Metal roof installation

Metal roof installation techniques vary greatly depending on the fastening system selected. For single skin roofing, there are three different fastening systems to consider: concealed, exposed and standing seam.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Panel Installation

Standing seam metal roof panels are attached to the substrate with concealed mechanical clips that are available in a variety of stand-off heights. These clips allow space for various insulation thicknesses, depending on the clip height. The design of most clips allows the roof panel to expand or contract independently of the substrate. This feature contributes to the durability and longevity of the panels as they’re able to adapt to the thermal movement of large roof surfaces. These panels are ideal for use in the following industries: heavy commercial, industrial, architectural and some residential applications.

Standing seam panels can be installed over solid substrates or open framing. During the installation process, it’s important to pay close attention to proper panel alignment and engagement as well as substrate squareness and modularity of the install.  This ensures that the panel seams are completed properly via Snap Lok or Mechanical Seaming. Either seaming method, depending on the panel profile, will encompass the panel clip into the panel seam, allowing for expansion and contraction of the roof system. All sidelap sealants are factory-installed. Most roof slope applications are ¼:12 and ½:12 but some may require 3:12 or greater depending on profile and seam type.

Concealed Fastened Metal Roof Panel Installation

For concealed fastener metal roofing systems, fasteners are fixed and hidden by either a snap-over sidelap or—in some cases—a  snap-on batten cap. These panels are typically 16” or less in width and used on roofs that have a 3:12 or greater slope. They’re ideal for use in the commercial, architectural and residential industries, where they can be installed over conventional or wood-framed substructures.

Concealed fastened roof panels can be installed directly over solid substrates with a waterproof membrane. They require a minimal number of fasteners per panel sidelap or clip. No special tooling is required to snap laps or engage the panel battens.

Exposed Fastened Metal Roof Panel Installation

Exposed fastened panels are attached to the substrate with exposed through fasteners that include washers for weathertightness. This roofing system is ideal for use in the commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential industries due to its low cost, ease of installation and the wide variety of profiles available for light applications.

Exposed fastened panels are installed over solid substrates or open framing using many exposed screws. Proper alignment and engagement of fasteners is ensured through field applied systems, and the spacing of these screws is dictated by the substrate type and project design loads (up to 12” on center with patterns) and location on the roof (i.e. eaves, rake or ridge). The sidelap sealants are field-applied for all profiles, and roof slope applications can vary from a minimum slope of ½:12 to 1:12 depending on product profile requirements.

For more information about installing these roofing systems, view our in-depth installation materials. Also, feel free to contact our knowledgeable team with any additional metal roof installation questions.