Tag: metal panel installation

Concealed v. Through-Fastened Metal Roof and Wall Panels: How to Choose

Posted on by Tyler Roose

All metal panels—whether for commercial, residential, industrial or agricultural applications—are attached to the structure using either fasteners, clips or a combination of both that keep them in place. Vertical panels, in particular, are often categorized by the type of fastening method used to attach them, which is most often either using hidden/concealed fasteners or using an exposed (through-fastened) method. Here we’ll look at the benefits your customers can experience when using these common fastening types, as well as their differentiators, including price/budget, durability, aesthetics and ease of installation.

Concealed-Fastened Roofing Panels

Concealed-fastened panels are attached to the substrate with clips, which means the panels are not pierced to secure the connection. The clips and fasteners, therefore, are concealed underneath the metal panels when properly installed—arguably making the roof more aesthetically pleasing. These panels are offered in various styles, depending on which options your customers choose and additional job-specific considerations. This method is common in architectural and residential applications where a clean appearance and protection from environmental exposure are priorities.

Through-Fastened (Exposed) Roofing Panels

Through-fastened panels are generally attached with screws or nails, which puncture the overlapping roofing sections to lock the panels into place. They are also installed using washers, which provide leakage protection around the puncture hole. The fasteners are on the outside face of the panel and are visible even after the installation is complete.

So, how do your customers decide which option is right for their project? See below for some factors that can help them choose between a concealed- or through-fastened approach.

Key Considerations

Price/Budget:

Concealed: Typically, concealed-fastened panels can be more expensive overall due to the longer installation time required. In addition to increasing the labor cost, this installation method also takes longer, which affects your customer’s project schedule. However, ABC’s SL-16® panel can be installed faster and for about the same cost as exposed-fastened panel systems.

Through-fastened: While less expensive, through-fastened applications are more prone to issues. For example, if a washer fails, the screw can pop, which allows water in and can cause leaks and corrosion. While washer material is of a higher quality and more dependable than in the past, this is still a concern.

Durability:

Concealed: Because concealed fasteners have limited weather exposure, they therefore generally have a longer lifespan than panels with exposed fasteners. Additionally, there is less wear and tear since concealed panel fasteners are not as affected by the metal panel expansion and contraction that occurs when temperatures fluctuate as exposed-fastened panels are.

Through-fastened: Because concealed fasteners have limited weather exposure, they generally have a longer lifespan than panels with exposed fasteners. Additionally, there is less wear and tear since concealed panel fasteners are not as affected by the metal panel expansion and contraction that occurs when temperatures fluctuate as exposed-fastened panels are.

Aesthetics:

Concealed: Aesthetically, the main question is whether your customers want the screws to be visible or if it’s important that they are hidden. A concealed-fastened application is considered more aesthetically pleasing, as the lack of visible fasteners, creating a smooth, clean appearance. Generally, residential and architectural buildings favor concealed-fastened roofing panels.

Through-fastened: As stated, the hundreds of fasteners required to secure panels are exposed and visible on the outside of the panels. This method is often used on agricultural and industrial buildings, as clean aesthetics are usually less important for customers in these markets.

Ease of Installation:

Concealed: Installing concealed-fastened metal panel systems is time-consuming and complicated as compared to through-fastened. In fact, the complexity of the process dissuades many DIY installers from taking on the task.

Through-fastened: Exposed-fastened metal panel systems require less installation time as each fastener is drilled directly onto the outside of the panels. This makes it the method of choice for the majority of DIY installers. Overall, this method works well with simple structures but can be difficult to use on more complex projects. It should also be noted that through-fastened panels should be installed with care so that there is proper sealing. There also may be length limitations due to thermal movement.

Conclusion

The type of fastener system your customers choose for a given metal panel project will depend on a wide array of factors—budget, durability, aesthetics and ease of installation. Making the right choice is one step in ensuring the success and integrity of their building for years to come.

For more information on ABC’s concealed and through-fastened metal panels, visit our website. As always, our team is ready to help with your metal panel needs, so reach out to your local representative today!

Metal Panel Installation: Surface Considerations and Building Applications

Posted on by Ken Buchinger

In our last blog post, we outlined the steps to take before metal panel installation to ensure projects are built to last. In this post, we’ll take a look at the important metal panel installation considerations that should be made, particularly when working with varying surface conditions and building end-uses.

Surface Considerations:

During the installation of metal panels, it is critical that installers:

  • make sure everything is square and on a level plane (i.e., plumb and true). If it’s not, it will need to be corrected. Note: It is not recommended that the building owner do this themselves unless they are experienced and comfortable assuming the associated risks.
  • ensure the integrity of the substrate is not compromised. If installation issues or delays are caused by faulty substrate, for example, the parties responsible for the substrate would need to correct the causal issue. In retrofit projects, existing substrate issues must be addressed, but it is likely that the original builder will not be able to be sourced to correct the problem. In this case, a roofing consultant or knowledgeable substrate tradesman can help advise.
Installing Metal Panels with Different Building Applications

While installation is generally the same for most end-use applications, some equipment may vary. Depending on the other products or materials in the mix, there are certain caveats to keep in mind. For instance:

  • Over Asphalt Shingles: While installing a metal roof over an existing asphalt shingle roof is possible, it is not recommended to place metal panels directly over asphalt. In this scenario, keep in mind that:
    • It’s best to remove asphalt shingles or use a furring strip to create a buffer. (This means you can use a 1” x 4” piece of wood to provide clearance between the asphalt shingles and the metal panels.)
    • It’s not ideal to lay underlayment on top of asphalt and then install a metal roof because the shingle will curl and those imperfections will show through the metal, particularly when using lighter gauge.
  • Over Dissimilar Metals: Do not let your metal panels come into contact with dissimilar metals or allow run-off water that has been in contact with dissimilar metals to come into contact with the metal panels.
  • Over Treated Lumber: Separator material can be recommended by your installer or preferred material provider (lumber yard, home improvement store, etc.) and should be used; appropriate fasteners designed to be used to connect treated lumber with metal panels should always be used in these cases as well.
Other Metal Panel Installation Considerations:

The need for the following features and considerations can vary based on projects.

  • Vapor barriers
  • Ice and water shields
  • Regardless of all else, you’ll always want to be sure local codes/Homeowners Association (HOA) requirements are met.
Final FAQ:

How to choose a Metal Panel installer? End-users can request a list of nearby installers who may be able to help with their project from their metal building material supplier. Material manufacturers do not make these recommendations.

What if your panels are installed incorrectly? Let the installer know about any issues as soon as possible and work to get them resolved quickly. If you think the improper installation jeopardizes the product warranty, please advise the company that sold the material to you (metal panel distributor) as soon as possible. They will work with the manufacturer to resolve any warranty issues.

For more information on metal panel installation considerations or to find a metal panel distributor or installer in your area, contact your local ABC representative.

 

Preparing for Installation of Your Metal Panels

Posted on by Tyler Roose

There is no doubt that selecting metal roof and wall products is a wise investment. To make the most of that investment, it’s important to take certain preparation steps before beginning your metal panel installation. Once you’ve purchased the materials you need, the next order of business is to ensure the metal panels, trim and components are properly prepped. This is your best chance at keeping your job site safe, making sure your materials are not lost or damaged and ensuring your project stays on schedule so you reap the benefits of going metal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Step One: Project Planning

    Starting your project with a clear plan will yield the best results. When planning your metal panel installation project, choosing an appropriate time to install is essential. Considerations will vary based on your location and include:

    • Moisture levels: it’s better to install when it’s dry (no rain, dew, snow or ice) as installing when surfaces are slick increases chances of slipping and injury.
    • Wind conditions: it’s better to install in low-wind conditions to prevent chances of injury/product damage.

  • Step Two: Material Check

    Once your materials are delivered to your warehouse or job site, the next order of business is to make sure you’ve received all of the building materials you ordered and that all pieces are in good condition. You will need to:

    • Manage a material receiving checklist
    • Check your panels for moisture, denting/bending, wind damage and additional transit abrasion
    • Ensure proper storage of your materials, including panels and trim in bundled and stacked sheets, to protect them from damage and prevent corrosion and/or galvanic reaction

    Check out ABC’s blog post on metal panel delivery and material handling for details on proper loading and unloading, cutting and job site safety. Additionally, our post on metal panel storage provides best practices on keeping your panels and components in pristine condition whether they’re going to be installed immediately or stored for future use or sale.

  • Step Three: Metal Panel Installation Preparation

    Once the location of the project is defined and the materials have been ordered, delivered and checked, the ultimate responsibility for on-site panel preparation lies with the installer, who should:

    • Re-check that all materials are present and in good condition
    • Arrange the material so that it stays undamaged and doesn’t pose a hazard to anyone on the site during installation
    • Ensure all metal panel installation tools are available and properly functioning, including drills, ladders and seamers
    • Make sure all safety preparations have been made and all safety gear is in good condition, including gloves, eye masks, safety helmets, boots and wrist guards.

Metal building panel and components manufacturers often make a variety of resources available for review, including product details, technical bulletins and installation manuals that can help building owners, distributors/contractors and installers alike. For more information on preparing for metal panel installation, contact your local ABC representative.

Preserve and Protect: Tips for Storing Metal Panels

Posted on by Tyler Roose

The decision has been made to invest in metal roofing or siding for a project or business. Now it is incumbent upon job site professionals, business owners and/or contractors to ensure proper care is taken to preserve and protect the integrity and attractive appearance of your metal roof and wall panels from damage caused by moisture, corrosive chemicals or improper handling. To mitigate any potential issue, it is necessary to take a few simple precautions.

 

Material Receiving Checklist:

When the metal panels arrive, the first thing that should be done is to make sure the panels haven’t been damage while in transit. The metal panel manufacturer should have ensured that all materials were loaded and packed properly, so before anything is removed from the delivery truck, be sure to check that nothing looks damaged. If damage is found, the shipment carrier should be advised before they leave the delivery site and a notation should be made on the bill of lading. Every metal panel manufacturer will have specific instructions on how defects/damage should be notated and communicated to ensure proper and timely resolution of any issues. If there are no issues and everything looks good while on the truck, carefully unload the materials and check for the two most common issues: moisture and denting/bending:

  • Moisture: After unbundling, if there is moisture, the panels should be elevated, separated and dried in a secure are not exposed to wind or other elements.
  • Denting/Bending: If found, the carrier should be advised and the manufacturer should be made aware of the issue as quickly as possible. You should take inventory of the materials delivered as well as pictures of any damage a notation made on the bill of lading.
  • Additional Transit Abrasion: If found, the carrier should be advised and a notation made on the bill of lading. Take pictures of any damage as soon as you find it (don’t move the panels before taking pictures) and notify the manufacturer as soon as possible.

If you do have any issues with material, it is important to contact the material manufacturer or the place of purchase immediately to ensure the issue is addressed appropriately.

Protecting the Finish Before and During Installation:

On a jobsite, reasonable care should be taken when handling painted surfaces during unloading, unpacking, moving, handling and/or installation in order to protect the finish. Although the paint coating is tough and does provide impact resistance, dragging a panel across the surface of another panel will almost certainly mar the finish.

Storage Considerations:

Finally, when storing panels before sale, delivery to a buyer or jobsite, or while on the jobsite waiting for installation, you will want to take special care to store the panels in a proper manner to ensure the integrity of the material is protected. Here are some challenges, solutions and caveats for a number of common situations.

  • Prolonged Storage: This is NOT recommended when panels are bundled or in a damp environment. If conditions do not permit immediate erection, extra care must be taken to protect the material from damage caused by moisture. See the manufacturer’s installation manual for proper storage of materials as well as the section below for more details.
  • Bundled Sheets: Only store in a DRY place. Sheets should be unbanded and stood on end at a slight angle against an interior wall that is not exposed to wind in order to allow for good air circulation. If it is not possible to store sheets in an upright position, strapping bands should be broken and sheets should be blocked off the floor with one end slightly elevated.
  • Stacked Sheets: These should be completely protected from the elements while maintaining good airflow in order to prevent condensation.
  • Panel Coverings: A properly draped canvas tarpaulin that allows for adequate air flow is an example of a good protective cover. Do not use plastic as it causes sweating and condensation to occur.
  • Trim Storage: Do not store trim with strippable film in the sun for long periods of time as the ability to separate the film and its adhesive from the metal will become unmanageable.
  • Preventing Corrosion and Galvanic Reaction:
    • In order to prevent unwanted chemical reactions and corrosion, do not store the metal panels with materials made of dissimilar metals (lead, copper, etc.).
    • Strong acids (jet fuel exhaust, commercial cleaners/solvents, etc.) can degrade the finish and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Conclusion:

Preserve and Protect—and also Inspect. Keeping these common-sense actions and precautions in mind, there is no reason that the unique aesthetic qualities of metal panels should ever be compromised on a jobsite. For more information on metal roof and wall panels and to learn more about how to protect them throughout their lifespan, contact your local ABC representative today.