Tag: warranty options

Metal Roofing Gauges: What Are The Best Gauges For Metal Roofs?

Posted on by Tyler Roose

When your customers decide to use metal panels for their building project, they’ll need to make several decisions to choose the best panel. One of the first decisions they’ll make is what gauge or thickness they need. There are a variety of metal roof and wall panel profiles to choose from, and they are all available in several gauge thicknesses … but what does that really mean to your customers and how does that affect your business?

Metal Panel Gauges: Are you getting what you pay for?

Metal Panel Gauges Deciphered

U.S. manufacturers express the thickness of metal panels as their ‘gauge’, with 22-gauge being the thickest and 29-gauge the thinnest of traditionally-sold metal roof and wall panels. Each gauge represents a nominal decimal range. For example, a 26-gauge steel panel can range between 0.0179 and 0.0217 inches thick according to a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill resource.

This means that while a 26-gauge panel from one manufacturer could measure 0.027 in. thick, a 26-gauge panel from another manufacturer could measure only 0.0179 in., but both are sold as 26-gauge panels. Although those seem like small numbers, they represent a noticeable difference in panel stiffness and strength.

So how do you and your customers know if the metal panel manufacturer has used thinner sheeting and made up the difference with a coat of paint? When ordering inventory, you should look beyond the gauge number to the manufacturer’s specifications on metal thickness. This will give you peace of mind that you’re providing your customers with the gauge they’re paying for and the quality they need to get the job done.

 

Costs of 26-Gauge Panels vs. 29-Gauge Panels

Expect to pay more for thicker panels. The cost of a 26-gauge product will be about 15 percent higher than a 29-gauge with the same profile from the same manufacturer. While some people insist that the extra cost is always worth it, that may be misleading. Yes, thicker panels are stronger, but the importance of that added strength depends on the type of building construction as well as the customer’s priorities and location.

 

When To Choose a Thicker Metal Roofing Gauge

There are instances where thicker gauges always earn their keep. The most common of these is the post-frame building, or pole barn: an open-framed structure used for barns, garages and warehouses. Post-frames generally lack structural sheathing, so the roof and wall panels must span between the supporting trusses or purlins. Because 22-, 24- or 26-gauge sheeting is thicker, and will, therefore, remain more structurally sound over a longer span than a 29-gauge, the building needs fewer supports, which saves your customers money. For post-frame structures like this, it is important for your customers to consider the potential snow load the roof may need to support when choosing the metal panel gauge. Lighter-gauge (thicker) panels may save your customers from structural collapse in the winter months!

Lighter gauge (thicker) metal is also more forgiving of installation errors such as the over-tightening of screws, and it won’t be as likely to transfer bumps and waves in the sheathing. (The latter is more likely when re-paneling an older home.) Thicker trim pieces will also lay more accurately, so some homeowners and contractors opt for 29-gauge roof and wall panels with 26-gauge trim, a combination that is common and cost-effective.

 

When To Choose a Thinner Metal Roofing Gauge

Span isn’t always a concern in the residential market. Nearly all homes have a layer of plywood or oriented strand board sheathing covered by a weather-resistant barrier. The metal panels are affixed to the sheathing and serve no structural role in these instances; their job is to keep the sheathing dry. A quality 29-gauge panel is more than adequate for this—which is why it’s used on nearly 80 percent of homes with metal panels.

Despite this, thicker (lighter-gauge) panels can make sense for buildings in hail-prone areas, but not because of structural integrity. A 29-gauge metal panel can have the same impact-resistance rating from Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL) as a 26-gauge panel; the advantage of thicker metal panels in this case is that they are less prone to denting. If your customer lives in a place like Cheyenne, Wyoming (the hail capital of North America) and is concerned about long-term appearance, thicker panels may be the better option.

 

Let ABC Help You Choose the Right Metal Panel Gauge!

For more information about metal panel gauges, check out our panel selection chart or contact your local ABC representative today. Additionally, use our online ordering tool to find accurate pricing, create quotes and place orders for metal building products anytime, anywhere and from any device.  If you don’t already have an account, register for access today!

DISTRIBUTORS: Shop online at shop.abcmetalroofing.com!

Your Guide to Steel-Curtain Roll-Up Doors

Posted on 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.

Spotlight on Underlayment: Synthetic vs Felt

Posted on by Jessica Taylor

What’s under your customer’s metal roof matters.

Roof underlayment is the first layer of material laid prior to the metal roofing panels. It separates the roof covering from the roof deck, thus protecting it from detrimental resins, unevenness and—in re-roofing applications—fasteners and other old building materials. This water-shedding layer also provides secondary protection from weather, shields the roof deck during construction and is often required for warranty adherence and for roofs that must meet Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) fire ratings. Outside of its traditional use, synthetic underlayment can also offer a myriad of benefits for your customers.

Synthetic vs Felt

Felt underlayment, also known as “felt paper” has been the traditional underlayment of choice for decades. It was used to prevent damage to the roof covering caused by sap leakage from wooden building materials, however—as even most wood structures are now constructed using plywood or other, non-wood materials—this is no longer an issue. Felt underlayment is saturated with asphalt composed of volatile compounds that dissipate over time. This makes it more fragile and likely to absorb moisture, which further weakens the roof. This deterioration is accelerated when asphalt is exposed to UV rays, heat, poor ventilation and less energy-efficient roof coverings. Additionally, the crude oil refining techniques that previously resulted in the creation of asphalt as a byproduct, now extract the maximum amount of product from the crude resource. As a result of this advancement in the refining process, only a powder-like residue that is not conducive to the development of asphalt is generated. Consequently, more customers are turning to a synthetic alternative for a longer-lasting, economically-efficient solution.

Compared to traditional organic felt, synthetic underlayment is significantly more lightweight, permitting many more squares per roll, which makes it an economical solution for your customers. While non-woven materials are generally moisture permeable, woven scrim synthetic roof underlayment greatly enhances tear resistance and ease of installation. While it can be designed to be moisture-permeable, synthetic underlayment is typically manufactured as a barrier that doesn’t absorb moisture, making it resistant to fungal growth and wrinkling.

Underlayment Requirements and Resources

Although synthetic underlayment may be the superior choice for your customers, it is imperative that its use does not violate building code requirements or manufacturer’s warranties for the intended roof covering and that it is installed according to the manufacturer’s provided instructions.

The International Code Council (ICC) has developed a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance processes to ensure the safe, sustainable and affordable construction of structures. The ICC’s set of International Codes (I-Codes) are available for purchase, and include, among others:
·         International Building Code (IBC)

  • International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
  • International Fire Code (IFC)
  • International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
  • International Residential Code (IRC)

Of particular importance to the roofing industry are the IRC and IBC I-Codes. These codes include specific underlayment requirements and installation/ attachment directions for simple enforcement by inspectors. Provided in Chapter 9 of the 2015 IRC and Chapter 15 of the IBC, they cover material types, application and attachment requirements, including specific information for metal panels with denotations for variances specific to high-wind areas.

Because of the wide variety of underlayment and metal panel styles, the IRC and IBC require installation according to manufacturer’s instructions. In the absence of manufacturers’ instructions and/ or when using alternative materials, the specific requirements outlined in the IRC and IBC I-Codes should be used where applicable. Remember, a metal roof is designed to have a long service life, and the underlayment’s service life should at least match that of the metal roof. Don’t allow your customers to be shortsighted when designing for longevity by using an underlayment not guaranteed to last for the duration of their roof.

ABC Underlayment

Advantages of Underlayment

Woven, coated polypropylene synthetic underlayment fabric is not only designed to protect against weather damage, but also provides greater strength, a longer UV exposure window and more secure surface for installation safety. Some underlayment options are 100 percent recyclable and up to 25 degrees cooler than asphalt felt, which can result in decreasing energy costs for your customers. At one-fourth the weight of traditional felt, but up to 20 times stronger, it ensures longevity that can’t be matched using traditional felt, particularly in areas that experience extreme heat and weather events. To prevent downhill slide during installation, underlayment is manufactured with anti-skid coating on both sides, ensuring a more sure-footed feel is achieved once attached. In addition, underlayment is certified to withstand up to six months of exposure to the sun and other weather elements before the final roofing material must be laid.

Learn More

For more information on ABC’s metal roof and wall products and for more tips on underlayment, please contact your local ABC sales representative.

 

 

Decoding Your Warranty: Paint Chalking

Posted on by Heather Hollis

The third and final element of our “Decoding Your Warranty” blog series covers paint chalking. As with fading, chalking is an expected occurrence with any paint system that is subjected to outdoor exposure, and while it may be preferable to other issues such as cracking or peeling, it is still important to the metal roofing industry and its customers. As a result, similar questions should be asked about how this is addressed in paint system warranties to ensure chalking isn’t the cause of premature damage to your metal roof system.

What is paint chalking?

Also referred to as “powdering”, chalking happens when the resin (binder) of the paint system is compromised. The resin is the substance that holds the paint pigment together. It also ensures the color is evenly distributed and provides glossiness, durability and flexibility. In addition, resin has the very important job of adhering the pigment to the metal surface it’s applied to and protecting the finish against damage.

When the resin at the surface of the paint finish deteriorates, most often as a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, the embedded pigment particles lose their adhesion to the paint film (resulting in color fading) and the resin particles take on a white (chalky) appearance that is easy to wipe off of the surface. In addition, chalking can erode the film resulting in a loss of substrate protection and run down onto the underlying structure, further degrading the appearance of your structure.

How can you protect against paint chalking?

Climates that are exposed to more intense UV rays for longer periods of time will experience chalking sooner as the environment plays a big role in how painted metal will perform. While you may not be able to control how much UV or moisture exposure your roof gets, you can choose a paint system that is not over-thinned or over-spread and that uses high quality components. ABC’s Signature® 200 system incorporates a 30 percent SMP Resin—one of the strongest in the marketplace—to help reduce the amount of chalking experienced.

Similar to the fading section of the warranty, paint system warranties allow for an acceptable amount of chalking. Chalking is measured in accordance with the standard procedures as defined by the “Standard Methods of Evaluating Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paints”, ASTM D4214. ABC guarantees the level of chalk on vertical panel applications will not chalk in excess of a numerical rating of eight (the higher the numerical rating, the better) for 30 years for our Premium paint system colors and 25 years for our Select40 paint system colors. For non-vertical panel applications, ABC guarantees a rating of 6 for 30 years for our Premium paint system and 25 years for our Select40 paint system. Consumers should be aware of these numbers, and expect them to be expressed in sample warranties.

Check out ABC’s metal color resources and warranty information to learn more!

 

Missed parts one and two of the “Decoding Your Warranty” blog series? Start reading now!

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Decoding Your Warranty: Paint Fade Protection

Posted on by Casey Walker

Will a Metal Roof Lose its Color?

Paint fading is one of the biggest concerns voiced by metal roofing customers. Over time, all paint systems will fade so it’s important for your customers to understand how warranties can protect their investment. Buying a red roof that prematurely fades to pink is unfortunate enough, but this is made even worse by a warranty that doesn’t adequately protect their purchase.

 

ABC WARRANTY INFORMATION: PAINT FADING
ABC WARRANTY INFORMATION: PAINT FADING

 

Why does paint fading matter?

The paint on your customer’s metal roof or wall isn’t just for decoration. In addition to providing color, the paint finish also protects the panels from corrosion, temperature, moisture and other detrimental environmental elements. Fading is the most common source of color change over time and happens when environmental elements deteriorate the paint’s pigment (granular particles that give the paint its color). This deterioration also reduces the paint’s effectiveness in protecting metal panels.

Paint fading is measured by the American Society of Testing Materials’ (ASTM’s) Hunter unit (∆E) standard, which compares the faded color to the original. In accordance with ASTM Standard D2244, one Hunter Unit is equal to the smallest amount of change visible to the naked eye.

 

What do you need to look for in your warranty?

Selecting a product with a 40-year warranty is a great start, but not all panels, paint systems and warranties are created equal. Your customers should make sure that the manufacturer provides a warranty which clearly defines the number of Hunter units the paint system is allowed to change for both vertical (wall) and horizontal (roof) applications. This is critical when comparing one painted metal roof or wall against another. The lower the number of Hunter Units expressed in the warranty, the better the paint system will resist fading.

ABC’s Premium paint system warranty guarantees paint will not fade in excess of five units in vertical applications and seven units for non-vertical applications over the course of 30 years, with the exception of Radiant Red. ABC’s fading specification on all colors available in our Select40 paint system guarantees protection for the same degree of fade as guaranteed in the Premium system, but for 25 years. Check out ABC’s color resources and warranty information to learn more!

 

What’s next?

Understanding the film integrity and fading for metal panels is very important, but it doesn’t end there. In the final installment of our “Decoding Your Warranty” blog, we will uncover a third consideration that can help you and your customers understand metal roofing and siding warranties: chalking.

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Decoding Your Warranty: ABC Paint Film Integrity

Posted on by Tim Wells & Bob Swoger

With a 40-year limited paint system warranty, the ABC Signature® 200 offering represents one of the most sophisticated siliconized, modified polyester (SMP) paint coating and warranty protection products in the industry. But do you understand what it means to have a 40-year warranty?

To comprehend your coverage options, you first need to know what a “40-Year Warranty” means in the industry. This limited warranty covers the film integrity of the paint system used on your wall and roof panels in case of cracking, checking and peeling for a period of 40 years. Most manufacturers of metal roofing have this basic warranty available, however—as with any warranty—the most miniscule details can impact the overall effectiveness and value.

To select the right protection for roofing or building projects, ask questions to confirm your understanding of the warranty coverages and options before purchase. Some pertinent questions to consider include:

  • Are there any exceptions to the warranty?
  • Are all colors covered?
  • What are the limitations of the warranty?
  • What are the financial implications of not abiding by the warranty?

The answers to these questions and additional coverage information should be readily available and provided to you by the supplier. Keep in mind that all 40-year warranties—while generally similar—are not equal; it’s essential to thoroughly investigate the product’s warranty details to ensure the best property protection is received.

We encourage you to view ABC’s warranties on our website. You can also learn more about the proper handling of ABC’s metal panels by reading the product installation manuals. The precautions in the manuals can help save time, heartache and, of course, money.

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What’s next?

How well paint adheres to the substrate is not the only concern for many metal wall and roof panel consumers; homeowners often ask us about the fading of the paint system and the factors that should be considered when purchasing.

In the next installment of our “Decoding Your Warranty” blog, we will discuss fading in more detail and provide insight into this commonly overlooked factor in warranties.

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Three Reasons To Install A Metal Roof This Winter

Posted on by Casey Walker

Patching up a leak or replacing your roof soon? During the winter months, harsh weather and changing climates can greatly affect a roof’s life span and performance. In addition to low maintenance throughout the year, metal roofing provides even more benefits during the colder months.

Metal Roofing for Cold Climates: Winter Performance

A few of the benefits metal roofing offers in the winter include:

  1. Metal roofing reduces the snow burden.

    Snow and ice can cause major damage to a structure, especially if the weight burden increases during harsh winters. Metal roof panels are manufactured to resist cold weather damage and are installed to gradually shed snow and ice. Snow guards can help ensure snow safely slides off in small amounts, reducing the chance of injury to those below.

  2. Metal roofing cuts the cost of heating bills.

    Metal acts as an insulator and allows both cool and warm air to circulate without escaping–a benefit realized year-round. This results in lower energy costs throughout the year, and helps your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

  3. Year-round installation means you don’t have to wait until spring.

    The busiest times of the year for contractors is in the spring, when people are preparing for hurricane season, and in fall, when most homeowners want to fix damages before the colder months arrive. Many people assume that metal roofing can’t be installed during winter because of snow and ice, however, this assumption is false. In fact contractors are more likely to be available and to offer lower pricing during this time.

Investing in a metal roof this winter is a decision that will continuously give back financially and environmentally.  With installation available throughout the year and benefits that help you instantly save, why wait? Reach out to your local ABC representative to learn more!