Tag: color resources

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.

 

The Benefits of Metal Panels for Barndominiums

Posted on by Casey Walker

Another alternative residential construction trend gaining momentum (like tiny homes) is the “barndominium” movement.  Barndominiums are typically metal buildings that have been transformed from industrial or agricultural structures into residences boasting affordability, low maintenance and energy efficiency. These structures stand apart from traditional and tiny homes in that they may literally have been a barn or warehouse that has been renovated to include several rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and other living areas. They often have open floor plans and can also be dual-purpose—combining a residence with areas used for other functions such as offices, garages, workshops, places of worship or meeting centers.

Barndomiums are highly customizable and can offer your customers all the creative possibilities of a traditional home. Like their standard tiny home counterparts, they deliver a low-maintenance lifestyle at a more affordable price. With a barndominium, you customers have the opportunity to live in a larger space and to incorporate larger workspaces into one inclusive property.

Generally, these high-functioning, low-cost structures include everything your customers would expect in a residential structure: energy-efficient windows, stained concrete floors, engineered concrete slabs, spray foam insulation, plumbing and even 9-foot ceilings. In addition to basic living space and plumbing, barndominiums can offer specialized add-on options such as air-conditioning units, hardwood floors and even hot tubs. What most barndominiums have in common is that they are usually made of metal.

Why Choose Metal Roof/ Siding for Barndominiums?

Developing a barndominium usually means your customers will be working with a steel post-frame building, which naturally lends itself to the use of metal as the primary material for the entire construction. Building with metal will mean less concern about roofing and foundation problems, as well as other issues commonly encountered with a traditionally-built home.

Metal roofing and siding solutions for barndominiums carry the same benefits as for tiny homes—or any other structure for that matter. Beyond color choice and aesthetics, metal panels are readily available and offer durability, wind resistance and recyclability—all contributing to overall cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability. While there are other roofing materials that can be used, metal remains the go-to choice for your customers who are embarking on a barndominium project.

Bottom Line Benefit:

But isn’t metal roofing more expensive? The initial cost of a metal roof does exceed other materials, such as asphalt, slate or tile; it’s understandable that this could give your customers pause. Industry statistics estimate that the average cost per square foot for a metal roof is approximately $3.00, compared to asphalt shingles at $1.50. This up-front cost, however, is just the first part of a much larger story. Metal provides improved strength and durability, resulting in significantly lower maintenance and energy costs for your customers over time. Over a metal roof’s lifespan, in fact, shingles can cost just as much, if not more, contributing to the cost-efficiency of the design and construction.

Additionally, since metal barndominiums can be pre-engineered and prefabricated offsite, new construction costs are reduced throughout the entire process—from design through to construction. This means measurable savings in labor costs due to a streamlined, abbreviated construction timeline.

Expert Advice:

While barndominiums might be the wave of the future, there are still some practical factors your customers should keep in mind:

Compliance: For one, since barndominiums may have the unique function of serving as both a living and working space, it is important that your customers check (in advance!) local zoning regulations to ensure the property is zoned for a metal barndominium. Also, ensure the building materials chosen are suited to the specific climate and location.

Quality: Furthermore, and perhaps most important, they should make sure the manufacturer is reputable and that the materials used are efficient and of high-quality, which should equate to better warranties and longer life expectancy for the structure.

For more information on metal panels for barndominiums, including recommendations on panel types and gauges for barndominium applications, please contact an American Building Components representative near you.

Metal Panels for Tiny Homes: Part 2

Posted on by Tyler Roose

California Tiny Home

COPYRIGHT DC PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS.

 

In the first article in our three-part series on tiny homes we presented an overview of the tiny home trend, including lifestyle considerations and cost benefits. In the second installment, we discussed how tiny homes are built with the same types of materials, construction and aesthetics you find in larger, traditional residences. Metal panels—a popular material choice for tiny homes—provide advantages such as affordability, mobility and customization. Some additional factors in choosing metal panels for tiny home construction are weather, installation and maintenance. Here we’ll take a look at these considerations in a bit more detail.

Weather Considerations:

While building tiny homes in mild climates can be pretty straightforward, there are many built in locations that must take specific weather conditions into consideration. Just as with traditional homes, tiny homes exposed to freezing temperatures need to be winterized to keep everything functioning, and can be heavily insulated, built with air-tight, double-paned windows and designed and oriented for optimum sun exposure to keep the heat in. For warmer climates and seasons, tiny homes designed to optimize air flow and fitted with adjustable shading to protect you from the sun’s heat can be an addition to more traditional temperature regulation methods, which should of course be properly installed and serviced.

When it comes to preparing for extreme weather, there are very few additional precautions to be taken in comparison with traditional single-family homes. One exception is that tiny homes should be built with hurricane ties and straps, earthquake tie-downs and other anchors to secure the structure. Building to codes specific to any area you would plan to take your tiny home is vital to ensuring it remains undamaged and you remain safe.

The Metal Panel Difference: Metal panels from American Building Components are designed and manufactured with several environmental considerations in mind. For areas prone to hurricanes and other tropical activity, ABC offers wind-tested metal panels built to withstand gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. This strength and durability is also important for those who plan to haul their tiny homes on highways at high speeds. If heavy snow and ice are common during your winters, the fast-shedding nature of metal panel makes them ideal. Eco-friendly insulated metal panels for roof and wall applications and cool metal roofs can also help regulate the temperature of your home and offer additional energy efficiency. Metal panels are also fire resistant (unlike thatched roofs, which are a fire hazard) and can withstand hailstorms and other extreme weather events. Your metal roofing manufacturer can provide advice based on your environmental needs.

Installation and Maintenance:

Understanding the maintenance requirements of any building material used to construct a tiny home is essential to maximizing the lifespan of the structure, safeguarding your investment and reducing any headaches that could arise from poor planning and inattention to the detail. It is, therefore, important that you fully understand the material you are using and that you follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions, which should be made readily available to you. Also, be sure to read and understand any product warranties to ensure you know about any exclusions or requirements.

The Metal Panel Difference: One caveat with metal panels for tiny homes is the precision that installers (or DIY’ers) need to use in order to get the most value out of the material. While metal panels require a greater level of accuracy during the installation process, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Resources on how to install and care for metal panels are abundant. In addition to referencing the manufacturer’s installation manuals, you can check out their how-to videos and lean on their customer service team for support and installer recommendations.

To extend the lifespan and strength of metal panels for tiny homes, maintenance consists mostly of preventing and correcting issues such as damage from the build-up of debris as well as storm-related traumas like hail stones, falling branches, etc. For specific maintenance tips, check out our recent blog on metal panel maintenance.

The last word

The benefits metal panels offer make their use for tiny home building a no-brainer. While homes made from other materials lose value over time, metal roofs provide long-term performance and environmental benefits, cost efficiencies and extended durability for the tiny home community. For more information on ABC’s metal panels, visit our website or contact a representative today.

Metal Panels for Tiny Homes: Part 1

Posted on by Tyler Roose

In our previous blog post on tiny homes, we looked at the tiny home trend and outlined some of the pros, cons and lifestyle considerations for those interested in pursuing this increasingly popular, yet untraditional approach to housing. One of the obvious benefits is affordability, as the mere reduction of square footage lowers costs in terms of materials, labor, energy and maintenance, to name a few. Tiny homes are built with the same types of materials, construction and aesthetics you find in larger, traditional residences. Not surprisingly, metal panels are a popular material choice. Here we’ll look at the mobility and customization aspects of tiny homes and the additional advantages of choosing metal panels for tiny home construction.

Mobility

Tiny homes are typically built on trailer platforms with wheels (instead of a foundation), enabling them to be driven across the country. This mobility, however, demands that these homes are built to endure the hurricane-force winds of high-speed highway travel … no easy feat for any home.

The Metal Panel Difference: To ensure they can travel 65 mph on highways into 20 mph winds (the equivalent wind-load of a stationary house during a hurricane), many tiny home builders are turning to metal panels instead of more traditional building materials. Unlike with asphalt composition roofs, metal roofs do not need to be covered every time they’re moved as there is no concern over losing shingles while in transit.

Customization

Most homes purchased these days are significantly customizable and tiny homes are no exception. In addition to traditional customization like varying floor plans, paint color, floor material, fixture style, and interior and exterior decoration, there are also many eco-friendly customization options. Tiny homes can be built by recycling previously-used structures like shipping containers and transforming them into a living space, and can feature rainwater collection systems, composting toilets and solar array options for those looking to take their tiny homes “off the grid”. Tiny homes can also be made to be fully wheelchair accessible, as well as infant and toddler-friendly.

The Metal Panel Difference: A common misconception is that metal panels are only suitable for commercial applications. However, because they are available in a wide variety of styles, profiles and colors, metal roof and wall panels complement any residential structure, including tiny homes, making it easy to find the look that’s right for you. Beyond color choice and overall aesthetics, metal panels are manufactured and produced to provide a higher-quality building material option, giving you the aesthetic you want along with the durability you need.

The last word

The benefits metal panels offer make their use for tiny home building a no-brainer. While homes made from other materials lose value over time, metal roofs provide long-term performance and environmental benefits, cost efficiencies and extended durability for the tiny home community. For more information on ABC’s metal panels, visit our website or contact a representative today.

In the next installment of our Tiny Home series, where we go into further detail about the considerations and advantages of metal panels for tiny homes. Metal Panels for Tiny Homes: Part 2 will provide practical guidance on weather considerations, installation and maintenance.

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/

 

Maintaining, Cleaning & Repairing Metal Panels

Posted on by Tyler Roose

Understanding the maintenance requirements of your metal panels is essential to maximizing the longevity of your investment with the least amount of hassle. While metal panels have been engineered to provide decades of trouble-free protection, they can suffer damage from the build-up of debris as well as storm-related traumas like hail stones, falling branches and ice dams. To extend the lifespan and strength of metal panels, maintenance consists mostly of preventing and correcting these issues.

metal roofing maintenance tips

 The importance of regular inspections

Regular inspections are critical to identifying damaged panels and accumulated debris that can trap moisture, causing corrosion over time. To prevent this, a visual inspection should be performed in the spring and the fall of each year, as well as after major weather events to identify issues. Take a walk around the structure and look for leaves, branches and other debris piled up on the roof, including in valleys, gutters and downspouts, as well as behind chimneys and/or other protrusions. While you can perform this type of inspection yourself, please keep in mind that metal panels—particularly metal roofs—should be professionally inspected every four to five years depending on your geographic location. If you live in a coastal or humid area more prone to corrosion and rust, professional inspections should be done more frequently to prevent the rust from spreading and causing structural damage to the panels.

In addition to debris, keep an eye out for scratched or dented areas, as well as for loose screws and seams that look like they are separating. (If you can’t make out the details from the ground, try using a pair of binoculars.). Use the manufacturer’s recommended touch-up paint to correct scratches as they can quickly degrade the surface protection and jeopardize the longevity of metal panels. If the panels have separating seams or holes, first check to see if the repair is partly or fully covered by your warranty. Unless you are experienced in metal roof repair and possess a thorough knowledge of the products and techniques that can be used without voiding the warranty, it is recommended that you engage a metal panel repair specialist to make the repairs. If you decide to undertake the work yourself, it is also important to remember that these fixes are, at best, temporary and should be addressed by a professional recommended by the metal panel manufacturer.

Cleaning metal panels

Keeping metal panels clean is one of the best ways to ensure they last as long as possible. When cleaning metal roofs and walls, using a non-pressure cleaning method with detergents recommended by the metal panel manufacturer is ideal. It is not advisable to use metal tools such as rakes to remove debris. This is likely to scratch the paint, reducing the panels protection from the elements and other damaging factors. Using a leaf blower to remove debris is a common choice, but a long-handled push-broom or a telescoping pole with a window cleaning brush will also do the job. Ideally, the tool should be one that lets you do the removal from the ground, but if you absolutely must walk on the roof then only step on the flat areas. If there are areas you can’t access yourself—particularly slanted areas that have been made slippery with cleaning solutions—hiring a professional service to do this once or twice a year is the safest option.

To reduce the chance of further damage and keep your panels cleaner over longer periods of time, trim tree branches as far back from the building as possible. This is especially important for large, unhealthy branches that could break off during high winds and cause damage.

Proper snow removal

There are—of course—considerations that must be made for metal buildings located in colder climates. After a winter storm, it’s a good idea to remove standing snow from the roof. This is doubly important on older homes where poor attic insulation can lead to ice dams. An ice dam forms when heat escaping from inside the attic warms the roof and melts the bottom layer of snow. The snowmelt then re-freezes, creating a dam that traps water which can work its way into seams between panels and around flashings.

Warranty considerations

It’s always smart to reference the metal panel manufacturer’s warranty to be sure you don’t use any products or tools that will void your warranty. They should also provide instructions and advice specific to the panels and application(s) you’ve selected to ensure you get the most out of their products with the least hassle.

For more information on metal panels, check out ABC’s FAQ page. For more on our metal panels and accessories, please visit our product pages or contact your local representative today.

Cool Metal Roofs Save Energy and Cost

Posted on by Candy McNamee

Metal panels are a cool addition to your building in more ways than one. Besides looking great, a metal roof is a simple and effective way to make you more comfortable in warmer months while cutting your energy use and providing potential tax savings.

What is a cool roof?

A “cool roof” is one that’s both reflective and emissive. That is, it reflects sunlight and re-radiates absorbed heat back to the sky before that heat can work its way into the structure. Measured surface temperatures of cool roofs are as much as 50 degrees lower than those of conventional roofs[1] so the building’s interior is less prone to heat up, as are any ducts running through the structure. The benefits are obvious: your rooms are naturally cooler and don’t require the air conditioner to work as hard, and you enjoy lower electric bills. In fact, the US Department of Energy (DOE) reports energy savings as high as 15 percent for homes with cool roofs.[2]

And if you’re building a new home, a cool roof may reduce construction costs by letting you install a smaller air conditioning system.

 

 

cool metal roofing

 

Cool Metal Roofs are both reflective and emissive.

 

 

How it works

In technical terms, these benefits are thanks to cool metal roofing’s high solar reflectance and high emissivity. The solar reflectance is used in determining ENERGY STAR® compliance.  When solar reflectance is calculated with thermal emissivity, in accordance with ASTM E1980, the result is the solar reflectance index or SRI. SRI is stated in whole numbers from 0 to 100, with the higher numbers indicating better performance. Tests done at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) found that metal roofs painted with white coatings have SRIs from 71 to 82. By contrast, white asphalt shingles earn at maximum an SRI range of just 21 to 40.[3] This indicates cool metal roofs perform three to four times better than white asphalt shingles.

The LBNL data is for white roofs, but metal has a much wider range of cool colors. Yes, white is more naturally reflective—you will feel cooler on a hot, sunny day when wearing a white shirt as opposed to a black one—but with metal panels, it’s not just about color. A broad range of paints for metal panels have chemical additives that increase their cool properties.

Tax benefits

If you need any more incentive, there’s another benefit to installing a cool roof. As mentioned in our metal roof tax credits blog, if you re-roof your primary residence using an ENERGY STAR® certified metal roofing product before Dec. 31, 2016, you are eligible to receive a tax credit. And in fact, ABC has 28 colors that are ENERGY STAR qualified for steep-slope roofs.  Simply include a copy of the manufacturer’s Certification Statement for those panels with Tax Form 5695 with your tax return to qualify for a $500 tax credit.

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

References:

[1] http://energy.gov/energysaver/cool-roofs

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urbpBy_Z5lE

[3] http://energy.lbl.gov/coolroof/

Your Guide to Steel-Curtain Roll-Up Doors

Posted on by Jessica Taylor

No building is complete without a door. In this blog, we investigate steel-curtain roll-up doors and how they deliver form and function across a wide variety of uses.

What are Steel-Curtain Roll-Up Doors?

You see them everywhere. They’re used at your local schools, recreation and retail centers, and government, medical and office buildings. They provide access and security for storage units whether applied in backyard sheds, residential garages or commercial storage facilities. And, they are also an integral part of agricultural structures, transit stations, freight buildings and warehouses.

Made of a curtain (sheet) of durable, secure steel and designed to provide quick, easy access to both commercial and residential buildings, these doors open by traveling vertically, but gather into a roll at the top of the door instead of sliding along tracks. And while they can be used in a myriad of applications, with so many door options available in the marketplace today, why are so many people opting for steel curtain roll-up doors?


Why Steel Roll-Up Doors?

Long-term Value:
Roll-up doors made of steel are generally less expense to purchase initially and they save money over the course of their lifespan. Not only do they last longer, but they also require fewer, less expensive repairs and are more durable than wood, aluminum or fiberglass products—particularly in challenging environments. In addition, steel is more energy-efficient, saving on heating and electricity costs throughout the year.

Security:
Exterior doors are inherently the most vulnerable points of many buildings, so reducing the likelihood of theft, fire, vandalism and contamination is the best way to keep your property secure. More impenetrable than doors made from wood, fiberglass or aluminum, steel doors with standard stainless steel latches are better able to protect against unwanted entry, fire, noise, vandalism and contamination from exterior elements, providing reliable security and peace-of-mind.

Durability:
Steel is a resilient material manufactured to protect against extreme weather conditions and harsh usage environments. Unlike doors made from other materials, steel roll-up doors can endure the wear and tear of heavy traffic usage and can be outfitted with rust-resistant components including spring coatings and bottom bars to further extend their longevity.

Longevity:
While wood doors are susceptible to warping and rotting, aluminum doors can quickly become dented and fiberglass can easily crack—all of which require replacement—with proper installation and maintenance, metal doors can last 30 years or longer. The high-quality primers and paint coatings used on steel doors protect against chipping and scratching, keeping the doors looking better longer.

Easy Maintenance:
Steel roll-up doors require little-to-no maintenance and are easily replaceable—making them one of the most reliable, cost-effective options in the industry. ABC’s doors are unique in that they feature gear-driven tensioning brackets that ensure safe and easy adjustments that can be made on site and with minimal down time.

Appearance:
Steel roll-up doors are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and colors. In addition, manufacturing improvements and advances in coating and paint products enables customization to suit even the most unique aesthetic requirements.

Space-Savings:
Because roll-up doors open vertically and are gathered into a roll instead of sliding along tracks, they take up little overhead space while enabling convenient and easy access.


How to Select the Right Steel Roll-Up Door:

Whether you are replacing doors on an existing building or sourcing them for a new project, be sure to consider the below factors before purchasing:

Use:
The door you need will depend on its intended use. Light-duty doors are manufactured to meet the specific and unique demands of small structures, portable buildings or recreational facilities while heavy-duty doors meet the needs of more demanding environments like commercial freight and utility buildings, warehouses and agricultural facilities.

Environment:
It is vital to consider your geography when selecting steel roll-up doors. If your project is located in a region susceptible to high winds from weather events including hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes, a wind-rated door tested in accordance with International Building Codes and that complies with your insurance requirements should be considered. Check both local and national building codes to understand if you need wind-certified doors, which can dramatically reduce maintenance and replacement costs as well as minimize downtime.

Warranties:
Be sure that you are familiar with and fully understand the warranty options available on the products purchased. It is common for doors and door components to be covered by a product warranty, while the coil coatings and paint are warranted under a second that should include considerations for film integrity as well as both chalk and fade.

To learn about ABC’s roll-up door solutions, visit our Roll-Up Doors product page or contact your local sales representative.

Galvalume® vs. Galvanized Metal Roofing

Posted on by Jessica Taylor

Galvalume® vs. Galvanized Metal Roofing

Selecting metal panels made from high-quality materials is essential to the longevity and success of your customer’s metal roofing system—from the steel sheets to the fasteners. Although the quality of the paint system applied to metal roofing panels provides an essential level of protection (as discussed in our recent ‘Decoding Your Warranty’ blog series), not to be overlooked is the coating used on metal roofing panels. Two coatings are commonly used on steel sheeting in the metal panel industry today: Galvalume® and Galvanized. Both products are manufactured to adhere to carbon sheeting and provide a barrier that resists corrosion. Additionally, they enhance long-term water-tightness and durability, ensuring resilience through damaging weather conditions. But what exactly are the differences between Galvalume® and Galvanized?

What is Galvalume® metal?

Introduced into the construction marketplace by Bethlehem Steel in 1972 and now widely available around the world, Galvalume® is carbon steel sheeting coated with aluminum-zinc alloy by a continuous hot-dip process. Composed of 55 percent aluminum and approximately 45 percent zinc, this coating combines the best properties of both metals. It has the corrosion resistance, high temperature oxidation resistance and heat reflectivity typical of aluminum coatings, with the formability and galvanic protection of cut edges characteristic of zinc coatings. This combination makes it ideal for most types of roofing and siding. In addition, the coating also contains a small but significant amount of silicon in the alloy—not to enhance the corrosion performance, but to ensure optimal coating adhesion to the steel substrate when roll-formed, drawn or bent during fabrication.

 What is Galvanized metal?

Galvanized Sheet is carbon steel sheet coated with zinc on two sides by a continuous hot-dip process. This method tightly adheres the coating to the steel with an iron-zinc alloy bonding layer formed by a diffusion process while the heated steel strip is in contact with the molten zinc.

What is the difference between Galvalume® & Galvanized roofing?

While both products were developed to essentially sacrifice themselves to protect the steel sheeting they coat, the above exposure comparison shows that Galvalume® performs (up to nine times) better in fighting corrosion as compared to Galvanized coating. While Galvalume® can initially show signs of corrosion faster than Galvanized, it has a sacrificial property that will prevent the corrosion from growing whereas once corrosion has started on a Galvanized panel, it can continue to corrode until panel integrity is lost. According to a study released by the Metal Construction and Zinc Aluminum Coaters associations, the longevity of a low-slope unpainted Galvalume® standing-seam roof is 60 years  (See the full report.)  Additionally, primer and paint adhere better to Galvalume®-coated panels and they carry a 20-year limited warranty while galvanized panels do not, making them a smarter long-term investment for your customers’ homes, agricultural buildings or commercial properties.

Important Facts About Galvalume®

  • Galvalume® should not come in direct contact with: standing water, dissimilar metals (copper, lead, iron), harsh chemicals, graphite pencil, masonry products or treated lumber.
  • Proper roof inspections and maintenance is still required, as with any other roof system.

Its versatility, ease of use, aesthetic appeal and long-term, service life-extending performance makes Galvalume-coated steel roof panels the most economical and sustainable coating option for your customers’ new and retrofit applications. To learn more about Galvalume®, please visit  http://www.galvalume.com/. To view ABC’s Galvalume® Plus products, which are easy to form and install safely due to the thin, clear acrylic coating that allows them to be roll-formed dry without vanishing oil, please see our color resources and Galvalume® warranty information.