Whether you're talking Goldendoodles or SUVs, hybrid products exist because folks want the best of both worlds. Historically our industry hasn't offered much in the way of hybrid products. But thanks to new products like our Modern-Rib, that's all about to change.
Many building owners struggle when deciding between standing seam and exposed fastened panels. Admittedly, the look of a standing seam roof is hard to beat. But with those cool aesthetics come a price tag that can be prohibitive in some cases.
Cue revolutionary new products like our Modern-Rib, which allows owners to achieve the look of standing seam at the price of exposed fastener panels. While it's making quite a stir in the industry, the approach is pretty simple.
We took the overall shape of a standing seam panel but carried it over a wider panel width to help reduce installation costs. Additionally, these systems utilize exposed fasteners instead of the clips used for typical standing seam panels for attachment to the building substructure. Omitting clips also reduces the overall system cost and labor.
Let's take a quick look at some pros and cons of these new hybrid panel offerings.
Pros of Standing Seam Lookalike Panels
- Modern-Rib is economical and looks completely different from other exposed fastener panels.
- Since Modern-Rib offers a 3' cover width, it installs more quickly than standing seam panels.
- Because Modern-Rib is a nestable panel, it doesn't require costly packaging and crating like traditional standing seam systems.
- Modern-Rib boasts a relatively low learning curve for experienced installers since it uses the same trims and accessories as other popular exposed fastener panel styles.
- The Modern-Rib system is pretty straightforward and easier to learn than traditional standing seam panel styles, which often require seaming machines, concealed clips, and multiple-piece trim assemblies.
- For building owners interested in matching their wall and roof panels, Modern-Rib can also be used as an economical wall panel.
Cons of Standing Seam Lookalike Panels
- Roof applications for Modern-Rib and similar panels from competitors require a solid deck under the panel. If you were already planning to include a plywood or OSB deck in your roof assembly, then you can take this con off the table.
- While the fasteners used in exposed fastener applications have improved greatly over the last 40 years, the use of any exposed fastener can introduce maintenance. Over time (usually 20-30 years), ultraviolet rays can cause the gasket that seals the penetration to shrink and crack. Once the gasket becomes compromised, it's time to replace the fastener with a new one. While that might sound overwhelming, it's typically a relatively inexpensive and easy fix.
While hybrid products like our Modern-Rib might not be as cute as a Goldendoodle or as sexy as the latest SUV, they can be a great fit for residential, light commercial, and post-frame projects.
If you're interested in looking at a sample or discussing your project specifics, please contact us. We're always here to help.
About McElroy Metal
Since 1963, McElroy Metal has served the construction industry with quality products and excellent customer service. The employee-owned components manufacturer is headquartered in Bossier City, La., and has 14 manufacturing facilities across the United States. Quality, service and performance have been the cornerstone of McElroy Metal’s business philosophy and have contributed to the success of the company through the years. As a preferred service provider, these values will continue to be at the forefront of McElroy Metal’s model along with a strong focus on the customer.
Topics: Modern-Rib
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