A Simple Solution to Metal Panel Condensation

Posted on December 27, 2016May 31, 2023 by Tyler Roose

If you’ve ever gone outside before sunrise, you’ve likely noticed dew on the grass or on your car windows. This is condensation. While we may have learned the basics of this naturally occurring phenomenon in science class, we may need a quick refresher.

Condensation occurs when there’s more water vapor (the invisible, gaseous phase of water) than the air can hold. When the water vapor is cooled off or compressed to its saturation limit—at which point the vapor’s molecular density reaches its maximum threshold—it turns into liquid. Warm air can hold more moisture, but as it cools it reaches its saturation limit and water droplets form. While not a problem on the grass or your car (once you wipe the water away), condensation on metal panels CAN be a problem for your customers. The good news is there’s a simple solution.

What causes condensation on metal panels?

When temperature and humidity conditions reach dew point, moisture can condense on the underside of metal roofing and potentially cause water damage to the inside of your customer’s building. Those drips from ceilings and surface moisture occur when warm air comes in contact with the cooler roofline or walls.

High interior humidity—a common cause of condensation in metal buildings—can result from heating and air conditioning systems, how the building is used, gas-fired heating components, improper construction techniques or even human respiration, as these all give off moisture vapor.

Effects of condensation on different types of panels:

If there is an abundance of condensation, water droplets will form and can cause damage. In metal buildings, there are a few possible consequences of trapped moisture in wall and roof systems:

Corrosion of metal components, even on surface-treated metal: When exposed to moisture, metal components can oxidize and weaken, decreasing the life of your customer’s building.
Degradation/ reduced effectiveness of the thermal performance of insulation
Mold or mildew growth, which can cause unpleasant odors and increase health risks, particularly for those with allergies or asthma
Insect infestations

Note: The probability of significant problems will depend on the location and usage of your customer’s building.

Controlling Condensation: What is the Solution?.

Traditionally, condensation is managed by insulating the metal roof so that the panel temperature never reaches the dew point. This is often accomplished using vinyl-backed fiberglass insulation to prevent humid air from coming into contact with the cooler metal roof (which may be at or below the dew point). If your customers are heating or cooling their building, adding insulation is certainly worth consideration. If they aren’t, there is another option to consider besides the installation of vinyl-backed insulation.

Your customers can consider installing Drip Stop, a patented condensation control membrane, to prevent damage from moisture. Drip Stop (manufactured by ABC) is a felt-like material with a rubber backer that can be applied to the back side of metal panels. The material literally traps and holds the moisture resulting from condensation. When conditions change, the ambient air temperature usually rises, thereby raising the dew point. The moisture is then released from the Drip Stop material back into the air in the form of normal humidity. Drip Stop can be applied to the back of metal coils (either Galvalume^® Plus or painted) and then the metal can be roll-formed onto panels.

What are the benefits of this alternative condensation control method?

Drip Stop offers several advantages for your customers:

Durability: Drip Stop is a very tough, light gray anti-condensation felt that is not susceptible to ripping, tearing or deterioration unlike standard insulation and vapor barriers.
Low Maintenance: Drip Stop resists dirt and grime, is antimicrobial and is very easy to clean with a hose or pressure washer.
Corrosion Protection: The rubber backer on the material helps protect the back side of the panel from corrosion (although there is no protection at the panel’s cut edges).
Easy to Handle: There is no need to roll a vapor barrier over purlins and then seal with tape, which can reduce labor hours and cost. Additionally, the use of Drip Stop is not hindered by windy conditions.
Safety and Insurance: The material is approved for smoke generation and flame spread per UL^® 723 for insurance specifications.
Acoustic Benefits: Drip Stop helps dampen sound from either inside or outside the building.
Versatility: Drip Stop is approved for use in residences, warehouses, industrial plants, sports arenas, schools, storage buildings, garages, animal confinement facilities and more.
Cost-Savings: Drip Stop is up to 25 percent less expensive as compared to traditional solutions.
Warranty-Backed: Drip Stop features a 20-year adhesion warranty to ensure longevity.

The Bottom Line:

There’s no need for the damaging effects of condensation to put a damper on your customer’s metal building project. With a simple solution like Drip Stop, you customers can protect their assets and prevent costly and time-consuming repairs.

For more information on Drip Stop and how it can be applied to ABC’s PBR, Imperial Rib® and Retro-R® panels, visit our website or contact your local sales representative.

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

Posted on August 15, 2016May 31, 2023 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 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!

Three Reasons To Install A Metal Roof This Winter

Posted on November 3, 2015April 29, 2024 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:

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.
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.
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!

What your customers need to know when considering a metal roof for their home

Posted on September 15, 2015May 31, 2023 by Casey Walker

Your customers have a wide variety of options when choosing roofing materials for their home. One of those options is metal. When considering whether to use metal roof panels, there are a variety of factors any homeowner should consider.

Is Metal Roofing Right for Residential Use?

When considering metal roofing for residential applications, here are common questions your customers may have:

Will a metal roof match the style of their home?

With a wide variety of styles, profiles and colors, metal roofs compliment any residential design. Manufactured and produced to provide a higher quality option, metal roofs give your customers the beautiful appeal they want and the durability they need.

What is the life span of a metal roof?

According to a recent study by the Metal Construction Association (MCA), metal roofs are projected to last longer than the buildings they cover, up to 60 years or more. For customers considering a metal roof for their home, it’s a decision they’ll only need to make once.

How will metal roofing stand up to extreme weather?

Metal roofs are recognized for their durability and resistance to inclement weather with intense testing for high winds that can withstand gusts up to 140 miles per hour. (This is dependent upon the metal roofing profile selected. Your customers should contact the metal roofing manufacturer to assure they have the correct roof panel for their weatherability needs.) In addition to standing up to wind, metal roofs are known for withstanding decades of harsh weather like heavy snow, hailstorms and even fires. For homeowners who see a lot of heavy snowfall, metal roofs are an ideal option as they are able to shed snow fast and eliminate ice damming.

What are the environmental benefits of a metal roof?

Since up to 28 percent of the panel is recycled material, choosing a metal roof is beneficial for the environment. Metal roof are also nearly 100 percent recyclable. Additionally, they are energy efficient, absorbing up to 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles. This keeps your customer’s home cool in the summer and warm in the winter—reducing their energy costs.

What does a metal roof cost in comparison to traditional roofing?

As a premium home product, your customers can expect their new metal roof to cost roughly twice as much as a traditional roof. However, there are many benefits that make this a cost-efficient solution for you customers including lower energy costs, moderate maintenance and increased resale value of your customer’s home. With metal roofing, your customers can be assured that they are investing in a long-term solution that more than makes up for the initial cost savings associated with traditional roofing materials. Read our blog post on metal roofing and shingles to learn more about pricing and benefits.

For more information about residential roof panels, contact your local ABC sales representative today.

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-447 size-large" src="https://www.abcmetalroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/dripstop-1024x279-updated.jpg" alt="ABC Drip Stop for metal panel condensation" width="1024" height="279" />What causes condensation on metal panels?