Month: August 2018

3 Problems that Affect Your Metal Roof

Your metal roof provides you with many lifetime benefits. From durability that will last decades to an attractive low maintenance look, there are many reasons to choose metal roofing. However, there are a few key challenges associated with metal roofing that every homeowner should know. Let’s talk about some of the major challenges.

Dents and Buckling

One of the key drawbacks of having a metal roof on your home involves issues regarding “oil canning” and dents. The term “oil canning” refers to waviness that occurs in due to stress wrinkling. All materials from steel to aluminum are susceptible to wrinkling. There are several ways to reduce this issue like using a thicker metal in construction, use a finish that minimizes the issue aesthetically, and choosing an experienced installer. Dents can occur during extreme weather events like hail. Once again, speak with your installer about ways to reduce this issue.

Chalking and Fading

Sunlight will affect the finish of your metal roofing. Over time the UV exposure will cause the paint to fade. Water, chemicals, and pollution also contribute to fading. “Chalking” simply refers to the white appearance of paint resin that is deteriorating. Unevenness also occurs.

This problem is easily avoided by using the right type of paint. Speak with your contractor about your concerns about fading and chalking over time. Purchase a warranty that will cover fading as an extra means of protection against natural wear and tear. This will minimize issues over the life of the roof.

Corrosion

The reality is that a homeowner that purchases a metal roof will probably never have to worry about replacing their roof ever again. These types of roofs can last over half a century, and a good installer can minimize corrosion and wear. However, be sure to be aware of issues like saltwater corrosion for coastal homes, interactions between metals that lead to damage, and rusting at cut edges. The proper coating will prevent underside corrosion.

Speak with your metal roof installer at length about preventing types of corrosion with the right paint and materials. This will give you peace of mind when installing your metal roofing.

 

 

What is the R-Value of Insulated Metal Wall Panels?

During renovation and construction of insulation, it is important to know the R-Value of insulated metal wall panels. They provide more insulation than other materials like glass fiber. The versatility and energy efficiency means that metal panels can be used in a variety of settings from airport hangers to sports facilities, educational institutions to bank buildings. Why is it important to know the R-Value of insulated metal wall and roofing systems? Let’s discuss the details.

What is R-Value?

The R-Value measures how the wall panel resists the conductive flow of heat. In general, the bigger the insulated metal wall panels’ R-Value the greater the resistance. This number means that there is an increase in any thermal insulating properties. It is important to determine the effectiveness of any insulation prior to installation. The R-Value is the mathematical reciprocal of the U-Value, which is another standard used to determine the energy efficiency of a building material. The higher the R-Value, the more energy efficient it is.

The R-Value usually refers to the thickness of the insulation. You can also add the R-Values of each layer in the insulation when there are multiple layers. Wall insulation is meant to limit heat transfer, unlike windows which have to allow for ventilation as well as insulation. Knowing the R-Value helps building owners to know if a particular insulated material is considered energy efficient. For example, a material that is considered R-18 insulation would be more energy efficient than a material that is R-14.

Panel Thickness

Insulated metal panels can have a variable thickness, which means R-Values can range from 8 to 40, or even higher. The thickness and insulation provided by metal panels increase energy efficiency when compared to simply using glass fiber or other materials. For example, a few several centimeters of IPMs will yield R-20. In comparison, you may need up to twenty centimeters of traditional insulation like glass fiber to achieve the same result. This means that there is more usable space available.

Discuss the panel thickness requirements for your building with a professional. They will be able to help you determine the panel thickness needed to maximize energy efficiency and thermal insulation properties.