Oil Canning
Oil Canning on Metal Roofs in San Antonio, TX
Metal roofing installation stands out as a leading choice for homes in San Antonio, TX. However, with metal roofing materials comes the risk of a phenomenon known as the oil canning effect. Fortunately, Heartland Roofing & Construction takes a proactive approach to handling oil-canning metal roof materials to limit this cosmetic concern.
What Is Oil Canning?
Oil canning is a form of damage that impacts metal roofing materials. Oil canning, also known as stress wrinkling and elastic buckling, affects metal roofing and wall panels, including materials made from steel, zinc, copper, and aluminum. This type of concern does not impact the roof’s structural integrity, but it does detract from the aesthetic value.
The Oil Canning Effect
The oil canning effect leaves metal roofing materials looking wavy, rippled, or wrinkled. The presence of oil canning can be undesirable, but it’s not always immediately apparent. The oil canning effect becomes more pronounced on flat or large metal panels or when the sunlight hits the panel at just the right angle.
What Causes Oil Canning?
Oil canning is a natural phenomenon that can affect any type of metal roof material. It is triggered by a minor deformation or stress to the metal materials. This can occur during the manufacturing while handling or storing the materials or during the installation process.
Oil Canning Risk Factors
Oil canning can be minor to severe, depending on the cause. It can be derived from several factors, but the common causes include:
- Uneven substructure and underlayment installation
- Structure settlement causing stress, bowing, twisting, or rising in roofing panels
- Overtightened roof fasteners
- Improper material handling or storage
- Stress from temperature fluctuations
- Light exposure and shadowing
How We Can Minimize It
The oil canning effect is not a structural concern, but it is an eyesore. Although it cannot be entirely mitigated, Heartland Roofing & Construction takes a proactive approach to upholding the aesthetic value of roofing materials. To limit rippled panels and the causes of oil canning, we incorporate three key factors in our metal roofing process and roof inspection.
Striated Panels
To avoid the oil canning effect, Heartland Roofing & Construction prioritizes striated panels. Striated panels have reinforced strength and support in the center portion of the panel. This is highly effective in camouflaging the appearance of oil canning while also defusing glare and light.
Premium Metal Selection
At Heartland Roofing & Construction, we only use premium metal materials. By vetting our metal providers, we are proud to offer only the industry’s most durable and reliable roofing materials. The metal panels used in our roofing services are manufactured and spun through tension levelers to eliminate stress and reduce the risk of rippling.
Equipment Calibration
To mitigate waviness, rippling, and undesirable visual effects, Heartland Roofing & Construction prioritizes equipment calibration. We ensure our installation equipment is maintained appropriately to protect metal sheets from unnecessary stress. This greatly decreases the risk of oil canning.
Back Rods & Shimming Materials
Another effective way to reduce oil canning is by using back rods or shimming materials. These features are compressible strips made of foam material commonly used in masonry and concrete to support joints. Back rods and shimming materials can be used on the underside of roofing panels built on solid substrates to minimize stress.
Fixing Oil Canning in Sheet Metal
Unfortunately, oil-canning metal roof repair is not possible. A roof affected by the oil canning effect is not a hazard and will not compromise the performance of your roofing system. However, if you wish to rid your home of the unsightly appeal of oil canning, you may opt for a roofing replacement.
Contact Us to Achieve a Stunning Metal Roof
Achieve a stunning metal roof and mitigate the risk of oil canning with Heartland Roofing & Construction. With our proactive approach to combating the oil canning effect, we are San Antonio, TX’s leading choice for metal roof installation. Contact our friendly team today to schedule a consultation.