Tag: metal panels

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. 

What Makes ABC Stand Out

Posted on by Kelly Huntsman

Since the establishment of American Building Components in 1908, we’ve delivered high quality products and reliable service in order to help you grow your distribution business. We’re committed to on-time delivery and honest communication from order placement to fulfillment. Learn more about what makes ABC a leading manufacturer of metal building products.

National Presence

ABC is dedicated to providing exceptional service to distributors across the country. With our current footprint, we’re able to distribute materials to 45 states across the country. Our manufacturing plants are conveniently located along truck routes, offering customers the flexibility to order smaller quantities as needed. This also helps to reduce shipping costs and cut fulfillment times.

Breadth of Products

At ABC, we offer a broad selection of products that are designed for a variety of industries including agricultural, commercial, residential and post-frame. This makes us a one-stop shop to meet the needs of all of your customers.

We offer a broad selection of panels, allowing you to meet the functional and aesthetic preferences of your customers. On the residential side, choose from a variety of profiles in addition to the popular Imperial Rib style. We also offer many more profiles that are unique to different parts of the country.

Unparalleled Expertise

With over 100 years of experience, we offer innovative solutions backed by knowledgeable staff. Our customers benefit from the combined insight and expertise of our team as we continue to proactively seek out ways to improve their experiences.

Online Ordering

Enjoy the convenience of our online ordering tool, designed to allow our authorized dealers and distributors to browse our selection of metal building components. This platform allows you to order exactly what you need for your customers from anywhere at any time. Create quotes easily and receive accurate pricing. It offers several payment options and shipping methods to fit your needs. It’s also able to process custom orders for trim and other products.

At ABC, we’re dedicated to providing trusted quality paired with reliable service. Browse our products or reach out to your local sales representative to learn why ABC is a leading national manufacturer of high-quality building products.

How To Cut Metal Panels

Posted on by Tyler Roose

Even with an accurate materials list, cutting metal roof and wall panels on-site is often a necessary part of the installation process. To avoid damaging your metal panels, it’s important to use the correct tools and overall best practices. Learn more about how to cut metal panels.




Safety Precautions

Before cutting your metal panels, take appropriate safety precautions to avoid getting hurt. Use gloves to protect your hands from being cut by the sharp metal panel edges. If metal filings fall on the surface of your metal panel, try to blow them off instead of touching them with your hands. Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes from airborne metal filings.

Tools

To avoid damaging the panels or their coating, it’s important to use proper tools. Snips are generally recommended for trim work while shears and nibblers are used for the panels themselves. Some of the best tools to use include:


● Aviation Snips: Good choice for small cuts, including cuts near pipe penetrations.
● Electric Shears: Ideal for lengthier cuts along steel.
● Mechanical Shears: Add-on tool that fits into an impact or screw gun. Ideal for use on standing seam panels at hips and valleys.
● Nibblers: Also known as turbo shears, they’re ideal for cutting openings for windows and doors.

Skill saws can also be used if this is the only resource available. Be sure to use a blade that is specifically designed for metal panels. Turn the panel upside down so that the painted side is facing the ground to make sure filings don’t stick to the paint coating.

Avoid Using:
● Torches
● Cut-Off Saws
● Reciprocating Saws
● Hacksaws
● Grinders

These tools heat up the metal panel and can melt or damage the edge that was cut. They can also cause metal filings to go airborne, creating a safety hazard. If those metal filings stick to the panel’s painted coating, they can cause surface rust.



Cutting Metal Panels

Marking the Panels

Before cutting your panels, be sure to measure and mark the cuts you’re planning to make. To mark your panels, lay them down flat with the painted side down. Make sure the panel is stable by clipping the panel in with c-clamps.

Do not mark on the finished side of the panel to avoid marring the visible surface. Avoid using a pencil with graphite lead as this is a dissimilar metal and could cause your metal panel to corrode. Instead, use a chalk line or magic marker. Use a straightedge or combination square to draw a straight line.

Cutting Technique

Before making a cut, be sure to line up the snip blade with the marking. Keep the blade perpendicular to the metal sheet you’re cutting. Work slowly and make steady and consistent cuts for smoother lines. Keep your cuts short to avoid jagged edges. For quicker, straighter cuts, use nibblers or mechanical shears.



Improve Efficiency by Planning Ahead

Cutting metal panels and trim in the field is easily one of the most time-consuming parts of the installation process. To avoid extra cutting in the field, it’s important to create an accurate materials list upfront. To do this, plan out how your panels will cover the roof or wall areas. Make sure the coverage width and count of the panels ordered is sufficient to cover the area you are installing. Consider which side of the building you will start with and how the ends of the wall or roof will be finished. It is possible that you may be able to avoid splitting a panel lengthwise if you do proper calculations in advance. Additionally, some panels are only able to be installed in one direction. Next, review the standard trim details such as valleys, hips, and around doors and windows. Be sure you have appropriate panels to cover these areas as well, and order to the closest pre-cut length available.

If you have any additional questions about how to cut metal panels in the field, contact your local ABC Sales Representative.

Selecting & Applying Metal Roofing Touch-Up Paint

Posted on by Martin Thompson

Our metal roofing panels are designed for durability, featuring a baked-on paint finish that covers the Galvalume®-coated steel surface. This helps to preserve the look and functionality of your metal roofing panels for decades with minimal maintenance. Over the life of your metal roofing panels, however, it is possible that the baked-on paint finish can be damaged. For minor scratches, you are able to use touch-up paint to preserve the aesthetic appeal of your metal roof. Learn more about selecting and applying metal roofing touch-up paint.


 

What Causes Scratches & Dents?

Metal roofing panels are most commonly damaged during the installation process. To avoid scratching or denting your metal roofing panels, it’s important to store them properly and use caution when unpacking and installing them. Store them at a slight angle in a dry location that is out of the way of foot traffic and ongoing construction. Avoid dragging panels across each other when unbundling to prevent damage to the paint coating.

After metal roofing panels have been installed and before the installer leaves, walk around the building to look for scratches and dents within normal view. Address these issues with your installer.

After the installation process is complete, there are additional considerations to protect your metal roof from damage. Keep trees trimmed to prevent overgrown branches from scratching your metal roof panels. Additionally, use caution when walking on the roof or using tools as these activities could damage the paint coating. Check your roof for damage at least once a year as part of your annual maintenance routine to keep it in good condition.

Assess the Damage

If you find a scratch during routine maintenance or a post-installation check, start by assessing the damage. How noticeable is the scratch? Is the panel scratched down to the bare metal? These are important questions to ask when deciding whether to use touch-up paint or replace the panel altogether.

Use touch-up paint for light scratches that only affect the paint coating or for hairline scratches down to the bare metal. touch-up paint fades more quickly than the baked-on paint coating, especially with bright or dark colors. As a result, covering a sizable area with touch-up paint could create more of a problem as the touch-up paint begins to fade over the next couple of years which would be more noticeable than leaving it alone. If your panel has large scratches or gouges that go down to the bare metal, consider replacing it instead.

Choosing Touch-Up Paint

When choosing touch-up paint for your metal roof, it’s important to make sure that it’s compatible with the existing paint coating. The best way to do this is by purchasing touch-up paint from your metal roof panel manufacturer. Most manufacturers offer small containers of high-quality paint that are designed to match the color of your existing roof panels.

How to Apply Touch-Up Paint to Metal Roofing

When applying touch-up paint, make sure to read the specific instructions provided by your manufacturer.

In general, you will complete the following steps to apply touch-up paint:

  1. Make sure the surface temperature of your roof is 50 F.
  2. Clean the area by wiping it down with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the surface is dry and free from contaminants before moving on.
  3. If the bare metal of the panel is showing, apply acrylic primer.
  4. Apply touch-up paint to the area using the dobber (or a small artist brush). Multiple coats may be likely to achieve the desired film thickness.
  5. Touch-up paint should be tack free within 30-45 minutes.
  6. It should dry completely within 24-48 hours.

For more information on how to touch-up your metal roofing panels, contact your local ABC sales representative.

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.

How Insulated Metal Panels Enhance Building Design and Performance

Posted on by Tyler Roose

Insulated metal panels can be a high-performing, aesthetically-pleasing solution for your customers’ building projects—particularly when the weather is colder. These lightweight panels feature an insulating foam core with a metal skin face and offer superior performance and design flexibility. This makes them the ideal choice for many building projects in many industries.

ABC Blog: How Insulated Metal Panels Help Enhance Building Design and Performance

Enhanced Design Using Insulated Metal Panels

In addition to their functional responsibilities, Insulated Metal Panels also need to be aesthetically pleasing. Available in a variety of colors and profile shapes, they help meet the varying design requirements of your customers’ projects. Insulated metal panel finishes resembling traditional construction materials such as precast concrete, stucco, masonry and others are also available. This provides more customization and integration options for customers.

Flexibility and Code-Compliance

Insulated metal panels easily integrate with other building materials such as concrete tilt-up, stucco, brick, single-skin metal panels, glazing and exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). They also require less space for insulation to comply with energy codes as compared to other insulating methods. This helps to maximize enclosed space within your customers’ buildings.

Additionally, the use of insulated partition panels gives customers the flexibility to decide how much of their building they want to insulate. These interior panels can help section off portions of buildings that require temperature regulation like offices and storage space. Insulated partition panels can span floor to ceiling up to 20 ft., so in most cases no additional framing is needed for installation.

Strength and Savings

The strength of Insulated Metal Panels allows for greater spanning and load-bearing capabilities as compared to single-skin alternatives. With fewer required supports, these panels easily integrate into building designs without added cost.

And, of course, the advanced polyurethane core of Insulated Metal Panels can help reduce heating and cooling costs. This energy efficiency translates into savings for building owners across the life of the panels.

Superior Performance and Cost Savings of Insulated Metal Panels

Offering superior strength and durability across their lifecycle, Insulated Metal Panels are designed as a long-term building solution. Their consistent, all-in-one air and water barrier design makes them simple to install, which can expedite the project build and minimize schedule delays.

Minimal Maintenance Requirements

Needing minimal maintenance, Insulated Metal Panels help building owners save time and money, while delivering peace of mind their strength affords. Compared to some traditional materials, insulated metal panels are also easy to repair and replace. This reduces building material costs over time while also allowing flexibility for building expansion and remodeling down the line.

Putting it All Together

Superior design and performance make Insulated Metal Panels an efficient, effective, all-in-one solution for insulating metal buildings. Contact your local ABC sales representative today to learn more.

ABC Blog: Learn More About our Insulated Metal Panels!

 

Mixing Metal Panels into Building Designs

Posted on by Tyler Roose

One major benefit of building with metal is its unparalleled versatility. In addition to its durability and longevity, mixing metal panels into building designs can update the appearance of any structure.  Available in a variety of textures, shapes, finishes and colors, the design possibilities and flexibility afforded to designers, architects, contractors and homeowners are endless. These panels are a durable option which offers a lengthier life span than several other materials.

Mixing Metal Panels with Traditional Materials

To add contrast and texture metal panels seamlessly pair with traditional building materials like shingles, wood shake and siding, stone and others. Metal panels can be used to modernize the exterior of any structure. From residential buildings to restaurants, commercial buildings, car washes and shopping centers, there are several ways to integrate metal within the design of a building:

  • Mix metal roofing panels with brick, stone or wood for added durability:
Mixing Metal Panels: ABC Blog - Splash and Dash Car Wash
Splash and Dash Car opted for vibrant metal roofing panels on their commercial car wash.
Mixing Metal Panels: ABC Blog - Palo, IA Residence
ABC metal panels were used in conjunction with stone on this residential property.
  • Add an eye-catching exterior accent wall to mix metal wall panels into your design.
  • Thinking about creating an attached porch or carport? Metal panels can easily integrate with shingles or other traditional roofing materials. 
Mixing Metal Panels: ABC Blog - Aschenberg Residential Porch
ABC metal panels were used for this residential porch addition.

When mixing metal panels with other building materials it’s important to hire an experienced contractor and refer to the specific product manuals for installation.

This will help ensure the transition from the original material to metal panels is seamless. In addition to correctly trimming the metal panels to prevent ice and snow dams, they can also help ensure trim pieces are flashed beneath the existing shingles, so you can easily replace your existing roof in the future, if necessary.

Mixing Metal Panels

Another option for creating contrast within the design of your metal building is to utilize different metal panel profiles. There’s no limit to the number of panels you can combine to bring your vision to life. Try one panel profile on your roof and add another wall panel for the siding. You can also mix and match panel colors to add character to the exterior of your building.

With this approach, you can enjoy the lengthy lifespan of metal building materials without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal you desire. Mix metal panels on buildings for any application including residential buildings such as homes, agricultural facilities and hobby shops, as well as commercial buildings like workshops, restaurants and auto repair shops.

Mixing Metal Panels: ABC Blog - Spring Acres Farm
Spring Acres Farm used varying panel colors to customize and add variance to their riding arena.

 

Metal Panel Manufacturer Support

Many metal panel manufacturers offer a metal roof and wall panel profiles to support a variety of unique building projects. These high-quality panels come in a variety of styles, colors and finishes to fit any design. Browse our panel profiles as well as our project gallery to explore different applications for each of our products.

In addition to delivering high-quality products, we pride ourselves in providing excellent customer service throughout the duration of your project. Contact an experienced ABC representative for more details on mixing metal panels into your customers’ project.

Cleaning Metal Panels Part 2: Quick Tips to Consider

Posted on by Joe Sample

In a recent blog post, we reviewed how regularly cleaning metal panels helps maintain their integrity and aesthetics. Now that you know the importance of this activity, we’re sharing some tips for cleaning metal panels to consider.

ABC Blog: Cleaning Metal Panels Part 2: Quick Tips to Consider

LEVELS OF CLEANING METAL PANELS:

These tips for cleaning metal panels are based on general circumstances and get progressively more detailed for tougher jobs. They should not supersede and are not a replacement of the any metal panel manufacturer’s instructions or warranty requirements, including those provided by American Building Components.

Light Cleaning: 

For simple cleaning, water and mild detergent is often sufficient. However, never use bleach, as it can change the finish color or interact disastrously with certain metals.

Moderate Cleaning: 

For dirt or other deposits that can’t be removed with water alone and require a more complete cleaning, a solution of hot or cold water mixed with detergent is appropriate. An ideal solution is the mixture of 95 percent water with 5 percent of a mild, commonly-used, commercial (non-industrial, non-bleach) dish or laundry detergent added. Diluting the detergent with the water helps ensure the detergent isn’t too strong and doesn’t negatively affect the painted metal surface. Common cleaners for this type of cleaning can include:

  • Mild laundry detergent
  • Car wash soap
  • Mild dish soap
  • Cold or hot commercial/industrial detergents
Deep Cleaning:

For non-water-soluble residue such as tar, tree sap, grease, oil and adhesives, a solvent or alcohol-based cleaning solution may be required. In this case—since most organic solvents are flammable and/or toxic—handle these according to the cleaner and manufacturer instructions.

Generally, it’s advisable to keep them away from open flames, sparks and electrical motors. Use adequate ventilation, protective clothing and goggles, and—of course—read the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any solvent used for any other specific safety details.

Common cleaners for this type of non-water-soluble cleaning often include:

  • Alcohols:
    • Denatured alcohol (ethanol)
    • Isopropyl (rubbing alcohol)
  • Solvents:
    • VM&P Naptha
    • Mineral Spirits
    • Kerosene
    • Turpentine (wood/gum spirits)

WHAT TO AVOID WHEN CLEANING METAL PANELS:

It’s important to avoid using products and tools not recommended by the panel manufacturer that will scrape or grind down the surface coating and leave scratches or other finish damage when cleaning metal panels. This can eventually wear down the finish and leave panels vulnerable to corrosion. Likewise, any misuse or abuse of acceptable cleaning agents will likely automatically void any manufacturer’s warranty for the affected surfaces.

Regardless of the level of cleaning that needs to be done, there are some products and tools that are likely never ideal for use on coated metal panels. These include:

  • Wire brushes
  • Abrasives
  • Steel wool
  • Sandpaper
  • High-pressure power washers
  • Scouring powders
  • Paint removers
  • Paint thinners

In conclusion, while the considerations above can help give you and your customers an idea of options available when cleaning metal panels, the importance of understanding and following the specific product manufacturer’s metal panel cleaning instructions can’t be overstated. As a result of diligently following all official instructions and considering these tips, your customers can avoid panel corrosion, staining or other surface damage and retain the integrity and beauty of the metal panel finish.

To learn more about metal panel cleaning, finishes and warranties, contact your local ABC representative.