Metal Roofing Archives | Page 2 of 5

How To Prepare for Metal Roof Installation

Posted on May 11, 2020April 21, 2025 by Pat Thostenson

Metal Roofing Installation Prep

If you’re looking to replace your current roof, metal roofing is a durable, low-maintenance alternative to asphalt shingles. To make the most of your investment, it’s important to plan ahead for the metal roof installation process. Learn about the steps that you and your contractor should take to prepare for metal roofing installation.

Consider Metal Roofing Options: Profiles, Gauge, Color, Etc.

Consult with a local distributor to select metal roofing materials for your building project. They’ll be able to provide resources such as product information, color charts, technical literature and product samples.

There are several factors to consider when selecting metal roofing panels. The most important consideration is the roof pitch. Make sure to choose a metal panel profile that will perform best with the pitch of your roof in order to keep it weathertight. Once you’ve selected the panel style, choose from a variety of profiles and colors depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences.

For residential applications, the MasterRib® panel, an exposed fastener panel, offers rustic charm. The SL-16® panel, a concealed fastener panel, provides a clean, sleek aesthetic.

Choose a Contractor

Next, you’ll need to select a contractor. During this process, it’s important to choose a contractor that has experience installing metal roofing. In many cases, your local distributor can provide references to narrow down your search.

Building Owner Prep Work

Although the contractor will be responsible for most of the heavy lifting, there are a few things you should do to prepare for metal roof panel installation.

Clear the Space

Make sure to clear the space around your home or building to prepare an adequate workspace for your contractor. For commercial properties, you may want to set up barriers to keep your customers safe. For residential buildings, you should remove items from the yard, patio, deck or balcony to keep them from being damaged. Consider protecting landscaping that’s in close proximity to the building by covering it with a tarp.

Alert Your Neighbors

As a courtesy to your neighbors, consider warning them about the loud noises that will likely occur during the metal roofing installation process.

Make Arrangements

Make arrangements for any individuals that may be disturbed by the noise. For residential buildings, you should also make arrangements for pets that may need to go outside during the day.

Contractor Prep Work

Measure the Roof & Create a Materials List

Once you’ve hired a contractor, they’ll begin their prep work by measuring the roof to create a materials list and determine order quantities. This list should contain all of the necessary materials including:

Panels
Trim (Edging)
Screws
Closure Strips/Closures
Venting Material
Other Roofing Accessories

Before the materials list is finalized, you should discuss with your contractor whether or not to vent the ridge cap. In residential situations, this is necessary to circulate air throughout the house.

Order Materials

In most cases, your contractor will be responsible for ordering the roofing materials through the local distributor. Before the order is placed, consider which warranty option is best for you. While a 40-year warranty is the most common choice, some of the lighter gauge materials offer a 20-year warranty option.

Inspect Material

Once the roofing materials are delivered, it’s important to inspect them. Your contractor should do the following:

Check the bill of lading to make sure that all materials have been delivered
Check the materials for damage including dents and scratched paint
If something is wrong with the order, contact the distributor to order replacement materials

Remove Old Roofing and Repair Damage

Remove the existing roofing down to the decking. After the existing roofing materials have been removed, the installer should check for bad decking and make any necessary repairs. All ice and water shields and underlayment should be removed and replaced as well.

Metal Roofing Installation

After all of the prep work is completed, the metal roof installation process can begin. During the installation process, it’s important to communicate with the main contact for your project about any concerns you may have. Once the installation process has been completed, make sure the work is done to your liking. Be sure to finalize payment and warranty information as well.

To learn more about the best practices for metal roof installation, contact your local ABC representative.

Metal as the Preferred Material for Self-Storage Facilities

Posted on March 17, 2020April 20, 2023 by Tyler Roose

At the heart of any self-storage business is the facility itself. To create a profitable operation, it’s important to design your facility with a variety of factors in mind. Your facility must be appealing to customers while maintaining a functional, low-maintenance design. For most self-storage facility owners, metal is the building material of choice as it provides the following benefits:

Quick to Build – The prefabricated design of metal buildings means that the components arrive pre-cut and ready to go. This saves time and money during the construction process.

Low Maintenance – Metal buildings offer durability which save money on annual maintenance costs. Many metal panels feature protective coatings which prevent damage, preserving the longevity of a facility. Metal roofs offer a lifespan of 30+ years compared to the 10 to 15-year lifespan of traditional roofing materials.

Weather-Resistant – With the strength of metal, storage buildings can often withstand high winds, heavy snow and hail. This will provide tenants with peace of mind that their property will be protected. Metal buildings are also resistant to damage from fire and seismic activity.

Flexible Design – Choosing a metal structure and components to self-storage facilities provides a lot of design flexibility. Choose from a variety of options including roof panels, wall panels, roll up doors and a variety of other accessories to construct the facility. Metal panels and trim are available in several attachment styles, profiles, colors and finishes to fit your needs. As your business grows, your metal building can be expanded to accommodate additional units.

Sustainable Option – Metal is a 100% recyclable option, allowing you to reduce carbon footprint. Additionally, you can improve the energy efficiency of your metal storage facility by choosing cool metal roof panel colors and adding insulation.

Roof, Walls and Doors

Any self-storage facility should have an energy-efficient building envelope to protect the tenants’ property from the outside world. The components you choose for your self-storage facility make all the difference when it comes to functionality, durability and aesthetics. It’s important to select high-quality components which will stand up to extreme weather and regular wear and tear, and that are compatible with each other so they can be properly joined and sealed to prevent leakage.

Roof Panels

Selecting the right roofing materials play a large part in improving the weathertightness of a facility. This ultimately affects the energy efficiency of the building and provides tenants with peace of mind that their belongings are protected.

Metal roofing is durable, even during extreme weather events. Many panels are capable of withstanding winds up to 140mph. They’re designed to protect against air and water leakage, contributing to the overall weathertightness of your building envelope.

To create an energy efficient facility, consider choosing cool metal roofing colors. A cool roof reflects heat from the sun instead of absorbing it. The “coolness” of a roof is measured by solar reflectance and solar emittance. Ask your contractor or builder for this information when selecting a roof color.

There are a variety of panel attachment styles and profiles that you can choose from to construct your facility. Exposed fastener panels (such as PBR) are the most common in storage applications because they are high-quality and easy to install.

Wall Panels

When selecting siding materials for a self-storage facility, choose a solution that provides a consistent air, water and vapor barrier. This is possible with the strength of metal panels. Choose from a variety of panel styles, profiles and colors to achieve the desired aesthetic. Exposed fastener panels can be installed horizontally or vertically to add visual interest to the structure.

For the best performance, insulate metal wall panels or choose IMPs for your facility. IMPs offer an all-in-one solution. They provide a reliable thermal barrier, so you don’t have to worry about inconsistencies, gaps or voids that could allow air leakage. Maximized rentable space is another added benefit of insulated metal panels. They don’t require exterior wall framing, which usually adds an extra four to six inches on the perimeter. Instead, you are able to maximize your rental space, increasing the number of rentable units in the facility.

Choose from a variety of metal wall panels systems and partitions to create the ideal unit mix within your facility. Concealed fastener panels deliver security without sacrificing functionality, quality and aesthetics.

Roll Up Doors

Installing proper access doors will go a long way toward increasing the functionality and energy efficiency of your self-storage facility. Whether your units are protected by interior hallways or exposed to the elements, choose doors that will protect your tenants’ belongings and allow for easy access.

Steel roll up doors offer long-term value, low maintenance design and space savings, making them an ideal choice for your self-storage facility.

When selecting metal roll up doors, consider the design of your facility and the brand of your company. There are often just as many choices available in regards to door color as the exterior roof and wall panels themselves. This allows you to be creative in the facility design and even utilize colors consistent with your company’s brand.

If your units are exposed to the outdoors, consider weathertightness. There are a variety of hurricane-rated roll up doors available that are designed to withstand high winds. To further improve the weathertightness of your building envelope, add draft stops to prevent unwanted airflow. Draft stops can also be helpful for maintaining a consistent temperature in climate-controlled units.

For more information about designing a functional, energy efficient self-storage facility that is aesthetically pleasing to customers, contact your local ABC representative today.

What Makes a Metal Building Green?

Posted on February 19, 2020July 29, 2024 by Greg Hekman

Longevity, reduced material consumption and decreased energy usage are what determine if a structure is sustainable. A design-build contractor or builder should understand the metal building owner’s sustainability goals from the onset of the design phase.

In addition to protecting the environment, designing a sustainable building can save your company money through reduced energy costs and garner recognition through several certification programs including LEED®, Green Globes and the Living Building Challenge.

Metal buildings are a sustainable, or “green”, option from fabrication through the end of their lifespan. Here are some of the features of steel buildings that make them green:

Durability

One benefit of metal buildings is the exceptional durability of the building components including metal siding, roofing and framing . Compared to traditional building materials like lumber or shingles, steel is resistant to damage from the elements including severe weather, insects and even fire.

Rice Lumber’s retail store utilizes CF Flute insulated metal panels in slate gray. For the warhouse, PBR in 26-gauge slate gray were used for the wall and soffit panel, while and 7.2 Panel was selected under deck for the rubber roof.

This longevity means that there’s no need to consume additional resources to repair or replace your metal building for decades, contributing to its overall sustainability.

Reduced Impact at the Building Site

The benefits of metal buildings extend beyond the materials used. Since metal buildings are fabricated off site, there’s less disruption of the area surrounding the building. They can be erected quickly with less waste.

Decreased Temperatures in Urban Areas

Additionally, buildings featuring cool metal roofing panels can help reduce the heat-island effect. The heat-island effect refers to the increase in temperature created when dark and heat absorbing roofing materials are used. These roofing materials can raise the temperature of surrounding areas by as much as seven degrees. This excess heat can be detrimental to plants, trees and people in urban areas. Since cool metal roofing reflects heat instead of absorbing it, less heat is transmitted to the surrounding areas. This helps plants retain water and people remain more comfortable. This also translates to decreased energy usage and decreased greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity used for cooling buildings.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Metal buildings can also be designed for improved energy efficiency. Combine a variety of components such as insulated metal roof and wall panels and high-performance windows and doors to create an energy efficient building envelope. These components work together to create an effective thermal and vapor barrier, ultimately reducing energy consumption.

Further improve the energy efficiency of your metal building by choosing cool metal roofing. Since these panels reflect the sun’s rays, less heat is absorbed into the building itself. This helps to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Metal roofing panels are the perfect substrate for the installation of solar panels. Solar panels can be attached to a variety of metal panel styles. For standing seam metal roofing, solar panels can be clipped to the roof panel to avoid penetrating the substrate. This renewable energy source will help reduce your building’s carbon footprint and lower electricity costs.

Responsible Material Usage

When selecting sustainable materials for your building project, metal should be at the top of your list. Steel products contain a significant percentage of recycled material and are 100% recyclable at the end of the building’s life.

Since most metal buildings are prefabricated in shops, there’s less overall waste both at the job site and during fabrication. Any scrap materials that are created during fabrication can be recycled and reused.

Indoor Environmental Quality

One important component of sustainability is the interior performance of your building. This is achieved when the well-being of the building’s occupants is protected. Since metal building components are pre-finished off-site during fabrication, there are less harmful, volatile organic compounds released into the building.

Additionally, metal buildings offer flexibility of design, allowing for the incorporation of windows, doors and skylights throughout in order to provide natural light and exterior views. This has been shown to benefit building users.

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 1: Why it Matters

Posted on August 29, 2019July 29, 2024 by Marc Carolan

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULARLY CLEANING METAL PANELS:

Ensure Panel Longevity:

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

Protect Panel Appearance:

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

Control Energy Costs:

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

HOW OFTEN DO METAL PANELS NEED CLEANING?

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

WHO SHOULD CLEAN METAL PANELS?

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

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING MANUFACTURER MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS:

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

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

Metal Roofing and Hurricane Season Part 1: Securing the Roof

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

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

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

Metal Roofing Performance in Coastal Communities

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

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

The True Savings of Metal Roofing

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

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

Roofing and Snow: Everything You Need to Know – Part Two

Posted on November 13, 2018July 29, 2024 by Ken Buchinger

Additional considerations for working with metal panels in winter.

In part one of our series on metal roofing and snow, we covered five of the most important elements to consider when preparing structures for winter weather. In this post, we’ll review four more ways to prevent unexpected, costly damage of metal panels in winter.

Consider roof material and surface color

Metal roofs absorb heat quickly and radiate it effectively. Darker panel colors can enhance this solar absorption effect, which can save you money year-round. But because UV light can pass through 3-5 inches of snow, when combined with heat loss through the roof, it becomes more difficult for snow to stay solid. To minimize the chance of ice damming, you should ensure your roof system is properly sealed and insulated. If not, ice damming may occur and the melting and re-freezing of snow throughout the day can result in icy layers that promote snow sliding—no matter the roof material or color.

Review weathertightness factors

For low-sloped roofs (less than 3:12), it is especially important for panel seams to be watertight to prevent water (melted snow) from leaking into the structure. This can be problematic when snow gathers and stays on a roof. Architects, designers and specifiers, therefore, should consider using panels that have passed the ASTM 2140 water head test or FM 4471 Appendix G water test. Water-resistant underlayment should also be considered for all roof slopes.

A close-up of this dormer roof illustrates how the impact of sliding ice and snow can damage panel seams.

Consider your roof layout

Design elements like valleys and slope changes cause snow to collect and increases your snow load. Also, when dormers extend from a large roof area and one area is significantly bigger than the other, the structure is susceptible to experiencing unbalanced sliding snow. This imbalance can actually tear open standing seams and displace panels. Also consider that drifting snow may accumulate behind HVAC units, at perimeter walls, and behind solar and photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Ensure Proper Roof Maintenance

One of the best ways to prevent snow and ice issues is to regularly inspect and maintain your roof. In addition to cleaning and inspecting your roof for possible issues, properly removing standing snow and preventing ice dams is a vital part of avoiding damage to your metal panels in winter. This often requires that you get into your attic to inspect for air leaks—the leading cause of ice dams. Read more about how to properly maintain and remove snow from your roof in this blog post.

If an issue is discovered, consult your roofing material manufacturer for recommendations as well as advice on warranty claims. Additionally, you can reach out to a trusted roofing professional in your area. These professionals can thoroughly inspect your roof system to help you determine ways to rectify any potential issues. You’ll want to do this before damage and/or injury occurs and before you pay for sub-par or ineffective repairs.

If you missed part one of this series, click here for our top five considerations. These include managing snow load and sliding snow, preventing ice dams, using retention systems and more! For more information on how metal panels fare in winter weather conditions and for advice on how to winter-proof your roof, reach out to an ABC representative today.

Roofing and Snow: Everything You Need to Know – Part One

Posted on October 4, 2018July 29, 2024 by Ken Buchinger

What to consider when designing and building in snow-prone areas.

While properly-designed metal roofs historically perform well in winter, heavy snowfall can be detrimental to buildings of all kinds. Those who live and work in and around them are also at risk when snow and ice cause dangerous situations. Even though winter doesn’t formally begin until late December, colder weather is upon us. And while you might not be expecting snow or ice yet, keep these roofing and snow tips in mind when designing, constructing and maintaining structures in areas where there’s a chance for snow and/or ice over the course of the year.

Considerations for Snow-Bearing Roofs:

Anticipate Snow Load

Snow accumulates on every roof type, and as this happens, it increases the amount of weight your structure is bearing. This increased weight (snow load) can pose several threats to the structure and those in and around it. For example, when the weight of snow or ponded water from melted snow exceeds the structure’s limits, the roof or even the entire structure can collapse. Be sure you’re aware of the weight your structure can bear and remove snow to keep it within its limits. Consult the International Building Code (IBC) as well as state and local codes for guidance based on your location.

Prevent Ice Dams

Most ice dams are the result of air barrier flaws in buildings. If warm indoor air escapes through the roof floor, it warms the roof sheathing and melts the underside of the layer of snow on top. This water then moves down the slope of the roof toward the eaves, where it freezes into ice. As this process continues, the ice gets thicker and thicker, resulting in ice dams. The presence of these dams allow water to back up and form a reservoir that can cause major damage.

To prevent ice dams, you should:

Seal all air leaks at the attic floor
Ensure proper insulation
Provide adequate attic ventilation

Another tip is to use a peel and stick membrane on the roof deck extending from the eave to about 3’ up-slope from the exterior wall. For more specific details on the ice dam prevention tips above, read our recent blog post.

Prevent Sliding Snow

Gravity can cause accumulated snow to slide down the roof’s slope (shedding), potentially injuring people and damaging property below. Despite this, snow shedding must occur to keep the snow load from accumulating beyond the buildings structural limits. Balancing snow load and shedding is important and requires that you consider geographical and building material and roof design factors.

Ice and snow sliding down the main roof has damaged the roof panels and the valley trim on this connector roof.

Roof slopes of 45 degrees (12:12) or more, can accelerate sliding snow with sometimes immense and dangerous consequences. For example, if snow accumulates and then falls onto an exterior gas line, pipes could rupture. From there, the smallest of ignition sources could set the structure ablaze. In addition, the weight of sliding snow can propel any icicles formed on eaves can be propelled down by the force and weight of sliding snow onto people and property below.

On slopes less than 45 degrees (6:12 to 9:12), low amounts of friction (like on smooth roof surfaces) means it offers less resistance to sliding. Striations and embossing on roofing materials like metal panels add a small 3D profile and improve the resistance to sliding, especially when they run traverse to the slope.

This can get complicated, but in general, installing metal panels with snow retention devices on a steeply-sloped roof is recommended. This approach will naturally shed snow and ice, and protect your structure from excessive snow loads. If you have a low-sloped roof, be sure it’s design supports snow as shedding won’t occur naturally. Including enough snow retention devices from ridge to eave is also imperative for this design.

Use Retention Systems

A variety of retention options, such as snow fences, bars or guards, are designed to make snow and ice melt completely or fall from roofs in small amounts. This helps reduce risks associated with sudden rooftop avalanches while maintaining the clean lines of the roof. It is important that snow retention systems are carefully engineered and properly installed. Models like S-5!’s snow-retention device design resource allow you to input your roof dimensions and expected snow load to adequately engineer snow fence assemblies.

Protect Roof Attachments

This pipe penetration is protected from sliding ice and snow by a small section of S-5! ColorGuard to the panel seams immediately up-slope from the pipe.

The weight of sliding snow can be powerful enough to take off attachments like exhaust vents. To combat this, reduce the shear load by installing rigid vent pipes securely and as high up on the roof slope as possible. If this is not possible, protect the pipes with a snow retention system.

While metal roofing responds well to harsh winter weather, it is imperative to take the time to keep snow, ice and moisture from causing issues. No matter the roofing design or material used, keeping people and property safe from overhead dangers should be a priority when designing, installing and maintain your structure.

In part two of this roofing and snow series, we’ll review additional considerations. It contains tips on roof layout, color, weathertightness and maintenance, which also play important roles in winter weather protection.

For more information on roofing and snow like how metal panels fare in winter weather conditions and for advice on how to winter-proof your roof, reach out to an ABC representative today.

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!

What You Need to Know About Insulated Metal Panels

Posted on June 28, 2018May 31, 2023 by Tyler Roose

Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs), simply put, are the insulated version of single-skin (uninsulated) metal panels. As the name suggests, IMPs provide insulation and, therefore, thermal control and barrier protection to structures. This helps ensure air, heat and moisture stay outside of a building, reducing the chances of mold, corrosion and rotting.

A versatile and practical choice, IMPs are designed for many roof and vertical and horizontal wall applications—including ceiling panels and wall partitions for commercial, industrial and post-frame building types. IMPs are ideal for sustainability-minded designs, offering excellent R-values (indicating their insulating power) and improving energy efficiency. What’s more, they’re available in various colors, thicknesses, widths and finishes, providing many customization options to choose from.

Here, we’ll take a look at some of the many benefits of using IMPs. Plus, we’ll review some factors to consider when deciding if IMPs are the right choice for a building project.

Choosing IMPs:

There are several important factors that go into the decision to use IMPs. While they offer tremendous benefits, it’s always good to research the product to ensure it meets your needs. The manufacturer, as always, is a great resource to help determine the optimal material and product, given all the parameters. Here are some of the main factors to consider.

Benefits of using IMPs:

Installation and Maintenance: IMPs have similar requirements to single-skin in terms of time and labor.
Longevity: IMPs can enhance the building lifespan, as they protect from unwanted and damaging heat and moisture.
Versatility: Available in a range of panel colors, thicknesses, widths and finishes, IMPs offer many customization options.
Energy Savings: Because they help regulate interior temperature, IMPs are more effective at energy conservation as compared to single-skin panels.
Energy Performance: Contractors and builders can use IMPs to achieve necessary energy performance levels with this single-source enclosure, providing a continuous blanket of protection.
R-Value Performance: IMP tests show thermal performance values up to R-8.515 (roof panels) and 7.08 (wall panels) per inch of panel thickness. i.e., a 2.5-inch-deep panel would easily meet the International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE minimums.
Cost: While generally more expensive than single-skin panels, this cost is often offset by long-term savings.
Tax Savings: Federal, state and/or local governments often offer incentives for using sustainable or “green” products that meet energy-efficiency requirements. Your personal tax advisor can share more information on any currently available incentive programs.

How to know if you need an insulated metal panel:

Building Type/End Use: Any structure that will hold people or goods should consider using IMPs. Specialized facilities that require reliable temperature and moisture regulation are excellent candidates for IMP use. These include refrigerated warehouses, research laboratories, government facilities, defense contractors, technology companies, MRI clinics and food production facilities, to name a few.
Geography and Weather: Depending on region/weather considerations, IMPs might be the best choice. To help determine if that is the case, you can calculate the functional amount of insulation needed in your area by using the minimum rated R-values method or the maximum U-factor assembly calculation. [For IMPs, the Maximum U-Factor Assembly calculations is recommended and can be tested using ASTM C1363.]
Meeting Fire Rating Requirements: To become fire-rated, IMP manufacturers can submit full-size product samples to a testing laboratory like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The products are then tested according to standard, agreed-upon procedures such as ANSI/UL 263, “Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.” The manufacturer can provide confirmation as to whether a particular IMP meets the requirement for your project.

All things considered, the advantages IMPs offer often make them ideal for many building applications. This is particularly true when it comes to energy efficiency and sustainability for the post-frame, commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For more information on IMPs, check out ABC’s IMP resources or reach out to an ABC representative in your area.