FAQs
Why metal roofing versus shingles?
Metal roofing is a permanent roof system. Metal is lighter, more resistant to wind and hail, and sheds snow and ice more effectively. Metal is also fire resistant, offers a variety of color options, and is easy to install. It’s also environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
What tools should be used to cut metal?
Tin snips, hand-held shears, or electric nibblers are ideal tools for cutting metal roofing and siding. The Steel Demon saw blade by Diablo is a great option for power saws.
Improper cutting of the metal interferes with the galvanizing process, which will eventually cause rusting at the edge of the panel. While not recommended, if you use a power saw, it is imperative that the panel be turned exposed-side down, away from other unused or unapplied panels. Metal shavings may become embedded in the surface of the sheet, and if left alone, will quickly rust.
Cutting the metal using an electric saw may also cause metal burs. These burs will eventually cause rust at the edge of the panel. This will void any warranty. Panels should be thoroughly brushed after cutting to remove any particles of metal and caution should be taken that filings from cutting do not settle on the other panels.
Can I store my metal outside?
All metal roofing and siding should be stored in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area. Water build up from condensation, moisture, and rain is not good, and is the primary cause for white rust to form on stacked galvanized and painted steel panels. Prolonged storage time is not recommended; however, if this is unavoidable, the following precautions should be taken:
1. Panels should be disbanded and stood on end against an interior wall, with the bottom ends spread out, off the ground, on blocks.
2. If moisture is found, each panel should be dried thoroughly.
3. If outside storage is unavoidable, one end of the panels should be slightly elevated for proper drainage. Cover bundles with a tarp, allowing circulation. A properly draped canvas tarpaulin, that allows air flow, is an example of a good protective cover. Never cover metal with plastic, for this promotes sweating and condensation.
Failure to follow these steps may result in a set storage stain and premature white rust, for which Freedom Metals cannot be held responsible.
How much coverage does a panel provide?
The Ag panel is a 36” net coverage steel roofing and siding panel. The panel has five 3⁄4” high major ribs at 9” on center and eight intermediate stiffening ribs. The anti-siphoning side lap with purlin bearing edge improves the weather seal.
Standing Seam ranges from 12”-20” with the most common being 16” of coverage.
What is the weight of your 28-gauge metal?
The weight is 2.1 pounds per linear foot.
What kind of paint is used on the 28-gauge metal?
The Sherwin Williams Weather XL paint system has a siliconized modified polyester finish over ceramic/inorganic pigment combination to give it a highly durable color. These pigments are combined with proprietary polymers to provide optimum resistance to color and appearance changes caused by exposure to the elements. Colors have been tested over time to meet performance expectations.
Can you explain the warranty?
Sure!
There is no warranty on the actual metal itself. With a galvalume substrate and 5 layers of paint and primer, the metal should last a lifetime.
The Sherwin Williams Weather XL comes with a 40 year pro-rated warranty on the paint, that covers chalking, cracking and fading. The paint should never chalk or crack. Fading is inevitable, but there is an acceptable allotment and beyond that the warranty would apply.
If you feel your paint is not holding up the way it should be, the burden of proof falls on you to provide us with the evidence. At that point, we will provide that information to our coil supplier and they will deal directly with Sherwin Williams. After the investigation, Sherwin Williams will make the decision whether to honor the warranty or not.
What kinds of screws are used to apply metal?
Fastgrip screws are the original drill screws designed for attaching metal building panels to a wood frame structure. Fastgrip screws are designed with a mechanical galvanized bonded washer that creates a lifetime seal. These screws are engineered to screw in the flats of the panel. They have hi-lo threading, #10 thickness, and a T-17 head.
*Always keep your drills and drivers clean of accumulated paint remnants.
What is the proper screw pattern?
Proper application of the screws is in the flat, not in the rib, one screw beside each rib. In other words, four screws per row, two feet on center.
Why use Fastgrip screws instead of nails?
Fastgrip screws provide maximum holding power. Panel movement around the fastener due to wind and snow load is also eliminated. The inherent tendency of wood fibers to return to their original position actually draws Fastgrip screws tighter.
What is the recommended overlap when splicing panels?
Overlap the panels 16” on a roof pitch of 2/12 and under. Overlap the panels 8” to 12” on a roof pitch of 4/12 and over.
What is the recommended minimum and maximum overhang on the gable and eve ends?
Typically, a 1’ overhang makes a roof more aesthetically pleasing. Other than aesthetics, there are no real advantages one way or the other. On eave ends, we recommend a 1.5” panel overhang if installing a gutter, and 3” to 6” without a gutter.
Can metal be used on a flat roof?
The short answer is yes, but with stipulations.
A roof with less than a 3/12 pitch may accumulate water at the bottom of the panel at the eave end. Although the panel is chemically treated to avoid metal rusting, it is inevitable that, over time, the moisture may soften the paint and peel back 2” to 3”. Definitely apply butyl tape to your panel seams to prevent water from getting in-between. You may also want to notch the ends of your panels and bend downward to allow water run-off.
What is the minimum roof pitch?
New construction should allow a minimum slope of 3/12 pitch.
What are the benefits of insulating a metal roof?
Warm air pockets forming under a metal roof may cause condensation. Insulation serves as an excellent vapor barrier. There are several types of insulation that will deter your metal roof from sweating. Please consult your salesperson for some recommended insulation products.
What metal panel is used for interior ceiling and/or walls?
Interior liner or secondary metal is generally used for interior use.
What is the difference between your single-rib profile and standing seam roofing?
The simple answer is the single-rib has exposed fasteners, while the standing seam fasteners are hidden. The ribbed metal is 28 gauge vs 26 or 24 gauge of standing seam. The coverage width is greater as well making the cost significantly less money. For a more comprehensive comparison please visit the following pages on our website:
What is considered “seconds”?
There are several different categories of “seconds” material. It could be scratch and dent, defective, prime with the incorrect paint code, or excess material. Typically, “seconds” does not come with any warranty, and is usually considerably cheaper. Most of the time the substrate is the same, but the paint is different in some capacity.