Tag: metal roof

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.

Residential Metal Roofing Aesthetics

Posted on by Tyler Roose

As the housing market continues to grow, so does the market for new construction homes and repair and remodel of existing homes. With the enhanced focus on sustainability and energy efficiency as well as new exterior design trends, metal roofing has become a popular option for homes across the country. As a result, the residential roofing market has grown at a rate of 14% per year.




Why are so many homeowners choosing metal roofing? In addition to its durability and sustainability, metal roofing offers superior design flexibility to fully customize the exterior of the home. Learn more about the aesthetic benefits of metal roofing for every home style.



Aesthetic Benefits of Residential Metal Roofing

The roof makes up a significant part of your home’s exterior, so it’s important to make the right choice. Metal roofing is the best option for your home as it offers superior design flexibility compared to traditional roofing materials. It is also a great choice to make your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.



Customizable

Residential metal roof panels come in a variety of styles, profiles and colors to complement every home style.




Create your desired exterior home aesthetic with a broad range of metal roofing colors from earth tones to bright colors and everything in between. Choose bold red or blue shades to make your home stand out. To create a natural looking home exterior, add a touch of brown, gray or green to your roof.



Eye-Catching Accent

One way to add curb appeal to your home is to mix and match materials. Using a variety of textures on your home’s exterior adds dimension and visual interest. Even if you’re not planning to install a complete metal roof, you can still use metal roofing as an accent. Consider installing metal roof panels on your covered porch and dormers to make your home stand out.



Fits Any Home Style

Metal roofing is a timeless option for every home style, from contemporary to classic, adding texture and dimension to your home’s exterior. Depending on the style of your home, metal roofing can add a touch of modernity or create the rustic charm that you’ve always dreamed of.



Ranch


Metal roofing adds a touch of rustic charm to traditional ranch style homes. When selecting metal roofing colors, it’s important to choose a color that complements the brick exterior. Light, natural tones such as browns and grays are ideal for this home style.
Craftsman


Craftsman homes are known for their rustic charm and are typically designed with natural materials such as wood, stone and metal. This makes metal roofing a perfect fit for your Craftsman-style home. Natural roofing colors such as browns, blues and grays are a great option to complement exterior cladding and accents.
Colonial


The architecture of Colonial-style homes is defined by the roofline and evenly spaced exterior features such as windows and columns. Metal roofing is a great option to add a classic touch to your Colonial home. Choose from a variety of bold metal roofing colors to create contrast and highlight the symmetry of your home’s exterior. For a more neutral look, consider traditional colors such as gray, brown and blue.
Tudor


Tudor-style homes are defined by mixed materials, half-timber framing and steeply pitched roofs. With the steep pitch, your roof will be highly visible, making it even more important to select a durable, aesthetically pleasing material like metal roofing. To complement the brickwork and accents on your Tudor-Style home, consider dark metal roofing tones such as browns and grays.
Modern


Modern-Style homes typically feature clean lines and low-pitched roofs. Although the low pitch roof is not highly visible, it can still create a bold contrast for your home’s exterior. Metal roofing is an ideal choice for modern homes as it is available in bold, eye-catching colors, such as black and blue, to highlight unique architectural features of your home. The sleek lines of metal roofing also contribute to the modern look. Use our metal roofing color visualizer tool to discover how metal roofing will look on your home.




Achieving the “Modern Farmhouse” Look

The Modern Farmhouse is becoming popular with homeowners. It is characterized by a gable roof, featuring a top ridge and sloped sides that create a triangle. When deciding on roofing materials to achieve this style, homeowners have increasingly chosen standing seam metal roofing, as it delivers traditional rustic charm with a touch of modernity.




Modern Farmhouses typically feature a solid white exterior, relying on a variety of architectural features and accents to add curb appeal. To create visual interest, pair dark colored accents with light colored siding.



For example, adding black exterior windows and a black metal roofing will create eye-catching contrast with white siding.





Metal roof panels come in a broad selection of bold colors that are ideal for creating contrast against the white exterior cladding. Not interested in a complete metal roof? Add metal roof panels to your covered porch or dormers to mix and match textures.



How Much Does Residential Roofing Cost?

Residential metal roofing is a bigger upfront investment than traditional roofing options, but it ultimately provides long-term value that you can trust. While most asphalt roofs have a lifespan of 15-20 years, metal roofing can last up to 60 years. With the durability and longevity of metal roofing, you’ll see your investment pay off after 10 years.




Hidden or concealed fastener panels are typically a more expensive option, offering sleek lines without exposed screws. For a more cost-efficient solution, explore exposed fastener metal roofing.



Why Choose Residential Metal Roofing?

Residential metal roofing is a value add for your home. It offers the design flexibility you want with the energy efficiency, durability and cost effectiveness that you need. Contact an expert today and learn more about these popular residential metal roofing styles:



5V Crimp – Ideal for coastal regions, this panel offers rustic charm with a contemporary mill-style finish.
SL-16 – This concealed fastener panel offers a clean, straight line appearance to add a modern touch to any home.
LokSeam – This snap together panel offers a sleek appearance that is ideal for adding a touch of modernity to your home’ exterior.

Are Metal Roofs Noisy?

Posted on by Tyler Roose

Many homeowners ask this question when considering metal roofing versus asphalt shingles: Are metal roofs noisy when it rains? The short answer is not necessarily. The perception that metal roofing is loud most likely comes from standing in a barn or shed when it’s raining. This comes down the roofing installation methods, which differ from residential and commercial construction to agricultural construction. The truth is that high quality metal roofing that is properly installed shouldn’t be louder than traditional asphalt shingles.

With traditional roofing installation, plywood decking, insulation and underlayment are used to add protection and reduce noise. The plywood decking or sheathing layer is installed first. Next, the underlayment is added, serving as a moisture barrier. Finally, add insulation in the attic airspace below.

Without these elements of a traditionally installed roof, the metal panels are installed directly on the framing. This means that there’s no barrier to reduce noise transfer to the interior of the building. This is common in secondary structures such as barns, sheds and other agricultural structures.

 

Tips to Reduce Metal Roof Noise

If your metal roof was installed without plywood decking, underlayment and insulation, here are some tips to reduce metal roof noise:

1) Add Insulation – Insulation serves as an acoustic barrier and reduces noise transfer to the interior of your building. It also improves the energy efficiency of your building, helping to reduce overall energy costs.

2) Properly Fasten Roof Panels – Proper installation is crucial to reducing noise. Use proper fasteners and don’t over or under-tighten them. Refer to the product manual for correct fastener layouts and spacing.

3) Replace Your Roof – Consider replacing your roof and using traditional methods for residential and commercial roofing installation. Insulated metal panels are also a great option as they provide thermal, moisture and vapor barriers in a single component.

Why Choose Metal Roofing?

When installed with decking, underlayment and insulation, metal roofing isn’t any louder than traditional shingle roofing. Compared to shingle roofing, metal roofing offers superior longevity, durability and sustainability. Metal roofing offers a lifespan of 50 years or longer. It can also stand up to harsh weather conditions such as high winds and heavy snow loads. Metal panels are made from 25%-35% recycled materials and are virtually 100% recyclable at the end of their life.

To learn more about metal roofing, browse our panel profiles and contact your local sales representative today.

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 To Prepare for Metal Roof Installation

Posted on by Pat Thostenson

Metal Roofing Installation Prep

If you’re looking to replace your current roof, metal roofing is a durable, low-maintenance alternative to asphalt shingles. To make the most of your investment, it’s important to plan ahead for the metal roof installation process. Learn about the steps that you and your contractor should take to prepare for metal roofing installation.

Consider Metal Roofing Options: Profiles, Gauge, Color, Etc.

Consult with a local distributor to select metal roofing materials for your building project. They’ll be able to provide resources such as product information, color charts, technical literature and product samples.

There are several factors to consider when selecting metal roofing panels. The most important consideration is the roof pitch. Make sure to choose a metal panel profile that will perform best with the pitch of your roof in order to keep it weathertight. Once you’ve selected the panel style, choose from a variety of profiles and colors depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences.

For residential applications, the Imperial Rib® panel, an exposed fastener panel, offers rustic charm. The SL-16® panel, a concealed fastener panel, provides a clean, sleek aesthetic.

Choose a Contractor

Next, you’ll need to select a contractor. During this process, it’s important to choose a contractor that has experience installing metal roofing. In many cases, your local distributor can provide references to narrow down your search.

Building Owner Prep Work

Although the contractor will be responsible for most of the heavy lifting, there are a few things you should do to prepare for metal roof panel installation.

Clear the Space

Make sure to clear the space around your home or building to prepare an adequate workspace for your contractor. For commercial properties, you may want to set up barriers to keep your customers safe. For residential buildings, you should remove items from the yard, patio, deck or balcony to keep them from being damaged. Consider protecting landscaping that’s in close proximity to the building by covering it with a tarp.

Alert Your Neighbors

As a courtesy to your neighbors, consider warning them about the loud noises that will likely occur during the metal roofing installation process.

Make Arrangements

Make arrangements for any individuals that may be disturbed by the noise. For residential buildings, you should also make arrangements for pets that may need to go outside during the day.

Contractor Prep Work

Measure the Roof & Create a Materials List

Once you’ve hired a contractor, they’ll begin their prep work by measuring the roof to create a materials list and determine order quantities. This list should contain all of the necessary materials including:

  • Panels
  • Trim (Edging)
  • Screws
  • Closure Strips/Closures
  • Venting Material
  • Other Roofing Accessories

Before the materials list is finalized, you should discuss with your contractor whether or not to vent the ridge cap. In residential situations, this is necessary to circulate air throughout the house.

Order Materials

In most cases, your contractor will be responsible for ordering the roofing materials through the local distributor. Before the order is placed, consider which warranty option is best for you. While a 40-year warranty is the most common choice, some of the lighter gauge materials offer a 20-year warranty option.

Inspect Material

Once the roofing materials are delivered, it’s important to inspect them. Your contractor should do the following:

  • Check the bill of lading to make sure that all materials have been delivered
  • Check the materials for damage including dents and scratched paint
  • If something is wrong with the order, contact the distributor to order replacement materials
Remove Old Roofing and Repair Damage

Remove the existing roofing down to the decking. After the existing roofing materials have been removed, the installer should check for bad decking and make any necessary repairs. All ice and water shields and underlayment should be removed and replaced as well.

Metal Roofing Installation

After all of the prep work is completed, the metal roof installation process can begin. During the installation process, it’s important to communicate with the main contact for your project about any concerns you may have. Once the installation process has been completed, make sure the work is done to your liking. Be sure to finalize payment and warranty information as well.

To learn more about the best practices for metal roof installation, contact your local ABC representative.