paint system 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.

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.

Advancements in Metal Roof and Wall Panels

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

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

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

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

1940s – 1950s:

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

1960s:

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

1970s – 1980s:

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

1990s:

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

Early 2000s:

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

Today…and Beyond:

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

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

Metal Panel Color Selection—What to Consider

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

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

What colors are metal products available in?

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

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

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

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

How to select the right color for optimal energy efficiency?

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

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

Can I paint over my metal panels?

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

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

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

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

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

Preserve and Protect: Tips for Storing Metal Panels

Posted on July 13, 2017April 29, 2024 by Tyler Roose

The decision has been made to invest in metal roofing or siding for a project or business. Now it is incumbent upon job site professionals, business owners and/or contractors to ensure proper care is taken to preserve and protect the integrity and attractive appearance of your metal roof and wall panels from damage caused by moisture, corrosive chemicals or improper handling. To mitigate any potential issue, it is necessary to take a few simple precautions.

Material Receiving Checklist:

When the metal panels arrive, the first thing that should be done is to make sure the panels haven’t been damage while in transit. The metal panel manufacturer should have ensured that all materials were loaded and packed properly, so before anything is removed from the delivery truck, be sure to check that nothing looks damaged. If damage is found, the shipment carrier should be advised before they leave the delivery site and a notation should be made on the bill of lading. Every metal panel manufacturer will have specific instructions on how defects/damage should be notated and communicated to ensure proper and timely resolution of any issues. If there are no issues and everything looks good while on the truck, carefully unload the materials and check for the two most common issues: moisture and denting/bending:

Moisture: After unbundling, if there is moisture, the panels should be elevated, separated and dried in a secure are not exposed to wind or other elements.
Denting/Bending: If found, the carrier should be advised and the manufacturer should be made aware of the issue as quickly as possible. You should take inventory of the materials delivered as well as pictures of any damage a notation made on the bill of lading.
Additional Transit Abrasion: If found, the carrier should be advised and a notation made on the bill of lading. Take pictures of any damage as soon as you find it (don’t move the panels before taking pictures) and notify the manufacturer as soon as possible.

If you do have any issues with material, it is important to contact the material manufacturer or the place of purchase immediately to ensure the issue is addressed appropriately.

Protecting the Finish Before and During Installation:

On a jobsite, reasonable care should be taken when handling painted surfaces during unloading, unpacking, moving, handling and/or installation in order to protect the finish. Although the paint coating is tough and does provide impact resistance, dragging a panel across the surface of another panel will almost certainly mar the finish.

Storage Considerations:

Finally, when storing panels before sale, delivery to a buyer or jobsite, or while on the jobsite waiting for installation, you will want to take special care to store the panels in a proper manner to ensure the integrity of the material is protected. Here are some challenges, solutions and caveats for a number of common situations.

Prolonged Storage: This is NOT recommended when panels are bundled or in a damp environment. If conditions do not permit immediate erection, extra care must be taken to protect the material from damage caused by moisture. See the manufacturer’s installation manual for proper storage of materials as well as the section below for more details.
Bundled Sheets: Only store in a DRY place. Sheets should be unbanded and stood on end at a slight angle against an interior wall that is not exposed to wind in order to allow for good air circulation. If it is not possible to store sheets in an upright position, strapping bands should be broken and sheets should be blocked off the floor with one end slightly elevated.
Stacked Sheets: These should be completely protected from the elements while maintaining good airflow in order to prevent condensation.
Panel Coverings: A properly draped canvas tarpaulin that allows for adequate air flow is an example of a good protective cover. Do not use plastic as it causes sweating and condensation to occur.
Trim Storage: Do not store trim with strippable film in the sun for long periods of time as the ability to separate the film and its adhesive from the metal will become unmanageable.
Preventing Corrosion and Galvanic Reaction:
- In order to prevent unwanted chemical reactions and corrosion, do not store the metal panels with materials made of dissimilar metals (lead, copper, etc.).
- Strong acids (jet fuel exhaust, commercial cleaners/solvents, etc.) can degrade the finish and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Conclusion:

Preserve and Protect—and also Inspect. Keeping these common-sense actions and precautions in mind, there is no reason that the unique aesthetic qualities of metal panels should ever be compromised on a jobsite. For more information on metal roof and wall panels and to learn more about how to protect them throughout their lifespan, contact your local ABC representative today.

Maintaining, Cleaning & Repairing Metal Panels

Posted on September 23, 2016May 31, 2023 by Tyler Roose

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

The importance of regular inspections

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

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

Cleaning metal panels

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

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

Proper snow removal

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

Warranty considerations

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

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

Cool Metal Roofs Save Energy and Cost

Posted on August 24, 2016April 29, 2024 by Candy McNamee

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

What is a cool roof?

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

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

Cool Metal Roofs are both reflective and emissive.

How it works

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

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

Tax benefits

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

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

References:

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

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

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

Your Guide to Steel-Curtain Roll-Up Doors

Posted on July 29, 2016March 24, 2023 by Jessica Taylor

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

What are Steel-Curtain Roll-Up Doors?

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

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

Why Steel Roll-Up Doors?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Select the Right Steel Roll-Up Door:

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

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

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

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

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