Metal Roofing - Frequently Asked Questions

An ongoing and growing answer list to your Metal Roofing questions

Below are some commonly searched questions about metal roof products.  We’ll try to answer them as best we can.

[Have a metal roof question that is not answered below - contact us]

How do I select a metal roof color?

While most customers will select a metal roof color that provides a match or preferred appearance, we will suggest a light, reflective color over a darker, heat absorbent color.  Maybe, a heat absorbent color would be preferred option in a cold climate.  Yes, a good looking metal roof is nice.  We believe the metal roof should also save energy and money. 

In the near future, most color selections will be based on paint products that have improved reflectivity.  For example, it will convert the reflectivity of our Evergreen from .12 to .29.  See our METAL ROOF COLOR SELECTION.

How do I select a standing seam roof?

A standing seam roof should be selected on three premises:  slope, substrate, and panel length.  To use a snap-together panel, the metal roof slope must commonly be greater than 3:12.  On an open frame, we recommend that only mechanically seamed panels be used (preferably double locked).  On decks, the seam height should be great as the panel length gets longer.  Every roof design offers unique challenges for a metal roof.  Selection of a standing seam roof should always be based upon the conditions.

What about the width of standing seam roofs?

Common widths range from 12 “– 24” based on the metal panel type.  Commonly, decked roof applications with slopes of 3:12 or greater will have a metal panel width from 12” – 18”.  There are very few options available that have wind uplift testing beyond 18”.  For low slopes and/or open purlins, standing seam panel widths are commonly between 16” – 24”.  Beyond 22”, the panel options commonly have trapezoidal seams.  The width range that a metal roof panel can accommodate is commonly a function of seam height and design. 

Valley installation on metal roofing?

Valleys are commonly the most stressed component in a metal roof assembly.  Many metal roofing panels feed water into a single valley.  What’s important? 

• Valleys should be installed using as few laps as possible.  It is the central motivation behind our 32’ brake capability.  Laps are a common source of leaks in sheet metal roofing.
• Valleys should have a diverter of varying heights at the center to prevent flows of water from one side to the other.  The height should be based on the roof pitch.
• Valleys should offer proper engagement opportunities with the metal roof panel selected.  For example, we encourage hemmed standing seam panels that hook into the valley cleat.  All fasteners used to secure the valley to the substrate should have continuous tape sealant between itself and the valley cleat.  The use of continuous tape sealant is of particular importance where an exposed fastener panel is used.  Since the panel cannot be hemmed, there will be exposed fasteners and vulnerable closures.  For this reason, we consider a standing seam panel necessary where valleys exist. 
• Where the valley ends, it is critical that the water path is channeled into the center of another metal roof panel if it is not exiting the roof.