metal roofing blog Archives | ABC Metal Roofing

Selecting & Applying Metal Roofing Touch-Up Paint

Posted on September 15, 2020May 31, 2023 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:

Make sure the surface temperature of your roof is 50 F.
Clean the area by wiping it down with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the surface is dry and free from contaminants before moving on.
If the bare metal of the panel is showing, apply acrylic primer.
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.
Touch-up paint should be tack free within 30-45 minutes.
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.

Tips for Installing Metal Roofing Accessories

Posted on June 24, 2020May 31, 2023 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 May 26, 2020May 31, 2023 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 January 3, 2020May 31, 2023 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.

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.

Mixing Metal Panels into Building Designs

Posted on October 24, 2019May 31, 2023 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:

Splash and Dash Car opted for vibrant metal roofing panels on their commercial car wash.

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.

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.

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 September 26, 2019May 31, 2023 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.

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.

Cleaning Metal Panels – Part 1: Why it Matters

Posted on August 29, 2019May 31, 2023 by Marc Carolan

Metal roof and wall panels often feature long-lasting and durable finishes available in many colors. These finishes protect the panels and enable them to hold up and look great for decades. However, to maintain their durability and protective properties, cleaning metal panels should be done regularly throughout their service life.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULARLY CLEANING METAL PANELS:

Ensure Panel Longevity:

Dirt and residue left on metal panels can damage their protective coating and decrease the longevity of roof and/or wall systems. Likewise, bacteria and mold and mildew build-up can accelerate corrosion to the point where the structural integrity of the panels is compromised.

Protect Panel Appearance:

Stains and algae/lime deposits left on panels for long periods of time can degrade the roof finish to the point where it must be re-coated. Note: re-coating should only be considered if the panels are still structurally sound and doing so wouldn’t void the manufacturer warranty.

Control Energy Costs:

Dirty roof panels can inhibit a roof’s ability to expel heat from a building. If the heat isn’t able to escape through the roof, it can require increases in energy costs to keep the building cool.

HOW OFTEN DO METAL PANELS NEED CLEANING?

An annual cleaning helps keep your metal panels free of tree and animal debris, moss, fungus and other finish-jeopardizing elements. Deep cleaning metal panels only typically needs to be done every 3-5 years, depending on the building conditions and location. This type of cleaning uses stronger detergents that cut through some of the toughest dirt and grime that annual cleans can miss. This includes substances such as tree sap, oxidation and other hard-to-remove substances that often collect on panel surfaces. You may also consider moderate cleaning following weather events and seasonal allergen build-up.

WHO SHOULD CLEAN METAL PANELS?

Above all, follow the panel manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to selecting who will perform panel cleaning on your building. Before you attempt to clean your metal panels yourself, be sure the product manufacturer recommends it and doing so doesn’t void any warranties.

A professional building surface cleaning company can be helpful as working on top of buildings can pose real safety risks. Your metal panel manufacturer may be able to recommend cleaning professionals who are familiar with their products and warranty requirements, and are practiced in using the correct cleaning solutions and techniques necessary to preserve your metal panels.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING MANUFACTURER MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS:

Metal panel manufacturers usually provide maintenance and cleaning instructions specific to their products, which should always be followed. Manufacturers know the composition of their products and, therefore, which chemical cleaning solutions and techniques are ideal and which will degrade the panels. Neglecting to clean them—or doing so improperly—can compromise the integrity of the finish. Not only can this threaten the visual appeal of the panels, it can also put you at risk of voiding the panel warranty.

To learn more about the importance of cleaning metal panels, contact your local ABC representative or check out our blog post on metal panel maintenance.

Metal Roofing & Hurricane Season Part 2: Tips to Help Your Customers Protect Their Metal Roof

Posted on July 9, 2019May 31, 2023 by Tyler Roose

As with any kind of roof, proper maintenance is integral to protecting against hurricane damage. In part 1 of this series, we reviewed how choosing metal roofing can help prevent wind damage to homes and businesses. And while choosing metal panels as a roofing solution is the first step to damage prevention and increasing roof longevity, there are additional precautions your customers can take to protect their investment.

Professional inspection

Prevention is key. To maintain the strength and durability of metal roofs, your customers should have a licensed metal roofing professional inspect it regularly. While your customers can manually inspect their roof themselves, a qualified roofing inspector can thoroughly examine it, identify areas of concern and provide a detailed report including roof life expectancy, photos and repair estimates. Professional inspectors can also make hurricane preparedness recommendations based on your customer’s roof type.

Ensure all fasteners are secure

Fasteners are the key to preventing roof uplift as a result of high winds. Be certain the roof is properly fastened to the truss and that the correct fastener type, diameter, length and thickness are used. Consider the thickness of the panel, substrate and any other materials between the panel and truss to when selecting fastener length to ensure roof panels are secure. (Screws often need to be triple the length to accommodate the thickness of what’s being screwed down.) Additionally, although placement of fasteners may seem like a minor detail, screw pattern can actually be a major factor in a roof’s structural integrity. Be sure to follow the panels manufacturer’s instructions to the letter during installation.

Check for rust, loose screws and flaking paint

When rust develops on metal, it can accelerate degradation, compromising the integrity of your customer’s structure and leaving it vulnerable—particularly in inclement weather. While ABC offers Galvalume^® metal panels that prevent rust from occurring, standing water and heat from direct exposure to the sun can degrade this protection over time. Therefore, it is important that customers regularly check for rusty and loose screws as well as flaking paint which can also cause rust development. If rust is found, advise your customer to contact their roofing contractor for repair options.

Install hurricane straps

An added layer of protection from high winds, hurricane straps (or roof tie-downs) securely tie rafters to load-bearing walls. Made of galvanized metal, they can attach to most roof types, protecting it and the structure beneath. Hurricane straps can also help keep a roof from detaching and causing damage to nearby structures and objects. Many homes already have them (depending on how old the roof is), but even structures with hurricane straps should be checked to make sure they were installed properly.

Add roof reinforcements

Although most metal roofing is resistant to wind-related damage, adding reinforcements can decrease the likelihood of damage. This is particularly true if your customer’s building project is located in a hurricane-prone area. To reinforce their metal roof, your customers can add sturdy overlapping materials on top such as heavier metal panels or two-by-fours. A professional roofing contractor can advise your customer on the best reinforcement option for their structure.

Brace gable ends

Gable ends experience a lot of exposure to high winds, making them vulnerable to wind damage. If your customer’s structure has a gable end, they should ensure that it has been solidly built and appropriately braced.

Trim your trees

Trees that hang over your customer’s roof can be dangerous any time of year, but particularly during a hurricane. Falling tree limbs can cause severe roof damage, allow water into the structure, cause electrical issues or even injure someone inside. Trimming trees to is an easy way to prevent damage and injury.

Perform an interior inspection

If your customer is experiencing issues with their roof, chances are that they will also see damage inside their structure. Your customers should be aware of any spots, stains, peeling paint and daylight seeping in. These are all serious indicators of a compromised roof and should be addressed immediately.

Secure the Yard

Unsecured items around your customers’ property can become a major threat to your customer’s home or business during a hurricane. With strong winds, patio furniture, trampolines, grills and even potted plants can become dangerous projectiles. If these objects strike your customers roof, they could cause severe damage. Customers should move small items inside and secure larger items with rope or zip ties.

Choosing metal panels as a roofing solution is the first step to preventing building damage during hurricane season. There are, however, extra precautions your customers can take to prevent damage and protect their investment.

For additional information on metal roof performance during hurricane season, read part one of our blog series. For additional tips on how to storm-proof your roof, reach out to your local ABC representative today.

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Note: This post was updated from a previously-published version.

Metal Roofing and Hurricane Season Part 1: Securing the Roof

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

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

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

Metal Roofing Performance in Coastal Communities

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

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

The True Savings of Metal Roofing

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

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

How to Prevent Ice Dams on Metal Roofs

Posted on January 10, 2019May 31, 2023 by Ken Buchinger

Those in areas prone to below-freezing temperatures are likely familiar with ice dams and the costly damage they can cause. With winter weather already upon us, it’s important to ensure your building is protected against the dangerous and expensive effects of ice dams.

What Causes Ice Dams to Develop?

Most ice dams are a result of building air barrier flaws. When warm indoor air escapes through a rooftop, it warms the roof sheathing. This rise in temperature melts the underside of the layer of snow on top. The melted snow then moves down the slope of the roof toward the eaves, where it freezes into ice. As this process continues, the ice thickens, resulting in ice dams. These obstructions can cause water to back up and form a reservoir that can damage ceilings.

How Can Ice Dams Be Prevented?

To prevent ice dams, follow these four steps:

Seal Air Leaks: Sealing air leaks between the warm building interior and the attic or ceiling is imperative to prevent increased sheathing temperatures that can lead to ice dams. If your roof leaks every winter, it’s likely that an air leak is to blame. And, getting a new roof is not likely to help—even if it features more ventilation. The simple way to determine if you have air leaks is to get into your attic and check. Leaks can likely be easily sealed with two-component polyurethane spray foam. And extending any exhaust fans that don’t reach outside can help adequately seal the structure.

Ensure Proper Insulation: Many buildings don’t have adequate insulation levels to prevent ice damming. Building codes based on your geographic location can help you determine how much insulation you need. If the structure’s design doesn’t allow for adequate insulation, we recommend installing as much closed-cell spray polyurethane foam as possible. If replacing your roof, you can also install additional rigid foam insulation on top of the existing roof sheathing before you install the new roof. When taking that approach, make sure all products used are compatible with your new roof and adhere to manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s also imperative that attic insulation completely covers the top plates of a building’s exterior walls.

Improve Ventilation: Improving ventilation alone will not prevent air leaks that cause ice damming and should never be your first or only defense. In fact, improving ventilation without sealing air leaks and installing adequate insulation can increase heating costs and make ice damming problems worse. Despite this, if combined with steps one and two above, addressing your roof ventilation can’t hurt. The best ventilation options include soffit and ridge vents. It’s important to remember that all attic ventilation systems require an insulation dam (blocking) between the trusses and ventilation baffles at the attic’s perimeter, facing the soffits, to maintain a ventilation channel from the soffit to the attic and protect against wind-wash.

Use Underlayment: Covering your roof sheathing with two or more layers of rubberized membrane underlayment is another protection method that is far less effective if not used in concert with steps one and two. To use properly, it should extend from roof eaves to a point that’s three feet higher than your exterior wall.

Additional measures like framing your roof with raised-heel trusses can also help prevent ice dams. Additionally, avoiding including valleys as well as gutters that are at or above the roofing plane is ideal. Taking these steps can help ensure people and property are safe from overhead dangers. This should be a priority when designing, installing and maintaining your metal roof.

For additional information on how metal roofs perform in winter weather, read part one and part two of our ‘Metal Roofs and Snow’ blog series. For additional tips on how to winter-proof your roof, reach out to a local ABC representative today.