Design Phase Considerations For Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels

McElroy Metal has over 57 years of experience helping metal roofing contractors successfully install metal roofing and siding systems. But we're also more than happy to share insight on design decisions that can impact the projects success, before the contractor ever picks up a tool.  

While the list of tips below isn't exhaustive, it includes some of the more important and easy to implement ones when designing standing seam metal roofing systems:

1. First and foremost, reach out to a manufacturer’s rep during the design phase to ensure metal is not only a good fit for the project but that the type of panel you envision is suitable for your application. There are many options to consider including panel type, coatings, substrate thickness, not to mention all of the aesthetic features like color and style.
2. Don’t ignore the oil canning conversation. Make sure the building owner is aware that this phenomenon occurs and what you can do to help minimize it's effect.
3. Metal continually expands and contracts due to thermal cycling. Consequently, it’s important to accommodate for that movement in your details so the phenomena can be properly controlled.
4. Avoid panel laps in roof systems when possible. Properly installed panel lap conditions are highly effective.
5. Never attempt a slope transition between two metal roof areas without first engaging with a metal roofing manufacturer.
6. For projects where additions, remodels or those with a high chance for weather related repairs exist, consider T style standing seam panels as opposed to vertical leg panels where the batten cap is integrated into the panel.  The separate batten caps allow for easier panel replacement within the field of the roof.  
7. Consider the size of all roof penetrations during the design phase and use curbs if the penetration flashing doesn’t allow for easy water flow on both sides of the penetration.
8. For projects in areas that receive snow, it’s important to consider what happens after the snow falls.Consequently snow retention systems are an important element for these applications.
9. Have a plan for dissimilar materials to avoid possible areas of corrosion.

There is no way to eliminate all risk in every standing seam roof panel project. But standing seam metal roofs offer a life expectancy of 50-60 years, are virtually maintenance free, 100% recyclable, and can help reduce utility load by 20%. 

With rewards that high, these products shouldn’t be ignored. Instead, it’s simply a matter of finding ways to mitigate the risk and one of the best ways to ensure the success of your building project is to involve a reputable manufacturer's rep from the start.  

If you’re interested in learning more about standing seam metal roofing systems check out our website or contact us any time.

We’d love to help your building owner experience all the rewards that metal roofing offers and make your life a little more stress-free at the same time.