Metal Roof Expansion And Contraction

This is because metal roofs tend to heat up when the sun rises each morning.

Metal roof expansion and contraction.

Instilation of metal roof. It is true that metal roofs will expand and contract. Thermal expansion contraction is responsible for most roof leaks. Metal is a rigid material and as with all rigid materials metal expands and contracts when temperatures change.

As the lumber expands it moves and it will rub against other pieces of wood that aren t moving at the same rate. These should be mentioned in your report. Expansion and contraction noise. Remodeling home consult architect or interior designer first.

Successful metal roofing systems require proper attachment procedures provisions for expansion and contraction and expedient removal of water snow and ice from the roof surface. Standing seam roof ssr systems are built to move designed to account for necessary and often substantial expansion and contraction due to thermal conditions. Metal roof systems are composed of metal panels which are typically fabricated from 22 or 24 gage galvanized metal or aluminum and batten fill insulation. Expansion and contraction factors often are overlooked or regarded as insignifi cant in metal roof system design and construction.

During cooler temperatures the metal will contract. Metal roof systems can be the least forgiving of all roof sys tems if provisions for expansion and contraction are neglected. Even a cooling breeze a cloud passing overhead or sudden rain shower can cause roof systems to contract. In fact for many builders this fact is one of the main reasons ssrs are such an attractive option.

Thermal expansion and contraction of the metal roofing and possibly movement of the substrate can cause through fasteners to loosen or back out over time. In the past this could place a tremendous amount of pressure on the roof and ultimately cause it to fail. Metal roofing with loose or missing fasteners will suffer reduced wind resistance and possible moisture intrusion. If you don t take this into account premature roof failure could occur.

Designing metal roofs for thermal movement. One other method of allowing for expansion and contraction is to design the metal roof panels in a way that allows for an accordion effect in the metal when expansion and contraction occurs. The sun hits your roof and heats it up. In the long run a properly designed weather tight roof will cost less than an improperly designed leaky low cost roof.

This accordion effect can leave the fasteners securely in place while still allowing the metal to move a bit.