Standing seam metal is gaining popularity with homeowners as a durable, roofing alternative. One issue that occurs with metal roofs is oil canning or stress wrinkling — that wavy appearance you see in the roof panel on the left side of the above photo. Oil canning happens to some degree with every type of metal roof, and while it doesn’t affect the material’s performance, it can detract from the good looks of your newly-installed roof.
If you want to minimize the visual effect of stress wrinkling, there are some preventive measures you should take while your roof replacement is still in the planning stages:
Go for Thicker, Higher-Quality Material
If you want to lessen the chances of oil canning, avoid 26- or 29-gauge products and select a heavier-weight 24-gauge material. We recommend and install the quality metal roofing products made right here in Florida by Gulf Coast Supply & Manufacturing.
Opt for a Light-Colored, Low-Gloss Finish
Metal roofing is available in many attractive colors and various finishes, but darker shades and shinier finishes tend to emphasize any waves or ripples in the material, so it’s best to choose low-gloss finish in a lighter color.
Choose the Right Panel Design
As you can see in the above images, different panel profiles are more prone to oil canning. Waviness or stress wrinkling is more obvious on flat and ribbed panels, while striated panels hide it much more effectively. With a striated panel, you also get the added bonuses of architectural appeal and extra strength.
Insist on Backer Rods
Fastening a 3/8 inch-diameter foam backer rod along the center of each panel during installation can significantly reduce unsightly stress wrinkling. The addition of the foam strip creates a crown down the panel, which pushes any oil canning ripples out toward outer edge where they’re less noticeable.
Hire an Experienced Roofing Contractor
While you may not be able to completely eliminate any possibility of oil canning, choosing a knowledgeable, experienced roofing contractor removes any worry of poor workmanship making it worse. At Kelly, our trained and experienced installers understand the unique aspects of working with metal roofing including checking and leveling the decking, handling and spacing the panels properly, and installing the fasteners correctly to avoid placing unnecessary stress on the metal.
If you’re considering having a metal roof installed and need more expert advice about preventing oil canning, contact us today at Kelly Roofing.
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