Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. (“Cornerstone Building Brands”), a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America, has acquired Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation (“Metal Sales”), a leading manufacturer of metal building systems and components serving high-growth and diverse end-markets through a vast, multi-channel network.
Headquartered in Sellersburg, Ind., and founded in 1963, Metal Sales has about 900 employees and a nationwide footprint that is highly complementary to Cornerstone Building Brands’ existing operations.
“The Metal Sales acquisition increases Cornerstone Buildings Brands’ participation in the high-growth residential building systems market,” said Matt Ackley, President, Shelter Solutions at Cornerstone Building Brands. “With a combined post-transaction footprint of more than 100 plants and distribution locations for our Shelter Solutions business, we’ll be better positioned to serve North American customers in the $30 billion metal building and components market. We’re excited to welcome the Metal Sales team to our company.”
Preparing Your Metal Roof for Fall: Maintenance Tips
As fall approaches, it’s critical to ensure the metal roofing systems you distribute are ready to perform through the cooler months. At ABC, we understand that distributors play a key role in guiding contractors and homeowners to maintain their roofs effectively. By sharing these fall maintenance tips with your network, you can help ensure the longevity and performance of our high-quality metal roofing products. For detailed guidance, refer to ABC’s Building Maintenance Manual.
Here’s how to prepare metal roofs for the fall season and support your customers.
1. Recommend Thorough Roof Inspections
Encourage contractors and homeowners to inspect metal roofs for signs of wear before fall weather sets in. This proactive step helps identify issues early, reducing warranty claims and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Advise checking fasteners: Loose screws or fasteners can lead to leaks, especially under fall winds or rain. Recommend tightening or replacing them with a larger diameter screw.
Recommend panel seam inspections: Gaps at panel seams can compromise performance. Suggest inspecting at both side laps and end laps, and resealing where necessary.
Emphasize flashing checks: Flashings around vents, chimneys, and skylights should be secure and properly sealed to prevent water intrusion.
2. Stress the Importance of Debris Removal
Falling leaves and debris are common in autumn and can affect roof performance. Educate your customers on keeping roofs clear to maintain the durability of ABC’s metal roofing systems.
Promote gentle cleaning methods: Recommend using soft-bristle brooms or leaf blowers to remove leaves and twigs, avoiding tools that could scratch protective coatings.
Focus on valleys and low-slope areas: These spots are prone to debris buildup, which can trap moisture and lead to corrosion if not addressed.
3. Guide on Proper Roof Cleaning
A clean roof enhances both aesthetics and longevity. Provide your customers with best practices to maintain the appearance and integrity of their metal roofs.
Suggest mild cleaning solutions: Advise using mild detergent and water with a soft brush or cloth, followed by a thorough rinse to avoid residue.
Warn against harsh methods: Discourage pressure washers or abrasive cleaners, which can damage coatings and void warranties.
Offer professional cleaning options: Recommend certified contractors for larger or heavily soiled roofs to ensure safe and effective cleaning.
4. Highlight Gutter Maintenance
A well-maintained gutter system is essential for metal roof performance. Share with your network the importance of clear gutters to prevent water backup and potential damage.
Encourage gutter cleaning: Advise removing debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
Promote gutter inspections: Suggest checking for secure attachment and proper slope to direct water away from structures.
Recommend gutter guards: These can help reduce debris buildup, making maintenance easier for end users and minimizing service calls.
5. Advise on Trimming Overhanging Branches
Branches that overhang roofs can cause scratches or coating damage, especially during fall storms. Help your customers protect their roofs by addressing this risk.
Suggest proactive trimming: Recommend cutting branches 6 to 10 feet away from the roof to prevent contact and debris buildup.
Refer to professional arborists: For large trees or complex jobs, advise hiring professionals to avoid accidental roof damage.
6. Emphasize Ventilation and Insulation
Proper ventilation and insulation are critical to preventing moisture issues and ice dams, which can affect roof performance in colder regions.
Promote attic ventilation checks: Clear vents prevent heat buildup, which can cause condensation and damage under the roof.
Highlight insulation benefits: Adequate insulation helps maintain consistent temperatures, reducing the risk of ice dams and ensuring energy efficiency.
7.Encourage Professional Inspections
While DIY maintenance is valuable, professional inspections ensure thorough care. Position your customers as trusted advisors by recommending ABC’s certified contractors.
Advocate for certified professionals: Contractors experienced with metal roofing can spot issues others might miss, ensuring product reliability.
Suggest early scheduling: Encourage customers to book inspections before the fall rush to secure timely service and maintain roof warranties.
8.Provide Guidance on Touch-Up Paint
Minor scratches or chips in the roof’s coating should be addressed promptly to prevent corrosion and maintain aesthetics.
Supply manufacturer-approved paint: Offer touch-up paint for ABC’s colors to help conceal small scratches.
Share application instructions: Ensure customers follow proper application techniques to maintain warranty coverage and protect the roof.
Why Fall Maintenance Matters
By equipping your customers with these maintenance tips, you reinforce the value of ABC’s durable, high-performance metal roofing products. Proactive maintenance reduces callbacks, enhances customer satisfaction, and strengthens your reputation as a trusted distributor. Share these tips through your channels, such as newsletters, training sessions, or consultations, to empower contractors and homeowners alike. For comprehensive maintenance instructions, direct your customers to ABC’s Building Maintenance Manual.
At ABC, we’re here to support our distributors with top-quality products and resources. For more information on our metal roofing systems or to connect with our team for training and support, contact us. Let’s work together to ensure every roof performs flawlessly this fall!
This comprehensive guide will help you tackle your spring cleaning like a pro, ensuring your house is in top shape for the sunny days ahead.
Start from the Top: Roof and Gutters
Begin your spring-cleaning journey by doing a thorough inspection of your roof and gutters. It’s essential to look for damaged metal panels, clogged gutters, and any signs of wear and tear that may have developed during the winter months. Fully functioning gutters are essential for directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation, helping prevent potential water damage and costly repairs. ABC provides an array of exceptional products to refresh your roof and make it both aesthetically appealing and extremely durable. We suggest the Slimline® panel, previously known as the SL-16®, which is known for being low maintenance. Additionally, the LokSeam® has become a fan favorite for its longevity as it helps prevent snow damage when properly designed and installed and has a contemporary look, making it a great choice for homeowners who want both functionality and style.
While many primarily focus on cleaning the interior of their homes during the Spring, it’s crucial not to overlook your home’s first line of defense: the roof! While traditional shingles remain a popular choice, it’s worth noting that metal roofing panels can offer up to three times the lifespan of a shingled roof. Their unmatched durability makes them a smart investment for those looking to improve longevity and minimize future maintenance costs.
»Pro Tip: For initial ground-level inspections, consider using binoculars to check for any potential roofing issues before bringing out your ladder.
Check Those Tree Limbs
Spring is the time when trees begin to bud again and regain their foliage, which also means that now is the perfect time to inspect for any damaged or overgrown limbs that could spell trouble for your roof – in particular, branches that are just a little too close for comfort. Trim back any limbs that pose a risk of falling or scratching your roof.
As we embrace the renewal and growth that Spring signifies, we can’t forget that also means unwelcome guests like moss and mold can run rampant if not controlled. These nuisances can damage your roof and siding, leading to reduced energy efficiency and higher utility bills. If you spot this plant or fungus, consult with a professional as soon as possible and consider replacing it with a metal panel for easier upkeep. Our expert team can guide you through the process and provide suggestions tailored to meet your needs.
Consider the Environment
If being eco-friendly is a priority for you and your family, ABC has you covered. Our 2 ½ CORRUGATED panel is one of the most popular products due to its structural stability and strength benefits. For additional tips on how to maintain an environmentally friendly home, be sure to check out the information we’ve shared on Sustainability – consider it your resource for all things green.
As for quick and easy ways to refresh your home’s exterior for Spring, a simple rinse with a garden hose can work wonders for your metal roof and siding, washing away the remnants of winter’s grime. Follow that up with some touch-up paint formulated for metal panels, and you’ll surely see an instant enhancement to your home’s curb appeal. If you want to avoid having to repaint chipped products for years to come, explore the various colors available for our panels. Our wide selection is versatile and fits many homes’ aesthetics. Also, remember to wipe down your windows inside and out for a crystal clear view of the flowers that the Springtime will bloom. You’ll be amazed at the transformation that comes from these seemingly small changes!
It’s important to remember that addressing these issues promptly can save you from hefty repairs down the line. If you’re uncertain about managing these tasks on your own, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of our experts, who can provide you with the guidance you need to take action towards a refreshed home for the season ahead.
Ready to give your home the care it deserves? Let’s quickly go over how to get started with your exterior home Spring Cleaning:
Start from the top of your home and work your way down. Check your roof for loose metal panels, missing sealants, clogged gutters, or any damage from the winter season.
Check for moss or fungus on both your roof and siding. Contact a professional to remove the fungus or plant and consider one of our suggested metal panels for a low–maintenance replacement solution.
Rinse your metal roof and wall panels for a fresh start. Consider replacing damaged siding with a low–maintenance metal panel in a specified color to match your home style.
Wipe down the inside and outside of your windows.
Gather and dispose of fall foliage around your home.
Evaluate if anything needs replacing. If so, give our experts a call today!
By taking these steps, you will not only enhance the beauty of your home but also elevate safety and efficiency as you step into the blossoming Spring season.
When selecting materials for your building project, roofing choices play a crucial role in the structure’s overall safety profile. Metal roofing has gained recognition among architects, builders, and property owners for its protective characteristics. Here are five important aspects to consider regarding metal roofing’s fire safety benefits.
1. Fire-Resistance Characteristics
Metal roofing materials are inherently non-combustible and can achieve Class A fire ratings when installed according to manufacturer specifications as part of a complete roofing system. Research indicates metal roofing typically resists ignition during exposure to heat. This resistance may provide an important layer of protection against certain external fire challenges.
2. Economic Considerations Over Time
Evaluating metal roofing often involves analyzing several potential long-term benefits:
Typically requires less frequent maintenance than some traditional options
Documented longevity often exceeding many conventional roofing materials
May contribute to building envelope protection
Some insurers may take roofing materials into account during policy evaluations
These factors can help inform the comprehensive assessment of metal roofing value.
3. Sustainability Attributes
When considering environmental impact, metal roofing offers several noteworthy characteristics:
Frequently manufactured using recycled materials (specific content varies)
Generally qualified as a recyclable building material at replacement
Certain finishes may help reduce cooling energy requirements A
Compatible with various green building standards and practices
4. Construction and Implementation
The practical aspects of metal roofing installation present distinct advantages in many building scenarios. Many metal roofing products feature a favorable strength-to-weight ratio that can streamline the installation process. Construction professionals can implement these systems efficiently while maintaining quality standards.
5. Aesthetic Versatility
The contemporary metal roofing marketplace offers extensive design flexibility. With options spanning numerous profiles, textures, colors, and finish types, metal roofing can harmonize with diverse architectural visions while incorporating its protective qualities. Decision-makers can explore options aligning with both performance requirements and design objectives.
When evaluating roofing solutions, metal systems warrant consideration for their distinctive combination of protective features, performance characteristics, and design adaptability. For projects ranging from residential to commercial applications, metal roofing represents a significant option among modern roofing alternatives.
Want to explore how metal roofing might enhance your project’s safety profile? Connect with our specialists to discuss solutions tailored to your specific building requirements.
When it comes to building for the future, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a priority. At American Building Components, we’re committed to providing solutions that stand the test of time and tread lightly on the planet. One of our standout offerings? Metal roofing. It’s durable, versatile, and, most importantly, a champion of eco-friendly construction. Let’s dive into why metal roofing is a sustainable choice and how ABC is helping lead the charge toward greener buildings.
Key Takeaways
Longevity: Metal roofs can last 50+ years, reducing replacements and waste.
Recyclability: Made with recycled content and virtually 100% recyclable at end-of-life.
Energy Savings: Reflective coatings help lower cooling costs; insulation aids winter efficiency.
Durability: Weather-resilient, cutting repair needs and resource use.
ABC’s Role: Sustainable roofing options and expert guidance for greener builds.
The Eco-Friendly Edge of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has a lot going for it when it comes to sustainability. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles, which often end up in landfills after 15-20 years, metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. That longevity means fewer replacements, less waste, and a smaller environmental footprint over time. But the benefits don’t stop there.
One of the most significant advantages of metal roofing is its recyclability. Steel, aluminum, and other metals commonly used in roofing are among the most recycled materials on Earth. At the end of their long life, metal roof panels and trim can be fully recycled into new products – no landfill required. Many metal roofs today are already made with recycled content, closing the loop on resource use.
Energy Efficiency That Pays Off
Sustainability isn’t just about what happens at the end of a product’s life. It’s also about how it performs day to day. Metal roofing excels here, too. Its reflective properties can bounce sunlight away from a building, reducing heat absorption and keeping interiors cooler. This can translate to lower energy bills, especially in warmer climates, as air conditioning systems don’t have to work as hard. Pair a metal roof with a cool roof coating (available in a range of colors from ABC), and you’ve got an energy-efficient powerhouse that helps cut carbon emissions while saving you money.
In colder seasons, metal roofs can be paired with proper insulation to retain heat, making them a year-round performer. By optimizing energy use, metal roofing can help buildings – whether homes, warehouses, or commercial spaces – operate more sustainably.
A Smaller Carbon Footprint
Producing metal roofing requires energy, but manufacturing advancements have made it cleaner than ever. At ABC, we prioritize low-impact production methods, reducing the carbon footprint of every panel we offer, and our plant network enables us to produce orders near the jobsite, optimizing transportation efficiency.
It’s a win for the environment at every step.
And let’s not forget durability. Metal roofs stand up to harsh weather – think heavy rain, high winds, or even hail – better than many other materials with proper design and installation. Fewer repairs and replacements mean fewer resources consumed over time. For building owners, that’s peace of mind; for the planet, it’s a reduction in waste and emissions.
Supporting Sustainable Communities
At ABC, we believe sustainability extends beyond the product – it’s about the bigger picture. Metal roofing supports resilient buildings that can serve communities for decades. Whether it’s a school, a factory, or a family home, a metal roof from ABC ensures long-term protection with a focus on sustainability. We’re also committed to educating our customers on sustainable building practices so you can make choices that align with your values and budget.
Why Choose ABC for Your Metal Roofing?
Our metal roofing solutions are designed with sustainability at their core. Not sure where to start? Our team is here to guide you through selecting the right metal roof for your project – whether it’s a retrofit or a new build. With ABC, you’re not just choosing a roof; you’re investing in a future where durability and eco-friendliness go hand in hand.
Ready to explore how metal roofing can elevate your next project? Contact us today or browse our range of sustainable building components. Let’s build something strong, stylish, and sustainable – together.
Those in areas prone to below-freezing temperatures are likely familiar with ice dams and the costly damage they can cause. With winter weather already upon us, it’s important to ensure your building is protected against the dangerous and expensive effects of ice dams.
What Causes Ice Dams to Develop?
Most ice dams are a result of building air barrier flaws. When warm indoor air escapes through a rooftop, it warms the roof sheathing. This rise in temperature melts the underside of the layer of snow on top. The melted snow then moves down the slope of the roof toward the eaves, where it freezes into ice. As this process continues, the ice thickens, resulting in ice dams. These obstructions can cause water to back up and form a reservoir that can damage ceilings.
How Can Ice Dams Be Prevented?
To prevent ice dams, follow these four steps:
Seal Air Leaks: Sealing air leaks between the warm building interior and the attic or ceiling is imperative to prevent increased sheathing temperatures that can lead to ice dams. If your roof leaks every winter, it’s likely that an air leak is to blame. And, getting a new roof is not likely to help—even if it features more ventilation. The simple way to determine if you have air leaks is to get into your attic and check. Leaks can likely be easily sealed with two-component polyurethane spray foam. And extending any exhaust fans that don’t reach outside can help adequately seal the structure.
Ensure Proper Insulation: Many buildings don’t have adequate insulation levels to prevent ice damming. Building codes based on your geographic location can help you determine how much insulation you need. If the structure’s design doesn’t allow for adequate insulation, we recommend installing as much closed-cell spray polyurethane foam as possible. If replacing your roof, you can also install additional rigid foam insulation on top of the existing roof sheathing before you install the new roof. When taking that approach, make sure all products used are compatible with your new roof and adhere to manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s also imperative that attic insulation completely covers the top plates of a building’s exterior walls.
Improve Ventilation: Improving ventilation alone will not prevent air leaks that cause ice damming and should never be your first or only defense. In fact, improving ventilation without sealing air leaks and installing adequate insulation can increase heating costs and make ice damming problems worse. Despite this, if combined with steps one and two above, addressing your roof ventilation can’t hurt. The best ventilation options include soffit and ridge vents. It’s important to remember that all attic ventilation systems require an insulation dam (blocking) between the trusses and ventilation baffles at the attic’s perimeter, facing the soffits, to maintain a ventilation channel from the soffit to the attic and protect against wind-wash.
Use Underlayment: Covering your roof sheathing with two or more layers of rubberized membrane underlayment is another protection method that is far less effective if not used in concert with steps one and two. To use properly, it should extend from roof eaves to a point that’s three feet higher than your exterior wall.
Additional measures like framing your roof with raised-heel trusses can also help prevent ice dams. Additionally, avoiding including valleys as well as gutters that are at or above the roofing plane is ideal. Taking these steps can help ensure people and property are safe from overhead dangers. This should be a priority when designing, installing and maintaining your metal roof.
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!
Metal roof and wall trim is used to seal joints and edges to keep moisture out while providing a seamless transition between panels to create a polished look. With our online ordering tool, you can browse our selection and order the trim your customers need from anywhere at any time. Learn more about ordering trim online!
Online Trim Options
Our metal roofing and wall trim is available in all standard colors to match our panels. The trim style and profile you select should depend on the panel profile used on your building project. When ordering through the ecommerce platform, there are four main trim categories to choose from:
Concealed Fastener Trim – used with our Slimline® Panel
Exposed Fastener Trim – used with multiple profiles, such as MasterRib® and PBR
Standing Seam Trim – used with LokSeam
Custom Trim – used in a variety of applications
All ecommerce manuals are organized based on the panel groupings, indicating the correct type of trim for each panel. Choosing the proper trim is important because the following variables are different for each panel profile:
Rib Heights
Rib Spacing
Installation Methods
Attachment Methods
Ordering Custom Trim
ABC Metal Roofing makes it easy to order custom trim to meet your specific needs. Just like our standard trims, special trim is available in all of our standard colors, with length options up to 20 feet. ABC also sells flat sheets and coil stock, if you prefer to fabricate your own trim items. Learn more about how to order:
How to Draw Trim
When drawing your trim, keep these points in mind:
All dimensions must be noted in inches with a tolerance of 1/16 of an inch
Custom trim can be produced in lengths of up to 20ft.
Color side must always be noted
Label all degrees of bend
Trim ends can be hemmed (the standard is ½”)
Label each trim with a piecemark of your choosing to help identify the special trim throughout order and production process
Special trim drawings must be submitted online before the order can be completed. Each customer has the option to upload their own saved document or download and edit a standard template.
Pricing
All custom trims are priced based on the total square footage of each part. Each gauge and color system has a unique cost per square foot. Bends are priced at $0.80 each while hems are $1.60 each.
If you’re planning to reorder the same trim, we can work with you to set up a unique part number to make it easier to reorder.
Since the establishment of American Building Components in 1908, we’ve delivered high quality products and reliable service in order to help you grow your distribution business. We’re committed to on-time delivery and honest communication from order placement to fulfillment. Learn more about what makes ABC a leading manufacturer of metal building products.
National Presence
ABC is dedicated to providing exceptional service to distributors across the country. With our current footprint, we’re able to distribute materials to 45 states across the country. Our manufacturing plants are conveniently located along truck routes, offering customers the flexibility to order smaller quantities as needed. This also helps to reduce shipping costs and cut fulfillment times.
Breadth of Products
At ABC, we offer a broad selection of products that are designed for a variety of industries including agricultural, commercial, residential and post-frame. This makes us a one-stop shop to meet the needs of all of your customers.
We offer a broad selection of panels, allowing you to meet the functional and aesthetic preferences of your customers. On the residential side, choose from a variety of profiles in addition to the popular Imperial Rib style. We also offer many more profiles that are unique to different parts of the country.
Unparalleled Expertise
With over 100 years of experience, we offer innovative solutions backed by knowledgeable staff. Our customers benefit from the combined insight and expertise of our team as we continue to proactively seek out ways to improve their experiences.
Online Ordering
Enjoy the convenience of our online ordering tool, designed to allow our authorized dealers and distributors to browse our selection of metal building components. This platform allows you to order exactly what you need for your customers from anywhere at any time. Create quotes easily and receive accurate pricing. It offers several payment options and shipping methods to fit your needs. It’s also able to process custom orders for trim and other products.
At ABC, we’re dedicated to providing trusted quality paired with reliable service. Browse our products or reach out to your local sales representative to learn why ABC is a leading national manufacturer of high-quality building products.
Even with an accurate materials list, cutting metal roof and wall panels on-site is often a necessary part of the installation process. To avoid damaging your metal panels, it’s important to use the correct tools and overall best practices. Learn more about how to cut metal panels.
Safety Precautions
Before cutting your metal panels, take appropriate safety precautions to avoid getting hurt. Use gloves to protect your hands from being cut by the sharp metal panel edges. If metal filings fall on the surface of your metal panel, try to blow them off instead of touching them with your hands. Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes from airborne metal filings.
Tools
To avoid damaging the panels or their coating, it’s important to use proper tools. Snips are generally recommended for trim work while shears and nibblers are used for the panels themselves. Some of the best tools to use include:
● Aviation Snips: Good choice for small cuts, including cuts near pipe penetrations.
● Electric Shears: Ideal for lengthier cuts along steel.
● Mechanical Shears: Add-on tool that fits into an impact or screw gun. Ideal for use on standing seam panels at hips and valleys.
● Nibblers: Also known as turbo shears, they’re ideal for cutting openings for windows and doors.
Skill saws can also be used if this is the only resource available. Be sure to use a blade that is specifically designed for metal panels. Turn the panel upside down so that the painted side is facing the ground to make sure filings don’t stick to the paint coating.
These tools heat up the metal panel and can melt or damage the edge that was cut. They can also cause metal filings to go airborne, creating a safety hazard. If those metal filings stick to the panel’s painted coating, they can cause surface rust.
Cutting Metal Panels
Marking the Panels
Before cutting your panels, be sure to measure and mark the cuts you’re planning to make. To mark your panels, lay them down flat with the painted side down. Make sure the panel is stable by clipping the panel in with c-clamps.
Do not mark on the finished side of the panel to avoid marring the visible surface. Avoid using a pencil with graphite lead as this is a dissimilar metal and could cause your metal panel to corrode. Instead, use a chalk line or magic marker. Use a straightedge or combination square to draw a straight line.
Cutting Technique
Before making a cut, be sure to line up the snip blade with the marking. Keep the blade perpendicular to the metal sheet you’re cutting. Work slowly and make steady and consistent cuts for smoother lines. Keep your cuts short to avoid jagged edges. For quicker, straighter cuts, use nibblers or mechanical shears.
Improve Efficiency by Planning Ahead
Cutting metal panels and trim in the field is easily one of the most time-consuming parts of the installation process. To avoid extra cutting in the field, it’s important to create an accurate materials list upfront. To do this, plan out how your panels will cover the roof or wall areas. Make sure the coverage width and count of the panels ordered is sufficient to cover the area you are installing. Consider which side of the building you will start with and how the ends of the wall or roof will be finished. It is possible that you may be able to avoid splitting a panel lengthwise if you do proper calculations in advance. Additionally, some panels are only able to be installed in one direction. Next, review the standard trim details such as valleys, hips, and around doors and windows. Be sure you have appropriate panels to cover these areas as well, and order to the closest pre-cut length available.