Tag: resources

When to Call a Metal Panel Manufacturer: Part II

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

In Part 1 of this series, the success of a metal roof or wall project can rest heavily on the installer’s ability to recognize issues. When that happens, calling the manufacturer is not just suggested, but imperative to ensure any potential problem is averted before it’s too late. In addition to issues like damage to the physical panel or problems with the fasteners discussed previously, let’s take a closer look at a few other common circumstances under which ABC recommends reaching out to the manufacturer:

Alignment and Substrate Issues

The installer is responsible for verifying the condition of the substrate and checking for proper alignment before attaching any sheeting materials. If the installer notices any issues like this (either before installation or once they begin laying panels), they should stop and address them immediately. This might include oil canning or other irregularities in panel appearance. The installer should investigate the source, and—if unable to identify and properly remedy the situation on their own—they should call to the manufacturer’s support team. They may be able to suggest ways to identify source of the problem—whether it be installation or manufacturing—and from there, make suggestions on how to best address the situation.

 

Accessories

Adding penetrative accessories such as snow guards or mechanical curbs to a roof or installing doors, windows or louvers to walls can impact the system, its weather-tightness and appearance. Oftentimes, accessory installers with little or no knowledge of metal sheeting systems come onto the job to perform accessory installation. In these cases, it’s wise to visit with manufacturer prior to installation of these accessories and to alert the non-metal panel installer of precautions the manufacturer suggests be taken.

The image at left represent several installation issues that could have been avoided by calling the metal manufacturer prior to installation. The piping used is not compatible with metal roofing and was not installed in such a way to prevent issues with roof performance, including leaking and water damage.

Manufacturer recommendations can vary based on the panel type and building slope, as well as on the accessory and fastener type, and installation location.

Another factor to consider when adding accessories to your metal building is that some material types can react negatively with the installed metal system and lead to damage as well as void manufacturers warranties. Since accessories can be make of many different types of material, any potential accessories should always be researched prior to installation to ensure the material type is compatible with your metal roof and/or wall system.

 

Panel Engagement

Panel systems are designed and engineered to attach and engage one another to ensure optimal performance. These specification are outlined in the manufacturer’s installation manuals and project drawings. If at any point the panel does not engage as depicted in the details, installation should be halted and reviewed to determine the cause. This can require a call to the manufacturer to help determine if the matter is site- and/or substrate-related or if it’s a manufacturing issue requiring replacement material.

Panel engagement issues that warrant ceasing installation and making a call to the manufacturer include:

  • laps are not nesting properly
  • clips are not engaging as they should
  • panel modularity can’t be controlled
  • panels aren’t “resting” on the substrate—causing excessive bowing and stress

Once the material is completely installed, it is much more difficult to determine the cause of a problem and is potentially more expensive to remedy. Additionally, in many cases, full installation constitutes acceptance of the product and the manufacturer’s hands could be tied or extremely limited in being able to assist in remedying after the fact.

By knowing when to be proactive with a call to the manufacturer, installers can mitigate many types of potential pitfalls. And if you’re just not sure, it’s best to call.

For more information on metal roof and wall products, visit us online or reach out to your local representative today!

When to Call a Metal Panel Manufacturer: Part 1

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

Each metal building installation is unique and even the most experienced of installers can run into trouble on a job. Whether a panel isn’t engaging properly, it’s not meeting stated tolerances or fasteners are missing or not working, anyone who takes on the task of installing metal panels needs to know when to call a metal panel manufacturer for support, guidance and resources at any time to ensure the success of their project.

ABC Blog: When to Call a Metal Panel Manufacturer

Manufacturer Resources:

While it’s not the manufacturer’s responsibility to guarantee their panels are installed correctly, reputable manufacturers should set installers up for success. They can do this by providing product resources and recommendations on how to alleviate or mitigate potential pitfalls, and by sharing tips on how to avoid common mistakes that other installers have made.

  • Product Installation Manuals and Construction Drawings: Before installation begins, the product installation manual and detailed construction drawings should be reviewed by the installer—especially if this is his or her first time working with the product. These resources contain all the product information needed as well as installation best practices. American Building Components makes product details and installation information available to metal panel dealers and distributors through shop.abcmetalroofing.com. If you’re a dealer or distributor, click here to learn more and sign up for an account!

Installation techniques can vary based on the unique dimensions of the panel as well as on the actual building design. When an issue arises that is beyond an installer’s expertise, it’s in the best interest of everyone involved to call a metal panel manufacturer for input before permanent mistakes are made.

When to Call a Metal Panel Manufacturer

Examples of when American Building Components recommends that an installer immediately call a metal panel manufacturer are:

  • Product Damage: Building owners may not always be able to recognize material damage and understand how it can be detrimental. Therefore, installers should always evaluate all building materials before any installation begins. If—after review—damage is suspected, the building owner should take pictures of the damage and notify the manufacturer immediately. The manufacturer will advise if the issue is minor and installation can begin, or if the panels should not be installed. The last thing you want to do is install damaged panels and have to uninstall them and wait for new materials. The impact of removing and replacing panels like this will significantly increase cost and delay the construction schedule.
  • Fastener Issues: The type of fastener used depends on the material they will be fastening to (substrate). If the substrate differs from what’s stated in the project details, check with the manufacturer to verify that the provided fasteners can be used. If the screws aren’t engaging properly, or there any problems with the fastener type. The manufacturer can advise how to move forward based on the project details. In short, substituting fasteners with ones not supplied by the manufacturer is never recommended.

Remember: no problem is too small to call a metal panel manufacturer for advice! In part two of this series, we’ll share more situations when calling the manufacturer will save time, money and headache. For more information on metal roof and wall products, visit us online or reach out to your local representative today!

Metal Panel Material Delivery and Handling

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

Handle with Care

What You Need to Know about the Delivery and Handling of Metal Panels

As sturdy and resilient as metal panels are, there are a number of considerations that must be accounted for in order to maintain the integrity of the product, ensure on-time and cost-efficient delivery, and guarantee safe, effective installation. First, metal panels can do no good if they can’t be properly delivered to the jobsite—in pristine condition—where and when they’re needed. Second, once the panels do arrive, proper handling can be the difference between a successful job or problems before, during and after the fact. Here we’ll take a brief look at some of the main considerations related to the delivery and handling of metal panels that support the best possible outcome.

Delivery Considerations

The main conditions to confirm and questions to ask before placing an order and establishing delivery parameters include the following:

  1. Delivery location: Is delivery offered in your area or to your jobsite?
    • Is your location accessible? In other words, are there unsafe or impassible terrain or road conditions that prohibit the delivery of the materials?
    • Can you accommodate the size of the delivery vehicle? This includes making sure roads and entrances are large enough that delivery vehicles can pass through/access.
    • What are the delivery terms and conditions? Be sure you understand the requirements of your selected delivery method before signing on the dotted line.
    • Have you arranged for offloading or do you have people and equipment to handle this? Most delivery truck drivers are not equipped or trained in offloading metal panels, so it’s best to make arrangements with someone who knows how to properly get your material off of the delivery vehicle.
  1. Delivery method and carrier options
    • Do you know the options your manufacturer offers?
    • Have you confirmed the rates associated with each delivery option? As with traditional shipping, metal panel and component delivery costs can vary based on the type of delivery selected as well as your proximity to the place of origin.
  1. Proper packaging to provide protection against transportation damage
    • What packaging option is right for your order? You may want to consider the kind and quantity of material you’re ordering, its destination and end use when selecting how you’d like it packaged.
    • How much does packaging cost? This varies by the manufacturer. Some offer complimentary packaging, but it’s best to know about any potential costs beforehand.

Handling Considerations

Some key issues to bear in mind after delivery has occurred include:

  1. Exercise care when loading, unloading, storing and installing metal roof and wall systems.
    • Handle materials in such a way as to prevent bending, warping, twisting and surface/paint finish damage.
    • Do not drag panels on the ground or against each other; they should be picked up to be moved.
  1. Cutting metal panels
    • Follow manufacturer instructions at all times to keep from voiding the panel warranty. (ABC’s recommendation is to use a portable profile shear, especially for across-the-profile cutting of metal panels. Power shears, nibblers or hand snips that can follow the contour of the panel’s profile are also acceptable.)
    • Never cut the exposed end of a metal panel with a metal or abrasive saw. This will erode the Galvalume® coating, causing premature rusting at the cut edge.
  1. Worker Safety
    • Take appropriate precautions against potential hazards, which include:
      1. Moving and handling metal panels manually and mechanically, whether using conveyors, cranes, slings, forklifts and/or ladders
      2. Stacking metal panels/metal panel bundles
      3. Cut/exposed edges
    • Follow the manufacturer’s recommended safety measures, including any outlined protocols, recommended machinery, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), etc.

Following the precautions provided above can help mitigate many potential pitfalls often faced. A little care upfront will inevitably lead to a much smoother process for all involved during every phase of the process. And always remember, the manufacturer is here to help; contact your local ABC representative today.