Tag: durability

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

Posted on by Tyler Roose

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

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

Metal Panel Gauges Deciphered

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

When To Choose a Thicker Metal Roofing Gauge

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

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

 

When To Choose a Thinner Metal Roofing Gauge

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

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

 

Let ABC Help You Choose the Right Metal Panel Gauge!

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

DISTRIBUTORS: Shop online at shop.abcmetalroofing.com!

Your Guide to Steel-Curtain Roll-Up Doors

Posted on by Jessica Taylor

No building is complete without a door. In this blog, we investigate steel-curtain roll-up doors and how they deliver form and function across a wide variety of uses.

What are Steel-Curtain Roll-Up Doors?

You see them everywhere. They’re used at your local schools, recreation and retail centers, and government, medical and office buildings. They provide access and security for storage units whether applied in backyard sheds, residential garages or commercial storage facilities. And, they are also an integral part of agricultural structures, transit stations, freight buildings and warehouses.

Made of a curtain (sheet) of durable, secure steel and designed to provide quick, easy access to both commercial and residential buildings, these doors open by traveling vertically, but gather into a roll at the top of the door instead of sliding along tracks. And while they can be used in a myriad of applications, with so many door options available in the marketplace today, why are so many people opting for steel curtain roll-up doors?


Why Steel Roll-Up Doors?

Long-term Value:
Roll-up doors made of steel are generally less expense to purchase initially and they save money over the course of their lifespan. Not only do they last longer, but they also require fewer, less expensive repairs and are more durable than wood, aluminum or fiberglass products—particularly in challenging environments. In addition, steel is more energy-efficient, saving on heating and electricity costs throughout the year.

Security:
Exterior doors are inherently the most vulnerable points of many buildings, so reducing the likelihood of theft, fire, vandalism and contamination is the best way to keep your property secure. More impenetrable than doors made from wood, fiberglass or aluminum, steel doors with standard stainless steel latches are better able to protect against unwanted entry, fire, noise, vandalism and contamination from exterior elements, providing reliable security and peace-of-mind.

Durability:
Steel is a resilient material manufactured to protect against extreme weather conditions and harsh usage environments. Unlike doors made from other materials, steel roll-up doors can endure the wear and tear of heavy traffic usage and can be outfitted with rust-resistant components including spring coatings and bottom bars to further extend their longevity.

Longevity:
While wood doors are susceptible to warping and rotting, aluminum doors can quickly become dented and fiberglass can easily crack—all of which require replacement—with proper installation and maintenance, metal doors can last 30 years or longer. The high-quality primers and paint coatings used on steel doors protect against chipping and scratching, keeping the doors looking better longer.

Easy Maintenance:
Steel roll-up doors require little-to-no maintenance and are easily replaceable—making them one of the most reliable, cost-effective options in the industry. ABC’s doors are unique in that they feature gear-driven tensioning brackets that ensure safe and easy adjustments that can be made on site and with minimal down time.

Appearance:
Steel roll-up doors are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and colors. In addition, manufacturing improvements and advances in coating and paint products enables customization to suit even the most unique aesthetic requirements.

Space-Savings:
Because roll-up doors open vertically and are gathered into a roll instead of sliding along tracks, they take up little overhead space while enabling convenient and easy access.


How to Select the Right Steel Roll-Up Door:

Whether you are replacing doors on an existing building or sourcing them for a new project, be sure to consider the below factors before purchasing:

Use:
The door you need will depend on its intended use. Light-duty doors are manufactured to meet the specific and unique demands of small structures, portable buildings or recreational facilities while heavy-duty doors meet the needs of more demanding environments like commercial freight and utility buildings, warehouses and agricultural facilities.

Environment:
It is vital to consider your geography when selecting steel roll-up doors. If your project is located in a region susceptible to high winds from weather events including hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes, a wind-rated door tested in accordance with International Building Codes and that complies with your insurance requirements should be considered. Check both local and national building codes to understand if you need wind-certified doors, which can dramatically reduce maintenance and replacement costs as well as minimize downtime.

Warranties:
Be sure that you are familiar with and fully understand the warranty options available on the products purchased. It is common for doors and door components to be covered by a product warranty, while the coil coatings and paint are warranted under a second that should include considerations for film integrity as well as both chalk and fade.

To learn about ABC’s roll-up door solutions, visit our Roll-Up Doors product page or contact your local sales representative.

Galvalume® vs. Galvanized Metal Roofing

Posted on by Jessica Taylor

Galvalume® vs. Galvanized Metal Roofing

Selecting metal panels made from high-quality materials is essential to the longevity and success of your customer’s metal roofing system—from the steel sheets to the fasteners. Although the quality of the paint system applied to metal roofing panels provides an essential level of protection (as discussed in our recent ‘Decoding Your Warranty’ blog series), not to be overlooked is the coating used on metal roofing panels. Two coatings are commonly used on steel sheeting in the metal panel industry today: Galvalume® and Galvanized. Both products are manufactured to adhere to carbon sheeting and provide a barrier that resists corrosion. Additionally, they enhance long-term water-tightness and durability, ensuring resilience through damaging weather conditions. But what exactly are the differences between Galvalume® and Galvanized?

What is Galvalume® metal?

Introduced into the construction marketplace by Bethlehem Steel in 1972 and now widely available around the world, Galvalume® is carbon steel sheeting coated with aluminum-zinc alloy by a continuous hot-dip process. Composed of 55 percent aluminum and approximately 45 percent zinc, this coating combines the best properties of both metals. It has the corrosion resistance, high temperature oxidation resistance and heat reflectivity typical of aluminum coatings, with the formability and galvanic protection of cut edges characteristic of zinc coatings. This combination makes it ideal for most types of roofing and siding. In addition, the coating also contains a small but significant amount of silicon in the alloy—not to enhance the corrosion performance, but to ensure optimal coating adhesion to the steel substrate when roll-formed, drawn or bent during fabrication.

 What is Galvanized metal?

Galvanized Sheet is carbon steel sheet coated with zinc on two sides by a continuous hot-dip process. This method tightly adheres the coating to the steel with an iron-zinc alloy bonding layer formed by a diffusion process while the heated steel strip is in contact with the molten zinc.

What is the difference between Galvalume® & Galvanized roofing?

While both products were developed to essentially sacrifice themselves to protect the steel sheeting they coat, the above exposure comparison shows that Galvalume® performs (up to nine times) better in fighting corrosion as compared to Galvanized coating. While Galvalume® can initially show signs of corrosion faster than Galvanized, it has a sacrificial property that will prevent the corrosion from growing whereas once corrosion has started on a Galvanized panel, it can continue to corrode until panel integrity is lost. According to a study released by the Metal Construction and Zinc Aluminum Coaters associations, the longevity of a low-slope unpainted Galvalume® standing-seam roof is 60 years  (See the full report.)  Additionally, primer and paint adhere better to Galvalume®-coated panels and they carry a 20-year limited warranty while galvanized panels do not, making them a smarter long-term investment for your customers’ homes, agricultural buildings or commercial properties.

Important Facts About Galvalume®

  • Galvalume® should not come in direct contact with: standing water, dissimilar metals (copper, lead, iron), harsh chemicals, graphite pencil, masonry products or treated lumber.
  • Proper roof inspections and maintenance is still required, as with any other roof system.

Its versatility, ease of use, aesthetic appeal and long-term, service life-extending performance makes Galvalume-coated steel roof panels the most economical and sustainable coating option for your customers’ new and retrofit applications. To learn more about Galvalume®, please visit  http://www.galvalume.com/. To view ABC’s Galvalume® Plus products, which are easy to form and install safely due to the thin, clear acrylic coating that allows them to be roll-formed dry without vanishing oil, please see our color resources and Galvalume® warranty information.

Spotlight on Underlayment: Synthetic vs Felt

Posted on by Jessica Taylor

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

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

Synthetic vs Felt

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

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

Underlayment Requirements and Resources

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

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

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

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

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

ABC Underlayment

Advantages of Underlayment

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

Learn More

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

 

 

Decoding Your Warranty: Paint Fade Protection

Posted on by Casey Walker

Will a Metal Roof Lose its Color?

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

 

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

 

Why does paint fading matter?

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

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

 

What do you need to look for in your warranty?

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

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

 

What’s next?

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

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Balancing Quality and Cost: How Metal Roofs Provide a Better Long Term Value

Posted on by Casey Walker

We’ve been told that the decisions we make today will affect us tomorrow…but how many purchasing decisions will affect us in 15, 30 or 60 years? The investment made in a metal roof will last at least that long, which is why it’s important to understand the balance between quality and cost beforehand.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles

The initial cost of a metal roof exceeds other materials, such as asphalt, slate, or tile. Industry statistics estimate that the average cost per square foot is around $3.00, compared to asphalt at $1.50. However, metal offers improved strength and durability, and lower maintenance and energy costs over time. In fact, over a metal roof’s lifespan, shingles can cost just as much, if not more.

 
 Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles Infographic

We examine the SL-16® metal roof panel, as an example, to demonstrate how metal is a better overall investment. This snap-together roof system offers the look of traditional standing seams, with easy installation and low maintenance.

  • Manufactured for Durability

  • Easy Installation with Concealed Fasteners

    • SL-16® is a concealed fastener panel, which means the likelihood of leakage is reduced compared to exposed fastener panels. No clips are needed to install; instead, the SL-16® uses pancake head fasteners which are hidden under the lap of the panel.

  • Less Time and Money Needed for Maintenance

    • Over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions such as rain, heat and snow, cause erosion and fading to asphalt shingles. This often leads to mildew where there is a shortage of sunlight, and shingles must be replaced every 15 to 18 years, even with monthly inspection. Metal panels, on the other hand, outperform asphalt against changing climates and requires minimal maintenance during the 60-year life cycle.

  • Saves Energy

    • Unlike asphalt shingles, metal panels act as an insulator which keeps your home at a stable temperature all season long. The Solar Reflectivity (SR)—the ability of a material to reflect solar energy from its surface back to the atmosphere—for metal far exceeds shingles. The SR of ABC’s Signature® 200 Coal Black is .30, and according to the US Department of Energy, the SR of shingles in Black or Generic Black  is .05. This reflection of heat keeps internal temperatures more stable, saving the average homeowner up to 40% in energy costs.

In summary, the lifetime value of a roof is comprised of more than the initial cost. Other variables must be considered such as maintenance, energy costs and overall lifespan. When considering a metal roof versus asphault shingles, metal is a more expensive material, but spread over 60 years, it provides more value per year.

For more information and to view SL-16® product installation videos, visit ABCMetalRoofing.com.