Green Building Archives

Built for What Spring Throws at It: High Wind and Hail Protection With Metal Panels

Posted on April 14, 2026April 14, 2026 by Alejandro Vela

Spring rolls in with a lot of promise: longer days, more jobs on the schedule, crews back in the field. It also rolls in with severe weather. Across much of the country, spring means hail. It means high winds. It means the kind of storms that show up fast and hit hard. If the panels you installed last season are going to hold up, now is a good time to think through why some systems perform better than others when conditions turn.

This is not a panic checklist. It is a straightforward look at what separates metal panel systems that weather spring storms reliably from those that do not, and what to keep in mind as you spec, install and inspect work heading into the season.

Wind Uplift: Where Panel Systems Either Hold or Do Not

High wind events put uplift pressure on a roof system and may include drenching rain. The weakest points for uplift tend to be at the perimeter and corners, where forces are often greater. Fastener pattern, panel gauge and clip design all factor into how a system responds under that load.

Standing seam systems offer a meaningful advantage in high-wind conditions because the panel attachment is fully concealed and the raised seam is interlocked. There are no exposed fastener penetrations for wind-driven water or uplift forces to exploit along the sidelaps. MBCI’s standing seam options (BattenLok® HS, Double-Lok™, LokSeam® and SuperLok®) use a clip-based attachment that lets panels move with thermal expansion while maintaining a continuous, weather resilient seam. On projects in high-wind-speed zones, that combination of structural flexibility and seam integrity matters.

For exposed fastener applications, gauge selection and fastener engagement are critical. Thinner panels at wider spans can flex under sustained wind pressure in ways that eventually fatigue the fastener sealt. Matching panel gauge to the structural conditions of the job, rather than defaulting to the lightest option to hit a price point, makes a measurable difference in long-term performance.

Hail Impact: What the Testing Tells You

Hail damage on metal panels is one of those topics that gets oversimplified. A dent does not automatically mean a failed system. What matters is whether the impact has compromised the coating, the substrate or the weathertight integrity of the panel. Those are different failure modes with different consequences.

Metal panel gauge is the first line of defense. Heavier gauges resist deformation from impact better, and deformation that cracks or scuffs the coating surface is where long-term corrosion risk begins. On commercial and industrial roofs in hail-prone regions, 24-gauge panels tend to perform more reliably over time than lighter options. MBCI offers 24-gauge options across multiple panel profiles and maintains expanded inventory on standing seam panels in that gauge specifically for projects where fast turnaround and weather performance both matter.

Coating systems also play a role. MBCI’s Signature 300 coating provides significantly improved chalk and fade resistance compared to standard polyester coatings, but the durability story does not stop at aesthetics. A coating that holds up to UV degradation is also one that maintains better surface integrity when impact occurs. MBCI panels are available in Galvalume® Plus, Signature® 200, Signature® 300 and Signature® 300 Metallic, and matching the coating to the climate exposure of the project is worth the conversation with your MBCI rep.

Installation Details That Show Up in Storm Season

The best-specified panel on a job can still underperform if the installation cuts corners that only reveal themselves under weather stress. A few areas tend to separate clean installs from problem installs when spring storms hit:

Seam engagement on mechanically seamed panels: Incomplete seaming is one of the more common field issues on standing seam systems. A panel that looks seated may not be fully engaged. Verify seam engagement consistently across the field, not just at the eave.

Clip placement and fastener torque: Over-torqued fasteners on SSR clips can restrict thermal movement and create stress points at the clip seat. Over-torqued fasteners on exposed-fastener panels can cause premature breakdown of screw head sealing washers. Under-torqued fasteners are a loose connection waiting to be found by wind and rain. Follow the installation spec..

Perimeter and transition details: Eave trim, ridge caps and penetration flashings take the most abuse during high-wind events. Trim that is not properly fastened or sealed is typically where water infiltration begins after a storm. This is not the place to rush the closeout.

Pre-Season Inspection: A Short List Worth Running

On completed projects heading into another spring, a quick inspection before the severe weather window can catch things that are easier and cheaper to address now than after a storm. Focus on:

Any perimeter trim or flashing showing signs of loosening or sealant failure

Exposed fastener panels where washers may have degraded or fasteners may have backed out

Standing seam panels for any evidence of seam separation or clip failure near roof penetrations and panel laps

Gutters and downspouts for any debris buildup that could cause water to back up under eave conditions

Any coating damage or bare metal exposure that could accelerate corrosion heading into a wet season

The Product Is Only Part of the Story

Metal panel systems are among the most durable roofing and wall options available, and they hold up well against wind and hail when they are properly specified and correctly installed. But durable is not the same as bulletproof. Gauge selection, coating choice, fastening method and installation quality all determine how a system performs when spring gets serious.

If you are planning projects in wind or hail-prone markets this season, your MBCI rep can help you work through panel selection, gauge options and product availability for your specific conditions. The goal is to put a system on the job that you will not have to think about come storm season.

Ready to spec your next project? Contact your MBCI rep, shop online, or request a quote at mbci.com.

Spring Cleaning Simplified: Professional Strategies to Help Homeowners Refresh Their Homes This Season

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Lauren Noel

As winter begins to fade and longer, sunnier days roll in, spring becomes the perfect time for homeowners to revitalize not just their indoor spaces but the entire exterior of their home as well. This comprehensive guide equips you with practical exterior home maintenance insights and talking points you can share with customers as they prepare their homes for the warmer months ahead.

Start from the Top: Roof and Gutter Refresh

Homeowners may not realize how much winter conditions affect their metal roof and gutter systems. A quick evaluation helps them avoid issues like leaks, moisture problems, and long-term structural damage.

Encourage customers to look out for:

Loose or missing shingles or panels
Clogged gutters
Standing water
Visible wear from winter storms

If your customers’ homes use traditional asphalt shingles, MBCI metal roofing systems offer benefits such as long-term durability, weather resistance, and reduced maintenance, all of which are valuable considerations if your inspection reveals signs of damage. Panels like our BattenLok® HS option , known for its tall rib height that helps channel high volumes of melting snow and rain to the gutter system, are a durable alternative for homeowners looking to upgrade.

Check Those Overhanging Tree Limbs

Spring marks the season when trees begin to sprout again, making it the ideal moment to evaluate trimming needs. Encourage customers to trim any overhanging branches that could cause damage or scrape the roof surface. If your assessment reveals significant roofing damage, we recommend using the LokSeam® panel for its ability to be installed over open framing or a solid substructure. This panel is also ideal for transitioning from roof to fascia with the use of a rib cover, all while delivering an excellent blend of function and form.

Let’s also not forget that while spring signifies growth and rejuvenation, it can also bring unwelcome visitors such as moss and mold. These can:

Reduce energy efficiency
Eat away at organic roofing materials
Create moisture problems throughout the home’s shell.

If damage due to moss or mold is found, homeowners replacing exterior materials may consider long-lasting options like The Designer™ Series panel, which provides the toughness of metal while creating an attractive, flexible and functional wall or fascia panel.

Our experienced team can guide you on how to walk through an exterior spring cleaning process with your customers and offer suggestions that meet your needs.

Consider the Environment: Clean Smarter, Live Greener

For contractors prioritizing eco-friendliness in their projects, MBCI offers numerous environmentally conscious solutions. Our MasterRib® panel stands out in the market, offering superior durability thanks to its high-quality metal composition and optional DripStop™ technology. This panel is widely used for its versatility, making it an ideal fit for agricultural, light commercial, and residential buildings.

For homeowners focused on seasonal efficiency, indoor as well as outdoor, you might suggest:

Using biodegradable cleaning agents
Airing out indoor spaces
Replacing old filters in HVAC systems
Reducing allergens through dusting, vent cleaning, and fabric washing.

For more information on sustainable building practices, don’t miss our blog post on the environmental advantages of metal roofs!

Give Your Exterior a Quick Refresh

A simple exterior rinse with a garden hose at normal pressure can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal. Follow this up with:

Touch-up paint
Window cleaning (inside and outside)
Sprucing up outdoor lighting
Removing fallen leaves or debris

Done with repainting or dealing with fading surfaces? MBCI’s metal panels offer a wide variety of colors to suit many design aesthetics for a long-term, low-maintenance solution. Want inspiration? Try using our online home-exterior visualizer.

Addressing Small Issues Before They Become Big Repairs

Routine seasonal maintenance is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect a home or building. For larger siding or wall area coverage, MBCI’s is a strong contender for those who need help keeping air and water out under varying environmental pressures.

Ready to elevate your building or home this spring?

Download The Spring Cleaning Quick-Start Checklist

Spring Cleaning Q&A:

What is the first step in my exterior cleaning process?
Begin by inspecting roofs for loose panels, missing sealants, obstructed gutters, or any damage from the winter season.

How do I know if moss, mildew, or fungus is a problem?
Check both the roof and siding for visible growth. If damage is significant, contact a professional to assist you with removal, and consider one of our suggested metal panels for a low-maintenance solution.

Should I wash my roof and walls during spring-cleaning?
Absolutely! Rinsing or wiping down your roof and wall panels provides a fresh start by removing dirt, pollen, and seasonal build-up. Follow up with proper touch-up paint for an instant upgrade.

What should I do about leaves and debris around my home?
Clear away any fallen foliage and debris around the exterior of your home to prevent moisture buildup, pests, and blocked drainage pathways.

When should I consider replacing materials?
If your inspection reveals damage, wear, or inefficiency, it may be time to replace outdated materials. If anything needs replacing or upgrading, contact our experts for assistance with the perfect product selection.

Sustainability in Metal Roofing: Building a Greener Future with MBCI

Posted on April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 by Alejandro Vela

At MBCI, sustainability is more than a trend—it’s a cornerstone of modern construction. Our mission is to deliver roofing solutions that endure while minimizing environmental impact. Metal roofing stands out as a prime example: it’s tough, adaptable, and a leader in green building practices. Let’s explore why metal roofing is an eco-conscious choice and how MBCI is driving the shift toward more sustainable structures.

Key Highlights

• Longevity: Metal roofs last over 50 years, cutting down on replacements and waste.
• Recyclability: Crafted with recycled materials and fully recyclable at end of life.
• Energy Efficiency: Reflective finishes reduce cooling expenses; insulation boosts winter performance.
• Resilience: Weather-tough designs lower repair frequency and resource demands.
• MBCI’s Commitment: Eco-friendly roofing options paired with expert support for sustainable projects.

The Green Advantage of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing brings a clear sustainability edge. Unlike asphalt shingles that clutter landfills after 15-20 years, metal roofs can thrive for 50 years or more with little upkeep. This extended lifespan reduces waste and lessens the environmental burden over time. And that’s just the beginning.

Recycling is where metal roofing truly shines. Materials like steel and aluminum—staples in our roofs—are among the planet’s most recycled substances. At the end of their service, our roofs can be transformed into new products, bypassing landfills entirely. Many MBCI metal roofs already incorporate recycled content, creating a sustainable cycle of resource use.

Energy Savings That Deliver

Sustainability isn’t only about a product’s endgame—it’s about daily performance. Metal roofing reflects sunlight, keeping buildings cooler and easing the strain on air conditioning, especially in hot regions. Add one of MBCI’s cool-roof coatings (offered in various shades), and you’ve got a system that helps cut energy costs and emissions.

Pair a metal roof with insulation in colder months to trap warmth, ensuring year-round efficiency. This energy optimization makes metal roofing ideal for homes, businesses, or industrial spaces aiming to operate more sustainably.

Reducing Environmental Impact

While producing metal roofing uses energy, MBCI leverages cleaner manufacturing techniques to help shrink our carbon footprint. Every phase—from production to placement—benefits the environment

Durability seals the deal. Metal roofs shrug off extreme weather, such as rain, wind, or hail, when properly designed and installed, outlasting many alternatives. Fewer fixes and replacements mean fewer resources spent, offering building owners reliability and the planet a break from waste.

Building Stronger Communities

At MBCI, sustainability goes beyond products—it’s about lasting impact. Our metal roofs strengthen buildings that support communities for generations. We’re also dedicated to helping customers embrace eco-friendly building choices that fit their goals and budgets.

Why MBCI for Metal Roofing?

Sustainability drives our metal roofing solutions. Whether upgrading an existing structure or starting fresh, our team can help you find the perfect roof. With MBCI, you’re choosing more than a roof. You’re opting for durability and environmental responsibility in one.

Ready to see how metal roofing can enhance your next build? Reach out today or check out our sustainable roofing lineup. Let’s create something enduring, attractive, and earth-friendly, together.

Up On the Roof: Choosing the Right System

Posted on April 28, 2022March 21, 2025 by Oscar Castillo

How Metal Panels Support Eco-Friendly Building Practices

Posted on March 25, 2019March 21, 2025 by MBCI

The eternal struggle for contractors: to go green or not green? Profit or purpose? The good news is that with metal panels, eco-friendly building is not only possible but profitable, making the choice a no-brainer. Today’s metal panel systems look great and prove to be incredibly sustainable, enabling homeowners and contractors to reap the benefits of going green.

In fact, in today’s building and design market, increasing energy efficiency while reducing energy and maintenance costs are key drivers for a building design’s overall success. The metal panel market offers a number of products to support sustainability efforts, including recyclable metal roof and wall panels and energy-efficient insulated metal panels. Here we’ll take a look at a few of the key ways in which metal buildings and metal building components support enviro-friendly building.

Longer Lifespans

The documented longer lifespans of metal roofing systems (they can last 40 to 50 years) mean lower instances of re-roofing and repair jobs, thereby reducing energy required from such actions as manufacturing of parts, shipping or even energy expended by crews traveling to and from a jobsite.

Recyclability

Every piece of metal scrap can be recycled. That statement speaks for itself but from an economic standpoint, that equates to reduced jobsite costs since there’s no need to cart away or dispose of unused wood or masonry materials.

Energy Efficiency

According to data from ENERGY STAR, heating and cooling can account for up to 50% or more of a home’s total utility consumption. The use of metal roofing can help with energy efficiency through solar radiation reflection such as with unpainted metal and by increased re-emittance of solar radiation with pre-painted or granular coating metal roofing systems.

As one example, cool metal roofs use coatings with known radiative properties that are specified in order to keep the roof surface temperature lower than it would have been with uncoated or traditional roofing materials during peak sun times.

Sustainability Certification

Metal building materials can be used to help contribute to earning USGBC LEED credits through a number of ways based on the latest LEED v4 categories and criteria, including sustainable sites, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

For these reasons and more, metal panels and components lend themselves to the best that sustainable building has to offer, protecting the earth and protecting the bottom line. Visit us at mbci.com to find more resources on how metal building construction can be the smart choice in your next sustainable building project.

Reducing Peak Demand Costs with Cool Metal Roofs

Posted on May 9, 2017March 21, 2025 by Candy McNamee

Among the many benefits offered by cool roofs—including a decrease in urban heat island effect or increased roof system longevity—perhaps the most significant is a reduction in peak demand energy usage which directly affects building expenses.

Peak demand is the highest point in the day at which a building draws electrical consumption. A facility’s monthly utility rates are largely determined by the power usage level at this time, so anything that can be done to drive usage down will significantly reduce utility costs. As evidenced by their test values, cool roofs are an effective way to decrease air conditioning loads during peak demand times.

Cool roof values are expressed in terms of solar reflectance and thermal emissivity. The combination of these values is used to determine how hot a surface will become by its ability to reflect solar energy and radiate heat away from itself. Cool roofsare capable of reflecting solar heat away from a building by more than 70 percent. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that ENERGY STAR® qualified roofing products can lower roof surface temperatures by up to 50°F.

According to Jeff Steuben, executive director, and Carolyn Richter, communications manager, Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), in a recent Florida Roofing article, “Building occupants can experience improved comfort as compared to a conventional dark roof, as the building’s interior is subject to less thermal flux and stays cooler during warm seasons,” and, “Reduced indoor temperatures lead to energy savings from reduced cooling energy loads.”

Along these lines, contractors can also access a CRRC-provided listing of cool roof rebates, codes and voluntary cool roof programs at: www.coolroofs.org/resources/rebates-and-codes.

Cool Roofing Longevity

In addition to energy efficiency, cool metal roofs are known for extended durability and longevity, with most products offering a 40-year finish warranty.

In fact, a well-noted extensive study, Natural Exposure Testing in California, conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, found that pre-painted metal roofing maintained higher levels of reflectance, over a three-year period, due to its ability to shed particulate matter, as compared to conventional roofing materials. Further, pre-painted metal roofing has been found to retain 95 percent of its initial solar reflectance over this same three-year period.
Increasing performance and energy savings, solar reflective pigments in cool metal roofs offer higher total solar reflectance and thermal emittance, even in darker colors. With cool roof technology, the ability for the roof to store heat and radiate that heat into the building after sundown is dramatically reduced.

Heitmann Residence featuring a Cool Metal Roof

Cool metal roofs are proven to deliver environmental and performance benefits, of which the most significant to building owners is their contribution to the bottom line. Although savings will vary based upon geography, materials and insulation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that reflective roofs can save up to 40 percent of a building’s cooling energy costs.

When utilizing the U.S. Department of Energy’s Cool Roof Peak Calculator, contractors will discover that the total value of energy savings offered by a cool roof averages more than $1,000 annually in most climate zones for a typical commercial building. Furthermore, this applies to both cool roofing installed over both existing roof insulation and new insulation.

Proven Strategy

As established by documented study and significant heat build-up reduction levels, cool roofs are a proven strategy for supporting longer lasting roofs, reducing both utility costs and decreasing a building’s environmental footprint as Steuben and Richter conclude, “cool roofs are one of the most effective ways to obtain energy savings and environmental rewards through building envelope design and re-roofing projects.”

Combatting Thermal Bridging with Insulated Metal Panels

Posted on March 23, 2017March 21, 2025 by MBCI

When using compressible insulation, say for instance fiberglass batt, consideration must be given to how that insulation is going to be deployed in the actual wall or roof. For instance, installers might place the insulation across the framing members and then smash it down with the cladding and run a screw through to the underlying structure. The problem here is that the insulation is rated with some R-value—and that R-value is determined by an ASTM procedure that also determines what its tested density is. So in essence, it’s ‘fluffy’ insulation.

One manufacturer’s insulation, however, might be thicker than another’s. The contractor is buying an R-value, not a density or a thickness. The insulation is tested to that R-value at whatever thickness and density¹ is needed to achieve it. Let’s say R-19 fiberglass batt is specified, but then it is put in an assembly and smashed down flat… now it’s not R-19 anymore; it’s now R-something else. That’s a thermal bridge—when the insulation’s R-value has been compromised.

Manufacturers have the ability to run long length panels that minimize the number of end joints. This continuity provides significant advantages over traditional insulated materials when designing for energy efficiency. This image illustrates the difference between fiberglass batting made discontinuous by compression between panel and framing members and the continuous insulation provided by insulated metal panels.

Unfortunately, thermal bridging is almost impossible to eliminate. In the example above, another choice might be to put it between studs. Except in this situation, the studs break the insulation. While it’s not pinched, the studs are separating it. Whether the studs are metal or wood, in either case it’s still a significant thermal short circuit or a thermal bridge.

Even with the highest quality insulation systems—insulated metal panels, for example—a joint is required. Building is not possible without putting neighboring panels together. Therefore, insulation is discontinuous. While it’s impossible to avoid thermal bridging, there are two requirements to ensure the building performs the way it needs to perform.

Thermal bridging must be mitigated. In other words, the designer or installer has to try to eliminate as much of it as possible.
If thermal bridging is unavoidable, it must be accounted for in some fashion, which usually means putting more insulation somewhere to make up the difference. This is called a “trade-off” and is allowed by most building energy efficiency codes.²

Why Insulated Metal Panels?

Insulated metal panels then are the best bet, because although the joint is a thermal bridge, in effect, it is not nearly as impactful as breaking a line of fiberglass with a stud or smashing the fiberglass between the panel and a framing member. In the illustration below, R-value doesn’t just vary at that point where the panel and the stud meet. The entire insulation line gets smashed and one would have to go some distance from the stud before the insulation returns to its normal, fluffy thickness. These issues need to be mitigated and accounted for.

Continuous insulation is critically important to an efficient envelope design. Insulated metal panels, with their side laps designed for concealed fasteners, eliminate the possibility of gaps in the insulation and thermal bridges. Continuous insulation is important because thermal bridges and discontinuities introduced by compressing non-rigid insulations cause the in-place R-Value of the assembly to be less than the tested R-Value of the insulation used. This effect has become a focus in newer energy efficiency codes such as ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC.

Manufacturers such as MBCI and Metl-Span publish insulated metal panels as U-factors because the joint is tested as part of the assembly (both mitigating and accounting for the aforementioned issues). These values can be found on product data sheets and technical bulletins, such as Metl-Span’s Insulation Values technical bulletin, published January 2017.

References

ASTM C 665 – 12, Standard Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing, Table 1, Footnote c.
ASHRAE 90.1 – 13, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Ride Residential Buildings, Section 5.6
High Performance Green Building Products – INSMP2A (CEU)

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Insulation on Metal Roof and Wall Panels

Posted on August 12, 2016March 21, 2025 by Jason Allen

With building code compliance and sustainable building envelopes at the forefront in today’s marketplace, spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF) applied to single skin metal roof and wall panels is an alternative to insulated metal panels with a manufacture-applied polyurethane foam core. SPF insulation improves a building’s energy efficiency and provides thermal, air and vapor barrier capabilities.

What Is Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Insulation?

SPF insulation consists of isocyanate and polyol resin that is chemically combined and applied to surfaces using a spray gun. SPF insulation can be open cell or closed cell. Open-cell foam provides insulation and air sealing for a building, but is water and vapor permeable. Closed-cell foam provides better insulation than open cell and also functions as an air barrier. Closed-cell foam differs from open cell in that it prevents water entry, minimizes moisture vapor permeability and decreases air leakage, making it the preferred insulation to apply to metal panels.

Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation with Metal Panels. Image courtesy of Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance

SPF insulation is well suited for use as interior insulation for metal wall and through-fastened metal roof panels. The traditional thermal insulation layer—one or two layers of batt insulation with a facer—has its intricacies; for example, compressed areas and difficulty taping seams at edges and penetrations for air barrier performance. But because of SPF’s inherent physical characteristics and spray application method, SPF overcomes many obstacles.

8 Application and Safety Tips for SPF

Using SPF to fully insulate and seal a building with metal panels can have unintended consequences if the material characteristics and project parameters are not well thought out. The Metal Construction Association (MCA) recently conducted research with the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and published their findings in a technical bulletin. It includes the following best practices and considerations for installing SPF.

Image courtesy of Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance

Utilize a certified foam spray technician to ensure the insulation meets the desired thickness, density and adhesion.
Only apply SPF to clean, dry areas.
SPF should not be used on standing seam metal roof panels because it may restrict the thermal movement of the panels, causing distortion.
Follow a “picture frame” application technique, further detailed here, to prevent SPF from getting between girts and metal panels, causing deformation.
Notify other contractors, including HVAC and electrical, to ensure necessary precautions are made.
Follow building code requirements for fire protection because in some instances SPF may meet thermal barrier requirements.
Prevent SPF chemicals from being drawn into a building’s ventilation system during and after installation. There may be a mandated wait time before other occupants can reenter the space.
Consult with your metal panel manufacturer before applying SPF.

Read more recommendations and findings by the MCA by downloading their technical bulletin, Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation on Interior Surfaces of Metal Panels, here.

Urban Heat Islands, Part 1: How Cool Metal Roofs Benefit the Community

Posted on August 4, 2016March 21, 2025 by Candy McNamee

Summer in the city usually means it’s hot – hotter than surrounding areas. Those who have investigated this phenomenon have identified the presence of “urban heat islands” – places that heat up disproportionately to those nearby.

One reason for this is the predominance of dark asphalt pavement and dark-colored roofing. The significance is that dark surfaces are known to absorb sunlight and re-radiate it back as heat. That’s how thermal solar panels work, but it is also dramatically apparent when walking across a black asphalt parking lot in the summer sun. The heat is coming not only from the sun above, but from the pavement below.

If nearby buildings have dark-colored roofs, the same is happening there. Studies have shown that this re-radiated heat can build up in urban areas and raise the surrounding air temperature by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit on average. So while it might be a tolerable 85 degrees and pleasant a few miles away, the urban core could be sweltering in a self-induced 90 degrees – even higher on those dark roofs and parking lots.

Measuring Solar Heat

How do we know what materials help or hinder these urban heat islands? First, all materials will absorb and reflect varying amounts of solar radiation based primarily on the color and reflectance of a material. The way to measure that variation is based on ASTM test standards E903 and C1549. These tests are used to determine the solar reflectance (SR) of materials, which is expressed as the fraction of solar energy that is reflected on a scale of 0 to 1. Black paint, for example, has an SR of 0 and bright white titanium paint has an SR of 1 (highest reflectance).

Reducing Heat Islands with Cool Metal Roofs

Taking things one step further, the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) has been developed as a measure of the ability of a constructed surface, particularly roofs, to stay cool in the sun. It relies on both an initial SR value as well as a thermal emittance value being determined for a material or product. Using ASTM E1980 and values from the Cool Roof Rating Council Standard (CRRC-1), an SRI of between 0 (common black surface) and 100 (common white reflective surface) can be determined. The higher the SRI, the higher the amount of solar radiation that is reflected and thermal radiation minimized, thus creating a comparatively cool surface.

Metal roofing is particularly well suited to achieve high SRI values, minimize heat build-up, and reduce urban heat islands. Recognizing this, many manufacturers test metal roofing products and publish the SRI results, allowing professionals and consumers to make informed decisions. Of course, other roofing materials are tested for SRI values too, but few test as effectively and economically as metal roofing.

(For specific information about the radiative properties of MBCI’s colors, consult our listings in the respective databases on the CRRC and ENERGY STAR websites.)

Benefits to the Community

Specifying and building with high-SRI metal roofs has benefits beyond just the immediate building—reducing urban heat islands keeps excess heat from building up in the surrounding community too. Higher summer temperatures can be detrimental to plants, trees, and people who are outside in urban areas. By using cool metal roofs that reduce the surrounding air temperature, plants don’t lose water as quickly, people are more comfortable, and trees are less stressed. Cooler air temperatures around a building also means air conditioning does not need to work as hard or as often. That translates into less energy use and fewer greenhouse gas emissions from electricity to run the air conditioning—both of which could significantly contribute to cleaner air in the community.

Results

By recognizing the existence of urban heat islands and their impact on people and the environment, those of us in the design and construction field can choose to do something about them. By specifying and installing high-SRI cool metal roofs, the environment benefits, people benefit and our buildings benefit.

Learn more in our blog post, “Code Requirements for Cool Roofs with Climate Zone Specifics.”

The Benefits of Integrating Daylighting Systems with Metal Panels

Posted on July 25, 2016March 21, 2025 by MBCI

When metal roofing and wall systems of insulated metal panels, or IMPs, are combined with integrated daylighting and electrical lighting systems (such as with skylights, windows and translucent panels) it can improve occupant wellness and overall building performance. Are you curious if the return would be worth your investment? Uncover the recent advancements in daylighting technologies, the benefits and how to measure your building’s success.

Advancements in Daylighting Technologies and IMPs

In recent years, IMP assemblies have seen significant improvements, including more effective seals and thermal breaks as well as better thermal performance.

A range of novel daylighting products and technologies have been introduced in recent years that aid in the deployment of natural illumination for a multitude of occupancies—maximizing daylighting effectiveness while also maintaining the envelope’s barrier and thermal performance. These tools include pre-engineered, integrated metal envelope and roof solutions with compatible curbless skylights, light tubes, pan-type prismatic skylights, automated dimming controls for lighting, motorized shades and other components.

One example of how new tools are replacing more traditional products is the use of domed and pan-type units with prismatic embossing, which refracts and directs two to four times as much illumination into the indoor spaces when solar incidence angles are more acute, such as in the early morning and late in the day. These prismatic elements also help eliminate “hot spots” and reduce glare and ultraviolet (UV) deterioration from daylighting.

Benefits of Investing in Daylighting

Overall, using the current crop of novel skylight products in combination with a highly thermally efficient base system of metal panel walls and roofing will reduce excessive solar heat gain as they reduce the electrical base load for lighting. Highly diffusing acrylic and polycarbonate lenses and spectrally selective glass openings are very effective for maximizing functional visible light indoors while inhibiting unwanted heat gain. Many of the skylight aperture designs block 85% of infrared (IR) and 99.9% of UV light, which also reduces the unwanted degradation of products and materials inside the buildings. Additionally, the new generation of skylights also optimizes solar harvesting because many of the lenses have a minimal effect on VT.

In this way, the use of skylights with metal roofing and IMPs can be an effective way to meet the requirements of IECC 2012 and state energy codes. The skylights reduce overall electrical loads without adding unacceptable levels of solar heat gain, and their small relative area means the overall roof U-values remain low.

How to Measure the Success of Daylighting

Building teams will encounter a number of key variables that help measure the effectiveness of proposed daylighting designs. The most common (and valuable) daylighting performance metrics in use today include the following:

• Daylight factor
• Window-to-wall ratio, or WWR
• Effective aperture, or ea.
• Daylighting depth
• Solar heat-gain coefficient, or ShgC
• Haze factor
• U-factor

Using the above tools and terminology, building teams can better assess the benefits of daylighting strategies with skylights, prismatic pan-type products and solar light pipes, among others. In particular, these are important for meeting the widely used 2012 International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1 as well as state energy codes and “reach targets” such as green building certifications, the Passive House standard and others.

How to Learn More

The use of building systems combining metal roofing with skylights and integrated lighting provide significant life-cycle performance. Much of this is due to the research and development behind the individual products and materials used for these applications.

For a more in-depth look at daylighting within the context of metal roof and wall systems, please refer to MBCI’s whitepaper, Shining Light on Daylighting with Metal Roofs, which showcases the strong rates of return of using integrated daylighting systems with novel prismatic optics and high-efficiency lighting on metal envelopes with good thermal and barrier performance.