Generally the materials are delivered in one to three weeks from order date.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. There are a number of reasons why buildings come in at different prices, but mainly it is because the two parties involved are not quoting the same building. Be sure to look over your quotes and be sure the lower-priced building didn't short you on materials.
Unlike asphalt shingles, which absorb the sun's rays, metal reflects them. As a result, with a metal roof, your attic space will remain cooler during the day and so will the living space below. Asphalt shingles will require more energy to maintain a cooler living space. Also, at the end of the day, the metal cools quickly while the asphalt holds that heat.
Metal roofing installed on purlins will create noise during rain and hail storms. This is common with post frame buildings. On houses, the metal panel is installed on top of decking with a felt barrier between the metal and the deck (i.e. new construction) or is installed over an existing shingled roof, often with a barrier between, such as fan-fold insulation.
Yes. Saving you time and money in a tear-off and disposal of an existing roof, a lightweight metal roof can be installed over your existing roof. The speed of installation of sheets will also save in labor costs.
No. With the rising cost of asphalt, the price comparison is becoming closer and closer between metal and shingles. But the real cost savings is going to be in the life cycle of the materials. A metal roof will last a lifetime, whereas a shingled roof will need replacing in 10-12 years, if you are lucky.
Check the condition of the material and note any problems on the "Delivery Agreement" or "Bill of Lading" carried by the delivery driver. Compare the bundles of metal with your documents; specifically check quantities, colors, and lengths. Note any discrepancies, shortages, or problems on the "Delivery Agreement" or "Bill of Lading" carried by the delivery driver.
It is best to use it as soon as possible. Water can get into a sealed bundle by condensation with the temperature changes common to Midwest weather. This can happen without direct exposure to rain or other sources of water. This trapped moisture in a bundle can damage the paint surface, cause paint failure, and even red rust. People often ask: 'how long is too long?' This is a hard question to answer, because it depends on how much moisture is in the bundle, and the warmer the temperature of the bundle, the faster the damage occurs.
Store indoors, in a dry environment with the bundle sloped enough to let any moisture that might be inside drain out. Also remove the plastic wrap so as to allow the material to "breathe." Think of it like a loaf of bread in plastic wrap sitting on the counter. After time, it will mold just like steel will rust.
A steel roof can be installed on a roof with a low slope, but it may be necessary to use mastic between the sheets in the sidelap. Bead Mastic should be used on roofs when: 4/12 slope is greater than 40 feet long, 3/12 slope greater than 30 feet, 2/12 slope greater than 20 feet long, and all 1/12 slopes not to exceed 10 feet long.
Bare Galvanized panels should be installed immediately and not stored outside for any period of time, especially in hot weather. There is an oily film applied to bare galvanized panels to keep them from turning blotchy black when they are exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Properly handled, these panels will gradually change from bright silver to a dark gray over time. If not installed immediately, the oily or wet panels will develop a white stain known as white rust. This can happen quickly in hot weather and will take longer in the cold. Bare galvanized panels installed immediately will age correctly, whereas stored or sitting panels will have this damage occur.
No. This method is frequently used by many however no manufacturer of metal panels would recommend it regardless of whether the blade is an abrasive metal blade or a cross cut blade turned backwards. Any blade in a circular saw will cause enough heat to cause sparks. This amount of heat will damage the paint coating and the zinc coating. The result will be red rust and a shortened panel life depending on how the panel is installed. The pain often peels near the cut several years after it was heated up. Also, the sparks often land on nearby panels and burn through coatings, causing pen point rust spots. The cut edge left by a circular saw is also quite jagged.
Yes. Spray foam insulation can be applied to buildings or roof systems after the metal panels are installed, providing the following care is taken:
- All panels are properly installed and fastened securely
- No overspray of foam insulation gets onto the top side of the panels
- Spray is uniformly applied: non-uniform applications can cause thermal shock and loosening of fasteners, or potentially create uneven color
- Insulation should be pH neutral (non-acidic and non-alkali) to avoid corrosion of metal panels
- All structures and conditions comply with prevailing building codes
- Considerations for optimal performance: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/spray-polyurethane-foam-insulation-in-metal-buildings
- If possible, apply foam in an inconspicuous area to check adhesion before applying to the entire job
- All proper surface preparation and application procedures are followed per manufacturer guidelines and per SPFA-134 linked here: https://www.idi-insulation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Insulating-Metal-Buildings.pdf
Spray Foam Pros & Cons
Pros
- It's an effective option for metal roofing
- It can be applied to old or new metal roofs without disruption or the need to reroof
- Better temperature regulation. Keeps buildings cooler during summer and warmer during winter
- It works well to prevent condensation buildup
- It's a great option to insulate awkward-shaped areas
- Helps prevent against insect/rodent infestations
Cons
- It can be more expensive than other methods of insulation
- Spray foam can be difficult to install, so unless you have experience, it's better to leave the installation to professionals The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, an association representing leaders in the SPF industry, has created a guideline for insulating metal buildings with spray polyurethane foam. More information is available on their website at www.sprayfoam.org
Yes, with caution. In the event of small scratches, touch-up paint applied with a fine brush may be used. Do NOT use paint from a spray can. Any area where touch-up paint has been applied will fade at a different rate than the original paint that is baked onto the panel. As the touch-up paint fades, you'll be left with a much more noticeable area than if you had just left the scratch unpainted. Touch up paint can be purchased here
Wet storage stain (also called white rust) is typically a white residue that forms on Galvanized surfaces. It occurs when condensation or rainwater is trapped on these galvanized surfaces, the zinc coating reacts with the water and heat to form wet storage stain. In most cases, wet storage stain does not indicate serious degradation of the zinc coating, nor does it necessarily imply any reduction in the expected service life.
If wet storage stain does form, the affected objects should be removed from the high moisture environment and arranged so the zinc coating can dry rapidly. Once dry, most stains can be removed by brushing with a stiff nylon brush. If the nylon brush does not remove wet storage stain, CLR, lime juice, or white vinegar can be used to help remove the stains. If the problem is left unattended, further degradation may occur. More information can be found on the American Galvanizers Association website http://www.galvanizeit.org.
While oil canning cannot be totally eliminated, adherence to industry accepted and recognized methods of design, handling, fabrication and installation can minimize its occurrence. Variations in the roof deck are one of the main causes of oil canning visible on the installed metal panels. Careful attention to the causes of oil canning within all the phases of design and construction is the most effective way to reduce its occurrence.
Oil canning is a perceived waviness across the flat areas of sheet metal panels. It is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is inherent in all light-gauge sheet metal. Oil canning is more apparent under shallow cross lighting so its presence is more discernible during certain seasons or times of the day. Also, differing thermal forces can create waviness (either temporary or sustained) as the sun moves across the sky. Oil canning is an aesthetic issue, not a structural problem or defect. It is unrealistic to expect any architectural roof or similar wide-metal element to be totally free of some degree of oil canning.
Follow these instructions to properly clean your steel panels.
Panels can be damaged and display signs of staining from steel debris. Read more on staining from steel debris.
No. This method is frequently used by many, however no manufacturer of metal panels would recommend it regardless of whether the blade is an abrasive metal blade or a cross cut blade turned backwards. Any blade in a circular saw will cause enough heat to cause sparks. This amount of heat will damage the paint coating and the zinc coating. The result will be red rust and a shortened panel life depending on how the panel is installed. The paint often peels near the cut several years after it was heated up. Also, the sparks often land on nearby panels and burn through the coatings, causing pen point rust spots. The cut edge left by a circular saw is also quite jagged.
Many issues can be a consequence of panels being left exposed on a jobsite, see many of the issues in the United States Steel Job Site Imperfections Guide
Bare galvanized panels should be installed immediately and not stored outside for any period of time, especially in hot weather. There is an oily film applied to bare galvanized panels to keep them from turning blotchy black when they are exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Properly handled, these panels will gradually change from bright silver to a dark gray over time. If not installed immediately, the oily or wet panels will develop a white stain known as white rust. This can happen quickly in hot weather and will take longer in the cold. Bare galvanized panels installed immediately will age correctly, whereas stored or sitting panels will have this damage occur.
Storage stain comes from steel panels that are stored on the jobsite incorrectly. Read more on what storage stain is and how to prevent.
It is best to use it as soon as possible. Water can get into a sealed bundle by condensation with the temperature changes common to Midwest weather. This can happen without direct exposure to rain or other sources of water. This trapped moisture in a bundle can damage the paint surface, cause paint failure, and even red rust. People often ask 'how long is too long?' This is a hard question to answer, because it depends on how much moisture is in the bundle, and the warmer the temperature of the bundle, the faster the damage occurs.
Store indoors, in a dry environment with the bundle sloped enough to let any moisture that might be inside drain out. Also remove the plastic wrap so as to allow the material to "breathe." Think of it like a loaf of bread in plastic wrap sitting on the counter. After time, it will mold just like steel will rust. Read more about proper storage in the USSC Technical Bulletin.
Store indoors, in a dry environment with the bundle sloped enough to drain out any moisture that might be inside the bundle. Also remove the plastic wrap to let the material "breathe." Think of it like a loaf of bread in plastic wrap sitting on the counter. After time, it will mold just like steel will rust.
You are always welcome to contact us, but we will not comment on particular issues of your specific project. We may be able to point you to particular sections of our installation guides, which could help when talking to your installer.
No, we cannot comment on your installation issue. Each roof is different and the installer must use their experience to apply our installation guides to the particular project. If you have a dispute regarding installation, please work with your contractor for resolution.
Check your warranty for specific issues which are not warrantied. Common questions about fade, rust and installation are addressed in our warranty information. If you believe the issue is covered under warranty, email mmsteel@midwestmanufacturing.com with the information and pictures of your issue.
No, warranties are non-transferable. They are issued to the original purchaser of the metal roofing or siding.
A warranty is the manufacturer's written guarantee that the product will perform to certain standards. It also outlines criteria that must be met in order for a warranty claim to be valid.
