Metal Roofing Archives | Page 2 of 5

Metal Roofing and Hurricane Season Part 1: Securing the Roof

Posted on June 11, 2019May 31, 2023 by Marc Carolan

For customers who live and work in coastal areas, preparing for hurricane season is vital. This preparation helps mitigate the risks and damage tropical storms can cause to their homes and businesses. Most hurricane-preparedness tips include making a hurricane emergency kit, reviewing insurance policies and outlining family emergency and evacuation plans. While these are all important activities, there are few that focus on the impact roofing material can have on the safety and security of your customers and their property. In this two-part blog series, we’ll evaluate the performance of metal roofing in coastal areas and provide practical tips to help your customers protect their assets during storms.

First, we’ll review one of the most vulnerable parts of your customers’ structure: the roof. Roof cover damage accounts for most non-storm-surge-related insurance claims during a hurricane. Damage to this vital building element can be dangerous and devastating since even partial damage can leave the entire structure vulnerable to wind, water and other structure- and property-damaging elements. To help prevent these ill-effects, selecting a roof material that can stand up to tropical weather is essential.

Metal Roofing Performance in Coastal Communities

Metal roofing is made of interlocking panels that provide unique strength and durability. When properly installed, some can withstand abuse from hurricane-force winds up to 140-mph as well as wildfires, hailstorms and tornadoes. American Building Components (ABC) metal panels feature UL 580 Class 90 Wind Uplift Resistance, UL Class 4 Hail Impact Resistance and Class A Fire ratings to support this. Metal roofs also have fewer seams as compared to traditional asphalt shingle roofing. Fewer seams means fewer entry points for water that can soak attic insulation and cause ceiling collapse and other damage.

Many metal roofing panel profiles adhere to strict approval codes designed to prevent property loss and damage from high winds. One example is the Miami-Dade County Approval—one of the most stringent building codes in the industry. To help your customers meet these strict requirements, panels like ABC’s PBR and 5V Crimp profiles, as well as most insulated metal panels can be specified to qualify for Miami-Dade County-approval. To ensure your customers’ roof adheres to Miami-Dade standards, be sure that the panel meets guidelines for thickness and features a Miami-Dade approval sticker. Even if a Miami-Dade approved panel is used, if not installed properly using correct fasteners, it will not be effective. Remind your customers that the manufacturer’s installation instructions should provide all necessary details to ensure proper function and protection.

The True Savings of Metal Roofing

By choosing metal roofing, your customers can save money in the long run. Although other roofing options are cheaper up-front, customers who install metal panels benefit from their superior design and durability. This pays dividends in the form of lower maintenance costs and insurance premiums over the life of their metal roof. A properly-installed, thick-gauge metal roof can last up to 50 years. That’s more than double the lifespan of traditional asphalt shingle roofs many customers are familiar with. In addition, some manufacturers back the durability and lifespan of their metal roofing products with industry-leading warranties that provide peace-of-mind.

For tips on how to prevent roof damage during hurricane season, read part two of our ‘Metal Roof and Hurricane Season’ blog series. For additional information on how to storm-proof your roof, reach out to your local ABC representative today.

How to Prevent Ice Dams on Metal Roofs

Posted on January 10, 2019May 31, 2023 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.

How Can Ice Dams Be Prevented?

To prevent ice dams, follow these four steps:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Posted on November 13, 2018May 31, 2023 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.

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.

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.

A close-up of this dormer roof illustrates how the impact of sliding ice and snow can damage panel seams.

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.

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 October 4, 2018May 31, 2023 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Protect Roof Attachments

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.

Advancements in Metal Roof and Wall Panels

Posted on July 26, 2018May 31, 2023 by Marc Carolan

The evolution of metal roof and wall panels in the steel building industry.

Metal roof and wall panels are commonly used in today’s building industry and are highly valued for their versatility, durability and aesthetic features. This wasn’t always the case, though. Over the last several decades, the metal building industry has evolved and the use of metal panels and coordinated metal building components is now a major boon for builders as it helps them provide on-time, on-budget, attractive project to a wide-ranging customer base.

To meet changing demands and standards, the industry has continued to develop and progress since the Industrial Revolution. This era saw more than just an increase in the use of iron as a construction material. In the late 1880s, metal became a profitable option well-suited for steel-framed buildings, skyscrapers and train stations. During WWII and in the decades that followed, modern steel became the universal standard. Common uses included military shelters, oil storage, churches and private buildings—including landmarks like the Empire State Building.

1940s – 1950s:

During the 1940s and 1950s, industry sales centered around standardized buildings (pre-engineered)—mostly to the agricultural, industrial and government markets. Typically unpainted and unattractive, these metal roof and wall panels simply met their functional purpose. However, their ability to be ordered, delivered and installed quickly and easily made them very valuable.

1960s:

The innovation of pre-painted wall panels in 1959 transformed the metal building industry. Formerly focused on agricultural and industrial end-uses, the additional color options made metal panels more appealing to commercial markets. In the late 1960s, the innovative standing-seam metal roof panel delivered advantages previously unheard of. As seen with American Building Components’ LokSeam® panel, this design features fewer seams that are raised above the panel. With fasteners situated above the panel level, the risk of damage from moisture that can collect there is reduced. Standing seam metal roofs are also designed to allow for expansion and contraction that naturally occurs as a result of changing temperatures. This provided owners, designers and contractors with a high-quality roof that can be specified and used for large buildings. Their low upfront cost and superior performance and lifespan made metal buildings the preferred solution for low-rise, non-residential buildings.

1970s – 1980s:

In the 1970s, the metal panel industry primarily focused on commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings of 10,000 sq.ft. or smaller. In the 1980s, the industry continued to grow in response to customer and market needs. New coating technologies were introduced to provide better corrosion resistance, making metal buildings a more viable long-term option. Technological advances in wind loading for walls and wind uplift for roofs also addressed structural engineering concerns previously held.

1990s:

In the 1990s, metal building construction nearly doubled because metal had proven to be flexible, cost-efficient and time-saving. As a result. the industry expanded to include retail buildings and civil/service facilities, such as schools and hospitals. Emerging metal panel technology, such as snow load solutions, was beginning to be investigated and addressed. In particular, the advancement of computer technology helped create more robust design systems. This enabled manufacturers and contractors to quickly price and deliver detailed preliminary design drawings with greater efficiency and accuracy.

Early 2000s:

The first two decades of this century brought more diverse product and service offerings to the market. These included practical and aesthetic innovations like insulated metal panels (IMPs) as well as new roofing finishes. This decade also saw a new focus on metal building safety in response to dangerous California earthquakes. To help mitigate the risks, research into the structural implications of seismic activity was conducted, resulting in updated building standards. Customer requirements also drove energy performance optimization and engineering guidelines for tapered structural components, and new exterior finishes and styles for metal roof and wall panels were introduced. This included the use of horizontal instead of vertical siding systems and smooth-surface panel faces.

Today…and Beyond:

The dramatic and innovative industry advancements of the past have given way to the full and complete metal panel solutions for a wide range of building types—including unconventional ones like custom residences—that we enjoy today. Continued research, partnerships and collaboration are further driving industry expansion and diversification—a trend that shows no sign of slowing.

For more information on American Building Components’ metal roof and wall panels, trim and components, visit us online. Metal Product Distributors: quote and order metal building products anytime, anywhere and from any device using our online ordering tool. If you don’t already have an account, register for access today!

What You Need to Know About Insulated Metal Panels

Posted on June 28, 2018May 31, 2023 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.

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 Color Selection—What to Consider

Posted on May 31, 2018May 31, 2023 by Candy McNamee

Choosing a metal panel color can feel daunting these days. With the number of available metal building colors having expanded from the usual white, tan and Galvalume to more than a couple of dozen options, where do you begin? What factors should influence your decision? Read on for recommendations on key questions to ask to help you make the best decision for both the desired aesthetic as well as longevity, durability and energy efficiency of your metal project.

What colors are metal products available in?

This is the most obvious consideration and can be answered with a simple search of the metal product manufacturer’s website. Authorized dealers also often have physical metal panel color charts, samples or chips from metal product manufacturers for in-person review. While metal panel color options used to be limited to standard stock colors like white, tan and Galvalume, today, many manufacturers are able to offer many more color options outright as well as additional custom colors. These new metal panel color options now include metallic paints, as well as ones with metal flecks that add sheen and sparkle, giving the panel color more depth and durability.

How can I be sure I’m getting the exact metal panel color I think I’m getting?

Upon request, most metal panel manufacturers are more than happy to provide actual color chips so you can see the exact color in person. While the chips on color charts are a close facsimile, getting color chips from the plant is ideal to ensure a perfect match. Additionally, you can view images of completed projects on the manufacturer’s website as seen in ABC’s Project Gallery. This section not only shows you photos of real-life building projects using our metal products so you can see how colors look in different combination and on different building types, but it also provides details on the products and colors used with additional resources to help you make your selection.

In addition, ABC’s Color Visualizer helps you envision your actual project before you even order your metal panels. You can upload your own photo or choose from our sample project photos to pick your ideal panel type and color. While it’s useful to review the manufacturer’s website and color visualization for project images and ideas, keep in mind that colors may look a bit different on your computer than they do in real life.

How to select the right color for optimal energy efficiency?

Cool metal roofs have been shown to be among the most sustainable and energy-efficient choices out there. They are designed to reflect more of the sun’s energy (and heat) back into the atmosphere to keep your building cooler and reduce your air-conditioning bills. (Read more about cool metal roofs in our blog post.)While lighter colors are generally the best option to optimize cooling effects, it should be stated that improved energy performance is a result of much more than just the roof’s color. The Cool Roof rating of paints and coating systems used by metal panel manufacturers are generally listed with the color choices on the manufacturer’s website. For detailed information, a great resource is the Cool Roof Rating Council, which maintains a products directory that lists solar reflectivity and thermal emissivity values for many roofing brands.

ABC offers the most sophisticated silicone polyester coating paint system in the industry. It offers optimum exterior protection and superior resistance to chemical corrosion and ultraviolet radiation, and most of our paint coatings are ENERGY STAR^® qualified.

Can I paint over my metal panels?

If you’re considering painting your metal panels, trim or accessories, you should first check with the metal product manufacturer to ensure you won’t be voiding any warranties. You can also ask the manufacturer about touch-up paint and the correct way to apply it if small corrections need to be made. If you do decide to completely re-paint your panels, it’s best to get the panel manufacturer’s recommendation on the best paint and application products/methods to use to ensure you don’t damage the steel underneath the paint.

What if my paint isn’t performing the way I expect it to?

Most manufacturers offer a limited warranty on their paint systems. Before you buy, be sure you understand the limits of the warranty. If you think your situation warrants a claim, take pictures of the product and send them to the manufacturer to start the process. Do not attempt to correct or cover any issues as this will likely void your warranty. The manufacturer will likely send someone out to look at your material and will keep you informed throughout the process.

Armed with the right questions, resources and, hopefully, color charts and samples, choosing a color for your new metal roof can be an exciting part of the process. Your job is to take the time to review the options to make the most practical and aesthetically appropriate decision. ABC representatives are always ready with the resources and information you need, so feel free to contact one of our team members with your questions.

Metal Product Distributors: quote and order metal building products anytime, anywhere and from any device using our online ordering tool. If you don’t already have an account, register for access today!

Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Safely Install Metal Roofs

Posted on April 27, 2018April 29, 2024 by David Lester

Anyone who has installed a metal roof knows it can be a dangerous business. With risks ranging from slips and falls to debris and even skin damage as a result of sun exposure, the installer needs to be cognizant of all safety considerations to mitigate personal injury. The good news is that wearing the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can greatly reduce the risk—and severity—of potential injuries.

Here we’ll review gear that can help ensure personal safety on jobsites and recommend equipment to always have on hand.

Standard Construction Safety Equipment

Safety Gear Recommendations:

Gloves—the thicker the better for optimal protection from cutting one’s hand on the sharp edges and corners of sheet metal. According to the Metal Construction Association’s (MCA’s) Metal Roof Installation Manual, clean leather gloves that allow for a good grip are the the best injury protection. (Dirty gloves can soil and scratch the panel surface.) Gloves also protect hands from burns when handling materials heated by sun exposure.

Hard Hats—according to OSHA, when exposed to the possibility of head injuries, hard hats should be worn. Roof work, especially handling metal materials, does raise the possibility. It is critical to ensure the hard hat fits properly to maximize their protective effectiveness.

Eye Wear—ensure protective eyewear features side shields to prevent metal shavings or any other airborne debris from damaging the eyes.

Fall Protection—slips and falls are, perhaps, the most obvious risk when installing metal roofs. Recommended gear includes a tie-off safety harness, non-skid footwear and mesh netted “Fall-Saver” insulation laid underneath the roof to help prevent falling through.

Toe Protection—in addition to being durable and having non-slip soles, steel-toed boots can help protect installers’ toes from injury.

Forearm Guards—Even lightly brushing against an exposed metal panel edge can result in serious injury. Forearm guards made of chainmail or Kevlar are recommended to prevent wounds.

Reflective Vests—these are a key piece of safety wear critical for alerting others to a workers’ presence. This is particularly important if there are vehicles or mobile machinery on site.

Proper Clothing—perhaps the most obvious recommendation is to wear fitted clothing. Loose clothing can get caught on sharp material and in machinery, which can cause serious, irreversible injury. Long-sleeved shirts and pants should be worn to protect skin from metal shavings and sun damage.

General Construction Site Safety:

In addition to the specific PPE listed above, the saying “Better safe than sorry.” can’t be overstated. The following is a checklist of common-sense equipment and other items that should always be on every construction site:

First-Aid Kit
CPR/AED kits
Fire extinguisher
Working access to /communication with Emergency services
ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact information for all personnel
Water

Additional Resources:

To learn more about PPE and safeguarding against injury when installing metals roofs, OSHA construction site safety guidelines and Metal Construction Association’s Metal Roof Installation Manual (Chapter 9: Safety Issues) are great resources. You can also learn more about metal panel installation considerations from our recent blog post. And, of course, the American Building Components team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance.

When to Call a Metal Panel Manufacturer: Part II

Posted on March 31, 2018May 31, 2023 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 January 30, 2018May 31, 2023 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.

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!

Service Representatives: Some may prefer to speak to an expert directly, especially if already in the middle of an install. In these cases, installers can call their sales person or local field service/customer service representative to discuss and find solutions.

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!