tool, sometimes known as a micrometer screw gauge, is used to achieve precise, fine measurements of very small distances or thicknesses. Each of its two faces can be moved away from or toward the other by turning a screw with a fine thread. The precision device incorporates a calibrated screw (or thread), which is found internally on the spindle, and is usually in the form of calipers.

Available in both metric and imperial versions, a micrometer (often shortened to mike or mic) usually, but not always, takes the form of calipers (opposing ends joined by a frame). The device’s spindle is an accurately machined screw. When used to measure a metal panel, the sheet is placed between the tool’s spindle and anvil. The spindle is moved by turning the ratchet knob or thimble until the sheet is lightly touched by both the spindle and the anvil. Metric micrometers typically measure in 0.01mm increments and imperial versions in 0.001 inches.

Using a Micrometer:

  • Assuming the user takes great care, micrometers can provide more accurate measurement than other measuring devices (ex.: dial calipers, vernier calipers).
  • Micrometers are widely used not only for metal panel measurement, but also in other mechanical engineering areas where precise measurement of components is advised.
  • Micrometers have two scales: a primary scale located on the barrel (sleeve) and a secondary scale, which is located on the thimble. Values are derived from both scales and combined to come up with the total measurement.
  • As the spindle completes its revolution, the space between the spindle and the anvil (the measuring faces) is adjusted by the smallest values that can be represented on the primary sleeve scale (0.5mm for metric micrometers; 0.025 for imperial versions).

(Note: As a tool, even the highly accurate micrometer is limited in its measuring range, which is typically 25mm/1 inch. In other words, metric versions can measure 0-25mm, 25-50mm, 50-75mm etc.; imperial versions measure 0-1 inches, 1-2 inches, 2-3 inches, etc.)

Where to Get a Micrometer:

As a specialized engineering tool, micrometers are available from a variety of industrial equipment companies. Numerous brands and types are available in the market to meet particular needs, including specific applications or budgets. Additionally, feel free to reach out to a metal panel manufacturer for their recommendation on the best micrometer to use to measure metal roof and wall panels as well as for specific measurements on the panels they offer.

Metal Panel Material Delivery and Handling

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

Handle with Care

What You Need to Know about the Delivery and Handling of Metal Panels

As sturdy and resilient as metal panels are, there are a number of considerations that must be accounted for in order to maintain the integrity of the product, ensure on-time and cost-efficient delivery, and guarantee safe, effective installation. First, metal panels can do no good if they can’t be properly delivered to the jobsite—in pristine condition—where and when they’re needed. Second, once the panels do arrive, proper handling can be the difference between a successful job or problems before, during and after the fact. Here we’ll take a brief look at some of the main considerations related to the delivery and handling of metal panels that support the best possible outcome.

Delivery Considerations

The main conditions to confirm and questions to ask before placing an order and establishing delivery parameters include the following:

  1. Delivery location: Is delivery offered in your area or to your jobsite?
    • Is your location accessible? In other words, are there unsafe or impassible terrain or road conditions that prohibit the delivery of the materials?
    • Can you accommodate the size of the delivery vehicle? This includes making sure roads and entrances are large enough that delivery vehicles can pass through/access.
    • What are the delivery terms and conditions? Be sure you understand the requirements of your selected delivery method before signing on the dotted line.
    • Have you arranged for offloading or do you have people and equipment to handle this? Most delivery truck drivers are not equipped or trained in offloading metal panels, so it’s best to make arrangements with someone who knows how to properly get your material off of the delivery vehicle.
  1. Delivery method and carrier options
    • Do you know the options your manufacturer offers?
    • Have you confirmed the rates associated with each delivery option? As with traditional shipping, metal panel and component delivery costs can vary based on the type of delivery selected as well as your proximity to the place of origin.
  1. Proper packaging to provide protection against transportation damage
    • What packaging option is right for your order? You may want to consider the kind and quantity of material you’re ordering, its destination and end use when selecting how you’d like it packaged.
    • How much does packaging cost? This varies by the manufacturer. Some offer complimentary packaging, but it’s best to know about any potential costs beforehand.

Handling Considerations

Some key issues to bear in mind after delivery has occurred include:

  1. Exercise care when loading, unloading, storing and installing metal roof and wall systems.
    • Handle materials in such a way as to prevent bending, warping, twisting and surface/paint finish damage.
    • Do not drag panels on the ground or against each other; they should be picked up to be moved.
  1. Cutting metal panels
    • Follow manufacturer instructions at all times to keep from voiding the panel warranty. (ABC’s recommendation is to use a portable profile shear, especially for across-the-profile cutting of metal panels. Power shears, nibblers or hand snips that can follow the contour of the panel’s profile are also acceptable.)
    • Never cut the exposed end of a metal panel with a metal or abrasive saw. This will erode the Galvalume® coating, causing premature rusting at the cut edge.
  1. Worker Safety
    • Take appropriate precautions against potential hazards, which include:
      1. Moving and handling metal panels manually and mechanically, whether using conveyors, cranes, slings, forklifts and/or ladders
      2. Stacking metal panels/metal panel bundles
      3. Cut/exposed edges
    • Follow the manufacturer’s recommended safety measures, including any outlined protocols, recommended machinery, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), etc.

Following the precautions provided above can help mitigate many potential pitfalls often faced. A little care upfront will inevitably lead to a much smoother process for all involved during every phase of the process. And always remember, the manufacturer is here to help; contact your local ABC representative today.

 

A Big Idea: An Introduction to Tiny Homes

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

Tiny homes are more than just a passing trend popularized by television shows, opinion editorials and blogs; they are a movement born out of a growing need and desire of homeowners to downsize, customize and simplify—all the while maintaining maximum function and style. Tiny homes, in fact, offer their residents big living opportunities through their inherent cost savings and mobility, which has resulted in Tiny Home Communities popping up across the country and even around the world. But what exactly is a tiny home and why are more and more people bucking tradition to live in them?

What is a Tiny Home?

While there is no hard and set rule about what constitutes a tiny house. They are—in short—residential structures that typically measure between 100 and 400 sq./ft.; the standard newly purchased U.S. single family home takes up nearly 2,100 sq./ft.1 These homes feature the same types of materials, construction and aesthetics you find in their larger, more permanent counterparts.

Can you really live in a Tiny Home?

Tiny homes certainly aren’t for everyone. If you have a large or growing family, or just enjoy having tons of space in which to live and entertain, you’re probably better off sticking with the traditionally-sized home. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, need a guest house, or are looking for a low-cost vacation home, tiny homes might be a great fit for you. In addition to being used as full-time residences, tiny homes are also used as short-term rental properties, and to house the homeless and those displaced as a result of destructive weather events.

Many of the concerns people have about living in a tiny home center around their need to have room for all of the things they possess: furniture, clothes, entertainment, knick-knacks, etc. It is true that those who choose to live in a tiny home shed many of their material possessions for a simpler, more minimalistic lifestyle. However, tiny homes can also be custom-built to feature loads of strategically-designed storage space to suit your lifestyle. You also don’t have to give up modern conveniences when living in a tiny home. These smaller spaces make use of generally unused or underutilized spaces to house full-size washer and dryer units, refrigerators, ovens and showers, as well as queen-size beds and fireplaces.

California Tiny Home
COPYRIGHT DC PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS

Cost Advantages of a Tiny Home: Affordability

The average cost to build a tiny house is $23,000 if built by the owner as compared to the $272,000 average cost for a standard-size house before interest2. In a time when a staggering 46 percent of Americans would either have to borrow money or sell something in order to cover a $400 emergency expense (as reported by the Federal Reserve Board in a recent survey), this in an attractive idea. Additionally, considering the slow-growing economy has done little to increase wages, it’s not surprising that spending one third or even one half of their monthly income on living expenses has left approximately 75 percent of American workers across a range of education and income levels living paycheck to paycheck. This includes nine percent of people earning $100,000 or more per year who feel they usually or always struggle to make ends meet (Harris Poll).

The Metal Panel Difference: While metal can—in some cases—be more expensive that more traditional building materials when initially purchased, their value is long-term in the form of increased durability, wind-resistance, fewer maintenance requirements, cost-saving energy efficiency, and inherent strength and structural integrity. In fact, over a metal roof’s lifespan (about 60 years), traditional shingles can cost just as much, if not more.3 Read more about the long-term value of metal panels here.

So while some buyers may be aiming to minimize their carbon footprint and live more simplistically, many people are looking to realize the economic benefits tiny homes offer. For them, the long-term durability and overall debt reduction thanks to lower purchase prices and taxes, reduced energy and maintenance costs, and more time living mortgage-free is driving them down this here-to-fore unusual path.

Want More Information on Tiny Homes?

In the next two blog articles in our Tiny Home series, we go into more detail about the advantages of metal panels for tiny homes. Metal Panels for Tiny Homes Part 1 will discuss mobility and customization; Part 2 will provide practical guidance on weather considerations, installation and maintenance.

For more information on metal panels for Tiny Homes, visit our website or contact your local sales representative.

 

References:

  1. thttp://www.nahbclassic.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=734&genericContentID=196904&channelID=311
  2. gov
  3. org/barndominium/