As far as the climate is concerned, the sunny and humid climate of Florida can be picky and tends to affect the roofing materials. That is one of the reasons why metal roofing has soared in popularity in the hands of homeowners and commercial property owners. Metal roofs are known to last long, be durable and offer energy efficiency. Despite these benefits, one of the problems associated with metal roofing is oil canning.
Even though the roof is still standing effectively while oil canning occurs, it negatively impacts the aesthetic appeal of the metal roofs, so it is worth understanding and resolving it. The oil canning is a problem that will be discussed in detail in this article, along with its causes, fixes, and the methods to minimize its occurrence on your roof.
What is Oil Canning on a Metal Roof?
Although oil canning is hardly a roof defect, it does have some visual waviness or buckling along the flat portions of a metal roof that can be considered unattractive. When viewed from certain angles, they can resemble oil cans, which is how oil canning is a cosmetic problem. It does not affect the metal roof’s functionality in terms of bucketing water or enduring weather.
Extreme forms of oil canning can pose a problem for the overall appearance of the roof. This holds especially true for anyone with a big property, a high-rise, or someone in a more delicate area where appearance is everything. Oil canning, though, can only go so far. Knowing how to deal with, fix, or even explain the processes that go into oil canning is imperative for anyone interested in the overall appearance of their roof.
Causes of Oil Canning
Whenever you get ‘oil canning’, it’s usually a symptom of it being an underside of a pressure condition. Some causes for oil canning can vary from being easy to manage to total installation issues. Below are some of the most common causes of oil canning.
1. Thermal Expansion and Contraction.
People in the darker and colder areas of the world have an easier time keeping their houses warm. In Florida, we experience some wild temperature changes because of the temperature swings between day and night. This causes metal materials, especially roofs, to move. For roofs, along the edges of the metal sheets, small gaps are a necessity and can easily save the neoprene washers. If rigid joints are used, pressure will build, which will make the roofs dent or buckle.
2. Fastener Problems
Fastener problems are issues that relate to the type of fastener to the shingles. Each fastener has the potential to ‘oil can’ its resting position. Oil canning happens whenever there is too much pressure or oil being used on a fastener, causing the hinge to warp sensitive. If too much pressure is added, the fastener will warp. The fastener should provide and secure just enough support, heat, and enough room for the panel to move with the heat.
3. Uneven Roof Deck or Substrate
Like all roofing, substrates (the material that lies beneath roof panels, and other roofing material) must be level and uniform. Internal stress points where the panels flex or buckle are brought on by decking that has imperfections or is uneven (as with most metal roofs, residential or commercial). Internal stresses that lead to flattening are what are commonly referred to as ‘oil canning.’
4. Improper Panel Storage and Handling
More than other parts of the roof, the appearance of the roof is greatly impacted by the way metal panels are handled and stored before installation. Once bent or improperly stored by stacking panels on top of each other, they tend to develop some form of distortion, and when installed, lead to other oil canning.
5. Manufacturing Defects or Stresses
If metal panels are subjected to internal stresses during manufacturing, flexing and distorting later on is bound to occur. It may be rare, but highly sought-after materials must be procured so that trustworthy manufacturers can be worked with to minimize this risk.
Ways to Fix Oil Canning
Although oil canning is not a structural concern, it can still be visually unappealing. Thankfully, there are ways to repair or mask the oil canning on your roof.
1. Using a Thicker Gauge Metal Panel.
Thicker metal panels are usually less prone to oil canning compared to the thinner panels. If you are currently replacing your roof, using a thicker gauge metal panel will diminish the oil canning effect. Thicker panels are much more stable and can withstand the tension that causes waviness.
2. Panel Design.
The design of the metal panels can greatly assist in oil canning concealment. Some metal roofing panels, for instance, have ribs or other surface detailing that break the surface tension, disguising the oil canning more effectively. If you are looking to conceal oil canning, ribbed or striated panels work well to diffuse light and to create a smoother finish.
3. Make Sure the Roof Deck is Flat and Smooth
Level and smooth should be smooth, and the deck is level when the roof substrate and the metal panels are oil-canned. Decks with any bumps will cause panels to flex and might even gap. Be sure to check the old roof and make any necessary repairs.
4. Use Accepted Methods when Fastening
Metal panels will buckle and distort if the screws are too tight. There is also the flex and slide when panels move with temperature and or any force. The wear will be a lot less with the right techniques being used.
5. Installing the Unit
The faster solution to oil canning is to hire a skilled metal roof contractor. Professional roofers are meticulous with panel alignment, ensuring that all materials are handled with care. They use the appropriate fasteners and methods to install the panels to reduce the risk of oil canning. If there is an oil canning problem with an existing roof, a competent roof contractor would be more than sufficient to assess the roof to see if a repair is the best sufficient technique, or if a replacement is the best solution.
Reducing the Effects of Oil Canning
With the best practices and materials, oil canning might still happen, and thus, other steps to reduce the occurrence of oil canning are needed. Here are some other strategies to help severely reduce oil canning:
1. Select Appropriate Paneling Systems: Certain panel systems are more prone to oil canning than others. An example is the Standing seam metal roofing systems, which have raised seams that are more rigid and thus are less prone to experiencing oil canning.
2. Skilled Contractors: For proper prevention of oil canning, proper installation should be done. This means you should only work with qualified metal roof installation companies. For instance, the Solid USA team is trained on the need for precision and care during the installation of metal roofing.
3. Maintenance: Periodically keeping the roof secure can prolong the lifespan of the metal roof. Prevention and maintenance are the most ideal ways to slow the oil canning process. A timely roof check can help the fasteners, roof deck, and panels exposed to the sun.
Why Choose Solid USA for Your Metal Roofing Needs?
If you are in need of a professional contractor with reliable skills for metal roof installation or metal roof repairs in the Florida area, Solid USA is the best choice. We design and construct metal roofing systems suited to the most challenging Florida weather, whether heavy rains, heat, or winds.
To help prevent oil canning issues, our expert team uses skilled installation techniques combined with the best quality materials available. Solid USA enhances durability and aesthetics for both new residential and retrofit roofing projects.
Contact Solid USA!
Need help with oil canning or simply need a new roof? We can help! We love to help and will set a meeting to explore the best course of action for your roof at no cost.
The problem of oil canning on a roof does not prevent it from serving its purpose, but many find it unsightly. Having this knowledge offers risks and preventive techniques used to keep a roof looking its best. Solid USA will service you for oil canning or any new roof installations. We will keep roofs the best they can be for the state of Florida and the weather it brings.
Call Solid USA Today for Any Roofing Emergency
Oil canning may not always be the easiest problem to address, but it is essential to the overall look of the roof. To solve the issue, you can call Solid USA or you can visit their official website.
