Category: Agricultural

Ordering Metal Roof & Wall Trim Online

Posted on by Tyler Roose

Metal roof and wall trim is used to seal joints and edges to keep moisture out while providing a seamless transition between panels to create a polished look. With our online ordering tool, you can browse our selection and order the trim your customers need from anywhere at any time. Learn more about ordering trim online!

Online Trim Options

Our metal roofing and wall trim is available in all standard colors to match our panels. The trim style and profile you select should depend on the panel profile used on your building project. When ordering through the ecommerce platform, there are four main trim categories to choose from: 

  • Concealed Fastener Trim – used with our SL-16 Panel
  • Exposed Fastener Trim – used with multiple profiles, such as Imperial Rib and PBR
  • Standing Seam Trim – used with LokSeam
  • Custom Trim – used in a variety of applications

All ecommerce manuals are organized based on the panel groupings, indicating the correct type of trim for each panel. Choosing the proper trim is important because the following variables are different for each panel profile: 

  • Rib Heights
  • Rib Spacing
  • Installation Methods
  • Attachment Methods

Ordering Custom Trim

ABC Metal Roofing makes it easy to order custom trim to meet your specific needs. Just like our standard trims, special trim is available in all of our standard colors, with length options up to 20 feet.  ABC also sells flat sheets and coil stock, if you prefer to fabricate your own trim items. Learn more about how to order:


How to Draw Trim

When drawing your trim, keep these points in mind:

  • All dimensions must be noted in inches with a tolerance of 1/16 of an inch
  • Custom trim can be produced in lengths of up to 20ft.
  • Color side must always be noted
  • Label all degrees of bend
  • Trim ends can be hemmed (the standard is ½”)
  • Label each trim with a piecemark of your choosing to help identify the special trim throughout order and production process

Special trim drawings must be submitted online before the order can be completed. Each customer has the option to upload their own saved document or download and edit a standard template.


Pricing

All custom trims are priced based on the total square footage of each part. Each gauge and color system has a unique cost per square foot. Bends are priced at $0.80 each while hems are $1.60 each.

If you’re planning to reorder the same trim, we can work with you to set up a unique part number to make it easier to reorder.


Placing Your Order

Browse our selection of trim to find the best fit for your customer’s project. Visit our online ordering tool to place your order today! Not a registered user?  Register for an account to access this convenient tool. 

Selecting Metal Roofing Trim

Posted on by Marc Carolan

There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting metal roofing trim, including the application, roofing style and curb appeal expectations. Once you’ve made your selection, it’s important to ensure that the trim is properly installed to protect your building from water leaks.

 

Common Metal Roofing Trim

Before jumping into considerations for metal roofing trim selection, here are some of the most common types of metal roofing trim:

● Valley Trim: Used when two roofs are joined together to help drain off rain and snow.
● Transition Flashing: Used for roofs with two different pitches.
● Endwall/Sidewall Flashing: Used for projections that come out of the roof such as dormers, chimneys, lean tos and more.
● Gable Trim: Used to end panels on the roof.
● Eave Trim: Applied where the Fascia board is installed on the low side of the roof.

Metal Roofing Trim Considerations

For consistent performance, it’s ideal to purchase metal roofing trim from the same manufacturer that produced your metal roofing panels. This will extend the life of your roof panel and protect your structure from damage. It will also ensure that the paint systems are compatible. When selecting metal roof trim, look for a heavier gauge material to improve dent resistance. For added protection, look for steel panels that have a Class 4 Hail Rating and a Class A Fire Rating.

Selecting Trim for Your Metal Roof

Roof Style

To select metal roofing trim for your building project, you should examine the roof to determine the metal roofing style. Is it a fastened through or concealed fastener roof? What are your expectations for curb appeal? Do you want a rustic look or a touch of modernity?

Gutters
Consider whether or not your roof will have gutters as this will affect the selection and application of eave trim.

Ridge Caps
Ridge caps are installed on the peak of the roof to help protect against damage from exposure to wind, sun and rain. There are two types of ridge caps to consider for your metal roof: single bend and double bend. Single bend ridge caps are designed for use on homes with roof ventilation materials and provide a clean, modern look.. Double bend ridge caps on the other hand are more durable, making them ideal for post-frame applications.

Roof Overhangs
Do you have overhangs on your roof? For homes and buildings that have ventilation on the eaves, consider adding ventilation material in the peak of the roof . For non-vented overhangs, use a closure to keep out weather and critters.

Roofing Composite
You will need to examine any existing roofing composite materials to determine whether to keep it or remove it. Additional framing material might be needed if installing panels over the existing roof. This will affect the selection of gable and eave trims.

To learn more about how to select metal roofing trim, reach out to your local ABC representative.

Why Choose ABC

At ABC, we offer a wide variety of trim to accommodate most applications. If none of our standard trim offerings fit your project, we can manufacture custom trim designed to fit your unique specifications. We offer a broad color palette for our metal roof panels, trim and gutter systems so you can create eye-catching curb appeal.

Browse our selection of metal roofing trim or contact a sales representative today.

Tips for Installing Metal Roofing Accessories

Posted on by Tyler Roose

A properly-installed metal roof is expected to last 60 years or longer. However, incorrectly-installed roofing accessories can cause serious damage and decrease the life of your metal roof. The key to a long-lasting metal roof is correctly selecting and installing metal roofing accessories.

Considerations

When selecting and installing metal roofing accessories, it’s important to consider several factors.

Type of Construction– Consider the roofing substrate when selecting accessories. The fasteners used for installation will vary depending on the material that the panels and trim are attached to, such as framing or plywood sheeting.

Geometry of the Roof– When examining the geometry of the roof, look for symmetry and protrusions. If the roof has a chimney, skylight or other feature, flashing will be necessary to prevent leaks.

Roof Pitch & Slope– Since each panel profile channels water differently, it’s important to consider the slope and pitch of your roof when selecting metal roof panels. The recommended trim and accessories will depend on the panel profile selection.

Next, you can consider the aesthetic appeal of the available panel profiles and accessories for your building project.

Selecting Metal Roofing Accessories

Once you’ve examined your roof and selected the appropriate panel profile, you can choose metal roofing accessories to go with it. Each panel series has specific installation resources with a product checklist that outlines the standard accessories that should be used.

Installing Metal Roofing Accessories

When installing metal roofing accessories, it’s important to use caution when penetrating the roofing panels and select compatible materials. In most cases, the roofing contractor will be responsible for proper installation. All penetrations should be added to the project specifications and approved ahead of time by the roofing contractor.

Our manuals recommend detailed accessory installation instructions for each of the roof conditions mentioned above down to the trim, sealant and fasteners. For the longevity of your metal roof, it’s crucial to follow the standard details for your roofing conditions. Make sure to use the equipment offered by your manufacturer to preserve the weathertightness warranty.

Here are some things to avoid when installing metal roofing accessories:

  • Using dissimilar materials – Accessories made of dissimilar materials such as lead, copper and graphite can cause damaging reactions and corrosion.
  • Penetrating the roof before coordinating with the roofing contractor – To maintain the weathertightness warranty, all pipe penetrations should be coordinated with the roofing contractor.
  • Choosing the wrong clip for your insulation thickness – There are several different clip systems available that vary depending on the roof substrate.
  • Using an abrasive saw – Make sure to use the recommended tools. Using an abrasive saw could damage the cut edge, causing premature corrosion to the panel or trim, and likely damaging the paint system. This will void any finish warranty and create a potential spot for the roof system to leak. Instead, use snips or hand shears.

At ABC, we offer color matching fasteners, trim and other accessories to make your metal roofing project run smoothly. Have a question about installing metal roofing accessories? Reach out to your local ABC representative.

Benefits of Metal Panels for Agricultural Buildings

Posted on by Joe Sample

Metal panels are ideal for agricultural buildings, including those that house livestock, such as cattle, hogs and poultry. They’re durable and offer flexibility in design so you can create an agricultural building that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Read below to learn more about the benefits of choosing metal panels and special considerations for animal confinement.

Why do so many agricultural buildings use metal panels?

  • Durability: Metal panels are designed for durability. They can withstand high winds and heavy snowfall. They’re also hail resistant, featuring a class 4 rating. Unlike wood, metal panels are resistant to damage from termites and other insects. Metal is also noncombustible.
  • Longevity: Metal panels last three to four times longer—up to 60 years. Unlike corrugated fiberglass panels, metal doesn’t get brittle after years in the sun.
  • Cost Savings: Metal is a much more cost-effective material than wood because it doesn’t need to be replaced as often. The durable design of metal panels also saves money on maintenance.
  • Sustainability: Our metal panels are made from recycled materials. They’re also 100% recyclable at the end of your building’s life. Choose from a variety of cool roofing colors that are designed to reflect the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it into your agricultural building.
  • Ease of Installation: Metal panels can be cut to the nearest 1/4 of an inch for easy installation. Most panels offer three feet of coverage which is more time-efficient than pounding out shingles.
  • Design Flexibility: There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to metal panels. We offer a broad selection of styles, profiles, colors and finishes.

The common panel profile used for this application is Imperial Rib® . It’s designed for durability with two minor ribs which give it strength. It’s also formed with a round top which pushes away moisture.

Metal Panels for Livestock Shelters

Animal confinement imposes specific challenges on panels that aren’t required considerations for residential or commercial uses.

When considering metal panels for a barn or other animal enclosure, here is what you should keep in mind.

What makes animal housing such a challenge?

Animal waste has high ammonia content that can start to corrode metal in as little as five years. With roofs, this corrosion is fueled by airborne fumes; on walls, the culprit is manure or dirt lying against the panels for extended periods. You can minimize both problems with good ventilation and regular maintenance, including keeping the panels clean and immediately repairing any damage.

Important Considerations

  • Panel Coatings: More people are opting for Galvalume panels for their livestock housing projects than ever before. And while Galvanized panels perform better than Galvalume in high-ammonia environments such as hog confinement, Galvanized panels are susceptible to white rust (chalking) if exposed to water prior to installation, which is not an issue with Galvalume panels.

For this reason, many are pairing Galvalume panels with a protective, self-adhesive moisture barrier like ABC’s Drip Stop product, which is applied to the panel’s interior before it is roll-formed. This membrane absorbs moisture when relative humidity (RH) is high, and then releases it back into the atmosphere when the RH falls, thereby preventing the damaging moisture from directly touching the panels. For hog or cattle barns, where dirt and manure tend to pile up against walls, another protective option is to install a polycarbonate panel on the inside of the metal wall panel to reduce contact, making the metal panels easier to keep clean.

No matter which panel you choose, be sure you understand how the coating is measured to that you optimize the durability and long-term corrosion resistance. The best options are the G90 Galvanized or AZ55 Galvalume panels, which have been compared in this article.

  • Panel Thickness: The 29-gauge panel is most commonly used for animal confinement, but as mentioned in this article on metal panel gauges, nominal 29-gauge panels come in a range of actual thicknesses. For best results, look for one that’s at least .015 inches thick.
  • Design: The design of animal confinement structures is important and can have major impacts on the viability of the building. Dropped ceilings with sophisticated ventilation systems are said to increase efficiency and satisfy environmental run-off inspections, therefore maximizing return on investment. These structures can also be designed to help eliminate ammonia fumes and corrosion- common occurrences in buildings with poor air flow.
  • Warranty: As with any purchase, it’s important to check the warranty exclusions when selecting any kind of panel for your projects. For instance, the warranty on a Galvalume panel may not apply when it’s subjected to animal waste or other corrosives. Again, good ventilation and regular maintenance will minimize the chance of problems.

For more information on ABC’s agricultural products, visit our website or contact your local representative today.

What Makes a Metal Building Green?

Posted on by Greg Hekman

Longevity, reduced material consumption and decreased energy usage are what determine if a structure is sustainable. A design-build contractor or builder should understand the metal building owner’s sustainability goals from the onset of the design phase.

In addition to protecting the environment, designing a sustainable building can save your company money through reduced energy costs and garner recognition through several certification programs including LEED®, Green Globes and the Living Building Challenge. 

Metal buildings are a sustainable, or “green”, option from fabrication through the end of their lifespan. Here are some of the features of steel buildings that make them green: 

Durability

One benefit of metal buildings is the exceptional durability of the building components including metal siding, roofing and framing . Compared to traditional building materials like lumber or shingles, steel is resistant to damage from the elements including severe weather, insects and even fire. 

Lumberyard Entrance
Rice Lumber’s retail store utilizes CF Flute insulated metal panels in slate gray. For the warhouse, PBR in 26-gauge slate gray were used for the wall and soffit panel, while and 7.2 Panel was selected under deck for the rubber roof.

This longevity means that there’s no need to consume additional resources to repair or replace your metal building for decades, contributing to its overall sustainability.  

Reduced Impact at the Building Site 

The benefits of metal buildings extend beyond the materials used. Since metal buildings are fabricated off site, there’s less disruption of the area surrounding the building. They can be erected quickly with less waste.

Decreased Temperatures in Urban Areas

Additionally, buildings featuring cool metal roofing panels can help reduce the heat-island effect. The heat-island effect refers to the increase in temperature created when dark and heat absorbing roofing materials are used. These roofing materials can raise the temperature of surrounding areas by as much as seven degrees. This excess heat can be detrimental to plants, trees and people in urban areas. Since cool metal roofing reflects heat instead of absorbing it, less heat is transmitted to the surrounding areas. This helps plants retain water and people remain more comfortable. This also translates to decreased energy usage and decreased greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity used for cooling buildings. 

Improved Energy Efficiency

Metal buildings can also be designed for improved energy efficiency. Combine a variety of components such as insulated metal roof and wall panels and high-performance windows and doors to create an energy efficient building envelope. These components work together to create an effective thermal and vapor barrier, ultimately reducing energy consumption. 

Further improve the energy efficiency of your metal building by choosing cool metal roofing. Since these panels reflect the sun’s rays, less heat is absorbed into the building itself. This helps to reduce heating and cooling costs. 

Metal roofing panels are the perfect substrate for the installation of solar panels. Solar panels can be attached to a variety of metal panel styles. For standing seam metal roofing, solar panels can be clipped to the roof panel to avoid penetrating the substrate.  This renewable energy source will help reduce your building’s carbon footprint and lower electricity costs. 

Responsible Material Usage

When selecting sustainable materials for your building project, metal should be at the top of your list. Steel products contain a significant percentage of recycled material and are 100% recyclable at the end of the building’s life.

Since most metal buildings are prefabricated in shops, there’s less overall waste both at the job site and during fabrication. Any scrap materials that are created during fabrication can be recycled and reused. 

Indoor Environmental Quality 

One important component of sustainability is the interior performance of your building. This is achieved when the well-being of the building’s occupants is protected. Since metal building components are pre-finished off-site during fabrication, there are less harmful, volatile organic compounds released into the building. 

Additionally, metal buildings offer flexibility of design, allowing for the incorporation of windows, doors and skylights throughout in order to provide natural light and exterior views. This has been shown to benefit building users. 

What You Need to Know About Insulated Metal Panels

Posted on by Tyler Roose

Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs), simply put, are the insulated version of single-skin (uninsulated) metal panels. As the name suggests, IMPs provide insulation and, therefore, thermal control and barrier protection to structures. This helps ensure air, heat and moisture stay outside of a building, reducing the chances of mold, corrosion and rotting.

ABC Blog: Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs)A versatile and practical choice, IMPs are designed for many roof and vertical and horizontal wall applications—including ceiling panels and wall partitions for commercial, industrial and post-frame building types. IMPs are ideal for sustainability-minded designs, offering excellent R-values (indicating their insulating power) and improving energy efficiency. What’s more, they’re available in various colors, thicknesses, widths and finishes, providing many customization options to choose from.

Here, we’ll take a look at some of the many benefits of using IMPs. Plus, we’ll review some factors to consider when deciding if IMPs are the right choice for a building project.

Choosing IMPs:

There are several important factors that go into the decision to use IMPs. While they offer tremendous benefits, it’s always good to research the product to ensure it meets your needs. The manufacturer, as always, is a great resource to help determine the optimal material and product, given all the parameters. Here are some of the main factors to consider.

 Benefits of using IMPs:
  • Installation and Maintenance: IMPs have similar requirements to single-skin in terms of time and labor.
  • Longevity: IMPs can enhance the building lifespan, as they protect from unwanted and damaging heat and moisture.
  • Versatility: Available in a range of panel colors, thicknesses, widths and finishes, IMPs offer many customization options.
  • Energy Savings: Because they help regulate interior temperature, IMPs are more effective at energy conservation as compared to single-skin panels.
  • Energy Performance: Contractors and builders can use IMPs to achieve necessary energy performance levels with this single-source enclosure, providing a continuous blanket of protection.
  • R-Value Performance: IMP tests show thermal performance values up to R-8.515 (roof panels) and 7.08 (wall panels) per inch of panel thickness. i.e., a 2.5-inch-deep panel would easily meet the International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE minimums.
  • Cost: While generally more expensive than single-skin panels, this cost is often offset by long-term savings.
  • Tax Savings: Federal, state and/or local governments often offer incentives for using sustainable or “green” products that meet energy-efficiency requirements. Your personal tax advisor can share more information on any currently available incentive programs.
How to know if you need an insulated metal panel:
  • Building Type/End Use: Any structure that will hold people or goods should consider using IMPs. Specialized facilities that require reliable temperature and moisture regulation are excellent candidates for IMP use. These include refrigerated warehouses, research laboratories, government facilities, defense contractors, technology companies, MRI clinics and food production facilities, to name a few.
  • Geography and Weather: Depending on region/weather considerations, IMPs might be the best choice. To help determine if that is the case, you can calculate the functional amount of insulation needed in your area by using the minimum rated R-values method or the maximum U-factor assembly calculation. [For IMPs, the Maximum U-Factor Assembly calculations is recommended and can be tested using ASTM C1363.]
  • Meeting Fire Rating Requirements: To become fire-rated, IMP manufacturers can submit full-size product samples to a testing laboratory like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The products are then tested according to standard, agreed-upon procedures such as ANSI/UL 263, “Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.” The manufacturer can provide confirmation as to whether a particular IMP meets the requirement for your project.

All things considered, the advantages IMPs offer often make them ideal for many building applications. This is particularly true when it comes to energy efficiency and sustainability for the post-frame, commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For more information on IMPs, check out ABC’s IMP resources or reach out to an ABC representative in your area.

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.

 

Preparing for Installation of Your Metal Panels

Posted on by Tyler Roose

There is no doubt that selecting metal roof and wall products is a wise investment. To make the most of that investment, it’s important to take certain preparation steps before beginning your metal panel installation. Once you’ve purchased the materials you need, the next order of business is to ensure the metal panels, trim and components are properly prepped. This is your best chance at keeping your job site safe, making sure your materials are not lost or damaged and ensuring your project stays on schedule so you reap the benefits of going metal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Step One: Project Planning

    Starting your project with a clear plan will yield the best results. When planning your metal panel installation project, choosing an appropriate time to install is essential. Considerations will vary based on your location and include:

    • Moisture levels: it’s better to install when it’s dry (no rain, dew, snow or ice) as installing when surfaces are slick increases chances of slipping and injury.
    • Wind conditions: it’s better to install in low-wind conditions to prevent chances of injury/product damage.

  • Step Two: Material Check

    Once your materials are delivered to your warehouse or job site, the next order of business is to make sure you’ve received all of the building materials you ordered and that all pieces are in good condition. You will need to:

    • Manage a material receiving checklist
    • Check your panels for moisture, denting/bending, wind damage and additional transit abrasion
    • Ensure proper storage of your materials, including panels and trim in bundled and stacked sheets, to protect them from damage and prevent corrosion and/or galvanic reaction

    Check out ABC’s blog post on metal panel delivery and material handling for details on proper loading and unloading, cutting and job site safety. Additionally, our post on metal panel storage provides best practices on keeping your panels and components in pristine condition whether they’re going to be installed immediately or stored for future use or sale.

  • Step Three: Metal Panel Installation Preparation

    Once the location of the project is defined and the materials have been ordered, delivered and checked, the ultimate responsibility for on-site panel preparation lies with the installer, who should:

    • Re-check that all materials are present and in good condition
    • Arrange the material so that it stays undamaged and doesn’t pose a hazard to anyone on the site during installation
    • Ensure all metal panel installation tools are available and properly functioning, including drills, ladders and seamers
    • Make sure all safety preparations have been made and all safety gear is in good condition, including gloves, eye masks, safety helmets, boots and wrist guards.

Metal building panel and components manufacturers often make a variety of resources available for review, including product details, technical bulletins and installation manuals that can help building owners, distributors/contractors and installers alike. For more information on preparing for metal panel installation, contact your local ABC representative.

Metal Roof Pitch Part I: Engineering and Strength Considerations

Posted on by David Lester

Whether you’re an owner who needs to consider roofing material options because of the nature or design of your building, or a distributor/contractor whose job it is to recognize whether a suggested design will or won’t work based on a range of circumstances, it is critical to understand the engineering behind why roof pitch and tensile strength are important on a metal building project. In part one of our series, we look at the engineering and strength considerations that need to be taken into account when designing or specifying a building, while part two will review the best type of metal panel to use based on the pitch and end-use of your building,

Engineering Considerations:

Ideally, your roof pitch will be the “sweet spot” between having a roof pitch that’s so shallow that the beared load is increased and having a roof pitch that’s so steep that wind uplift probability is increased—a factor which can also vary based on the building width. Specific engineering considerations with regard to roof slope include:

  • Snow Load Requirements: lower slopes create more load that the roof/structure must support. For example, when you have a flat roof and it snows, the snow will stay on the roof, adding more weight; on a sloped roof, a good amount of the snow will slide off of the roof, so the load will remain in an acceptable range the structure can support.
  • Wind Load: Preventing roof damage from high winds is largely dependent on roof geometry, slope and building material used. If outside air is allowed to penetrate a structure through cracks and other openings when wind flows over a building, the air pressure beneath the roof assembly increases. When this pressure becomes greater than the pressure directly above the roof (which happens as wind flows over a building), this can cause upward force on the roof system, leading to loss of structural integrity and significant damage. Wind uplift rating and minimum slope requirements are dictated by building codes in the market, so be sure to check with your local municipality for specific details.
  • Water Diversion: the steeper the pitch the faster it will channel and divert water, preventing it from pooling and causing other issue like mold, mildew and paint degradation. As with the snow load considerations mentioned above, the less additional weight burdening the roofing system, the better.
  • Minimizing Debris: steeper-sloped roofs also help minimize the chance that debris, mold and mildew have to build up on the roofing system. Unless there is a catastrophic weather event that drops large amounts of heavy debris—tree branches for example—there is a small chance that debris on a roof of any slope will exceed its ability to carry the load. However, because the more debris is able to slide down and off of a metal roof, the less that needs to be manually cleaned. Additionally, access to and cleaning the eaves of sloped roofs is much easier and less time-consuming that trying to perform the same maintenance on a roof with less slope.

The Strength of Metal Panels:

  • Tensile strength: This refers to the panel’s ability to resist breaking when it’s placed under pressure or tension—meaning the panel has a measured ability to bend under a certain amount of stress before it snaps. Galvanized steel panels can withstand between 50,000 and 80,000 pounds of pressure per square inch (50 KSI – 80 KSI)—significantly higher than the tensile strength of other roofing materials. Despite this, metal panels remain lighter and more impact resistant, keeping the likelihood and cost of repairs to a minimum. Check the tensile strength of your metal panels with the manufacturer and be sure to reference common testing standards related to roof slope, including ISO ratings and ASTM standards that test tensile strength.
  • Steel Hardness and Density: 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. Buildings such as pole barns, post-frame buildings, warehouses and garages can require roof panels to span longer distances and therefore require thicker panels as they are more structurally sound. These thicker panels will also 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.

Conclusion:

Following common standards, doing adequate research and conforming to manufacturer guidelines regarding slope will ensure you’re reaping the full benefit of your metal roof panel selection. For more information on metal roofs and to learn more about recommendations on roof slope, 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.

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.