Tag: standing seam

Preventing Roof Damage from Rusted Fasteners

Posted on by kbuchinger

These days, the majority of metal roofs are made from Galvalume coated steel, which typically carry a warranty against perforation due to rusting for a period of 20 years. A study on Galvalume standing seam roofs (SSR) conducted at the behest of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) showed that a properly installed Galvalume SSR can be expected to last 60 years or more.  However, the caveat is “properly installed”. One of the major issues that will drastically reduce the service life of a Galvalume-coated roof is the use of non-long-life fasteners in exposed locations.

Anytime you have an exposed fastener on a metal roof, you risk rust—the term commonly used for the corrosion and oxidation of iron and its alloys. While a little rust might not seem like a big deal, its presence can actually be a harbinger of severe damage to your metal roof panels if not caught early, or ideally, stopped before it ever has a chance to start.

The issue is most prevalent on R-panel roofs due to the use of exposed fasteners. And even with standing seam roofs, which use clips and are typically referred to as a concealed fastener roofs, there are exposed fasteners as well, most often at the eave, the end laps and at trim, such as ridge flash, rake trim, and high-eave trim.

Prevention

The best recommendation for any exposed fasteners (meaning they are exposed to the weather and other harmful elements), is that they should be long-life fasteners. When you don’t use long-life fasteners, they start rusting with exposure to moisture and, over time, the rust virus stretches down to the roof, causing severe and often irreparable damage.

Suppose you have a metal roof that is 10 to 15 years old. Depending on the environment, the roof could be in excellent shape—except for where those screws are; you can have holes right through the roof at the fastener locations. More people than ever are starting to realize they’re supposed to use a long-life fastener, in a case like this. We see a lot of roofs when we inspect them for weathertightness warranties. What often happens is a worker on the roof may have just grabbed some screws that were handy without thinking about the kind of screw or the inevitable chemistry that could potentially cause rusting. Or, you may have a situation where there is some type of accessory put on the roof by another trade, perhaps a plumber or an HVAC installer—and maybe they didn’t use long-life fasteners.

The best recommendation to mitigate this potential problem is two-fold. First, make sure roofing installers know to use a long-life fastener at every exposed location. Secondly, make sure that every other contractor working on the roof that you’re responsible for knows to use long-life fasteners with whatever they’re doing.

 

Fasteners
A long-life fastener (left) can withstand the elements and prevent rust buildup longer than other fasteners. A regular fastener (right) will begin to rust upon exposure to moisture.

What if rust does occur?

One question frequently asked is: if the fasteners do become rusty, do you have to replace all the panels? If you catch the problem before the rust virus makes its way down to the roof itself, you can just change out the screws. However, if the rust has compromised the roof, you very likely would have to change out all the panels, at the least everything that has been affected—just because of one little spot. Truthfully, if the rust is in one spot, it’s probably all over.

Another thing worth mentioning is if aluminum panels are used along with typical long-life fasteners, it could still rust, especially if the roof is exposed to salt spray (think close to the coast).  The answer in this case is to use a stainless steel screw, which are long-life fasteners (but not all long-life fasteners are stainless steel).

Be aware from the start.

It’s crucial for installers and contractors to take notice and order the right fasteners from the start so that problems can be avoided.

Also, after some wear and tear, if subsequent work is done on the roof, everyone involved should take note. For instance, you buy a building and somewhere down the road you decide to frame out a small office and add a bathroom. You’d need a water heater, so a plumber goes on the roof, puts in pipe penetration and doesn’t use long-life fasteners. The onus would be on the owner to ensure that everyone performing work on that roof—no matter when—is using long-life fasteners.

Conclusion

The best-case scenario with a metal roof is to get the right fasteners to begin with. However, if the roof is already installed, the next step is to be on the lookout for rust and if you notice it, consider that it might be because of the fastener.

If that’s the case and you catch it early—when it’s just the screws that are rusting but the rust virus hasn’t yet transferred down onto the roof, you can just change out the screws with the proper long-life fasteners. We recommend doing a roof inspection at least once a year. If you see any loose or rusty screws, replace as needed.

For more information on MBCI’s broad selection of metal roof and wall panels, contact your local MBCI representative.

Standard Testing for Metal Roofing – Part 1: Structural Performance and Uplift Resistance

Posted on by Jason Allen

When selecting a metal roofing product, there is an expectation that it will perform as intended over the life of the building. But what assures building owners, code officials, or design professionals that a product will in fact perform as promised? This question often comes up in building product discussions and the accepted way to answer it is to subject the products to physical testing. The type of testing is usually very specific to the product based on protocols and procedures developed by independent agencies such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ASTM International, or others. Manufacturers typically submit their products to independent testing labs who follow these standard test procedures. Once testing has concluded, they report the results back to the manufacturer. These results then show whether the product meets stated performance criteria or not. If not, the manufacturer can re-design and re-test until it does and then make the final results available to the public.

For metal roofing, a series of relevant and important tests are typically performed. In this blog, we will look at two of them related to structural performance and wind uplift.

ASTM E1592

The structural integrity of metal roofing is crucial given the various natural forces that can be imposed on the materials. Effects from wind, snow, or other conditions can compromise its integrity. Accordingly, the ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings (including sub-committee E06.57 on Performance of Metal Roof Systems) has developed ASTM E1592 “Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Sheet Metal Roof and Siding Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference”. While the standard acknowledges the use of computation (i.e. calculations) to determine the basic structural capacity of most metal products, it also points out that some conditions are outside of the scope of computational analysis and hence need to be tested.

The standard describes a test method with “optional apparatus and procedures for use in evaluating the structural performance of a given (metal) system for a range of support spacings or for confirming the structural performance of a specific installation”. As such, it is very specific both to metal roofing and its installation. This test method uses imposed air pressure not to look at air leakage but simply to determine structural reactions. It consists of three steps:

1. Sealing the test specimen into or against one face of a test chamber

2. Supplying air to, or exhausting air from, the chamber at the rate required to maintain the test pressure difference across the specimen

3. Observing, measuring, and recording the deflection, deformations, and nature of any failures of principal or critical elements of the panel profile or members of the anchor system

The test needs to be performed with enough variation to produce a load deformation curve of the metal and account for typical edge restraint (fastening) representative of field conditions.

Manufacturers need to submit different products that are tested at least once at two different span lengths between supports. Standing seam roof panels are typically tested at a 5’-0” and 1’-0” span. Spans between the two tested spans can be interpolated. The result is a table of tested loading results that can be compared to code required or engineered design loading to then determine if the selected material and spacing are adequate for the project needs or if another product or spacing is needed.

MBCI's metal roofing products undergo a series of tests to ensure maximum resistance and performance.
MBCI’s metal roofing products undergo a series of tests to ensure maximum resistance and performance.

UL 580

The ASTM E1592 test is focused on the structural integrity of metal panels. It also uses positive and negative air pressure in a static (i.e. non-moving) condition to determine performance. There is also a separate concern about how metal roofing will perform in a dynamic condition as would be expected in a windy condition where wind gusts can ebb and flow erratically. In that regard, a separate test developed jointly between Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) looks at the ability of roofing to resist being blown off a building due to wind. Known as ANSI/UL 580 “Standard for Tests for Uplift Resistance of Roof Assemblies”, it has become the recognized means to identify and classify the suitability of roofing for different wind conditions – low to high.

This test is also specific in its scope and intent stating that it “evaluates the roof deck, its attachment to supports, and roof covering materials”. It also points out that it is not intended to test special roof conditions, main or secondary structural supports, or deterioration of roofing. The standard prescribes in considerable detail the type of test chamber that needs to be constructed and used for the testing which includes three sections: “a top section to create a uniform vacuum, a center section in which the roof assembly (i.e. deck, attachment, and roofing) is constructed, and a bottom section to create uniform positive pressure”. The test procedure is then based on placing the roof assembly into the test chamber and subjecting it to a prescribed sequence of 5 phases of oscillating positive and negative pressure cycles (simulating dynamic wind conditions) over 80 minutes of total testing.

There are four wind uplift classifications obtainable for a tested assembly based on the test assembly retaining its attachment, integrity and without any permanent damage. These include Class 15, Class 30, Class 60, and Class 90. Each class has its own requirements for test pressures with increasing pressure as the class number increases. Higher class numbers indicate increasing levels of wind uplift resistance. Note, that to obtain a Class 60 rating, the tested assembly must pass the Class 30 test then be immediately subjected to the Class 60 test sequence. Similarly, to obtain a Class 90 rating, the tested assembly must first pass both the Class 30 and 60 tests. Metal roofing manufacturers who want their roofing products tested and classified under UL 580 must pair them with standard roof deck and fastening materials. Hence most have many different tests performed and results reported accordingly.

When reviewing metal roofing options, it is comforting to know that most manufacturers have tested their products and designed them to meet or exceed minimum requirements. To find out more about tested results of products you may be considering, contact your local MBCI representative or see the MBCI website and select the “testing” tab under a selected product.

Best Practices for Ensuring Metal Roof Accessories are Properly Installed

Posted on by kbuchinger

Best practices for roofing contractors, general contractors…and even architects—from spec’d work to pre-roofing conferences.

Many metal roofs have roof penetrations for accessories installed by other trades. Unfortunately, oftentimes, these penetrations are improperly made or the accessory material is incompatible with the standing seam roof. A properly installed Galvalume standing seam roof, for instance, can be expected to last 60 years or longer. However, improper work on the roof by other trades can result in leaks and possibly a roof service life far less than 60 years. In order to achieve the best results, the roofing contractor needs to coordinate with the general contractor, the architect, and the building owner to ensure proper installation.

In most cases, it is the roofing contractor who is held responsible for all things roof! If armed with a clear checklist as he or she walks into a pre-roofing meeting with the architect, there will be a significantly greater likelihood of a well thought out and successful process. Here are some suggestions for the roofing contractor (in conjunction with the entire team) to consider.

  • A reminder to specifiers to put in the project specifications that all roof penetrations and roof accessory installation must be coordinated with the roofing contractor. Beyond the obvious issue of maximizing performance, if a manufacturer’s weathertightness warranty is specified, the roof manufacturer must preapprove any work performed on the roof by other contractors.
  • If the above is not in the project specifications, the roofing contractor should initiate the conversation during the pre-roofing  conference with the architect and the general contractor.
  • Roof curbs should ideally be supplied by the roofing contractor and they should definitely be installed by the roofing contractor. Welded aluminum curbs should be used as specified by the roofing manufacturer. See tips for installing roof curbs, here.
Best practices
Be sure to use the proper roof curb to ensure a well-installed, weathertight condition.
  • Pipe penetrations for vent pipes, heater flues, gas and electric, etc. as well as penetrations associated with lightning protection air terminals and cable management should be coordinated with the roofing contractor and with the roofing manufacturer if there is a  weathertightness warranty. Rubber roof jacks should always be used.
Best practices
The above example is a high temperature rubber roof jack. Pipe penetrations allow for a long-term performance of the roof.
  • Ensure that dissimilar materials such as copper, lead, and graphite are not used on the roof. This includes treated wood, which contains copper. Condensate from roof top AC units must be piped off the roof as it contains dissolved copper.
Best practices
This is an example of wood and HVAC condensation on a metal roof.
  • The roof must be protected from spills of any harmful chemicals or masonry products.

The above represents just an overview of some of the best practices the roofing contractor should consider when entering into a job with other trades. As the roofing contractor, anything that involves the roof will likely be seen as YOUR purview. After all, if there’s a leak, who are they going to call? That said, being proactive regarding roof accessory installation—regardless of who is doing the actual work—will serve all parties in the end. Get in front of any potential issues and ensure everyone is reading from the same playbook. For more information, contact your local sales representative.

Metal Roofing Toughs Out the Storm

Posted on by Jason Allen

Did you know that roof failures are the largest hurricane loss due to wind and water damage? Metal roofing is highly recommended for the locations that deal with hurricanes and high force winds as well as other weather conditions including hail, fire and ice. Metal roof panels from MBCI are designed to meet the unique needs of Florida home and business owners.

Able to resist and withstand the extreme environmental conditions that Florida is known for, MBCI’s metal wall panels and roofing systems offer better long-term cost benefits and lasting up to three times longer than asphalt shingles. With Miami-Dade County’s strict product approval and testing processes in place, you can have peace of mind that metal panels from MBCI meet requirements.

Roofing
MBCI’s standing seam metal roof systems are one of the most durable and weathertight roof systems available in the industry.

Miami-Dade County Approvals

In order for your metal panels to be compliant for structures in Miami-Dade County, all panels for both roof and walls are tested to specific test standards. In addition to submitting an application, test reports are also required to move forward with the approval process. Third-party testing is required for verification.

Metal Building Panel Approval Process

Prior to submitting a metal building for approval, multiple steps must be taken to configure and test your panels. Each unique panel configuration requires its own testing.

Approval for a product is based on one profile, one gauge and several spans. The design pressures can be used in the field, corners and perimeters or interior and end zones. If a panel manufacturer offers the same panel profile in a thicker gauge, that material can be included in the approval, but they will be limited to the design pressure of the thinner gauge. Three samples of each configuration must be tested and differ no more than 20% when results are determined. The end goal of testing is to determine design loads for the panel system at a specific span.

There are separate requirements for the testing and approval of structural steel members and frames.

Why Install MBCI Metal Panels

  • UL 580 Class 90 Wind Uplift Resistance
  • Designed for Florida
  • UL Class 4 Hail Impact Resistant
  • Class A Fire Ratings
  • ENERGY STAR® Certified Colors
  • Miami-Dade County Approved
  • Insurance Discounts Available

Miami-Dade County Approved Panels

Florida has implemented stricter building codes to help prevent hurricanes and wind loss. Some of the toughest codes include Miami-Dade County and Florida Building Code. MBCI offers a wide selection of products that surpass the necessary ratings. Our Miami-Dade approved panels include PBR, 5V Crimp, Craftsman™ Series – Small Batten, DoubleLok®, CFR and most insulated metal panels. For more information on MBCI’s metal roofing and wall products, speak to your sales representative or visit our website at MBCI.com.

Proper Details for Specialty Roof Conditions

Posted on by Randy Tweedt

Sloped, standing seam, metal roofing provides a continuous surface that is designed to shed water efficiently while providing a long-lasting and great looking roofing solution. When the roof design and shape is simple, (i.e. continuously extending from ridge to eaves with no changes or interruptions) then all of the attributes of the metal roofing can be assured by using some very conventional and well-known details for design and construction. But in the real world, there are lots of conditions that require more specialized attention to detail. For our purposes here, we will simply refer to those as “specialty roof conditions.”

What types of roofing conditions warrant the special attention? Most are associated with changes in the shape or surface of the roof, say where the ridge line is interrupted or offset. Others could be a means to accommodate a roof feature such as a dormer, a dutch hip type of roof, or the intersection between a ridge and a parapet wall. Some might be related to the design of a valley, particular if it is a “dead valley” that doesn’t drain directly to the gutter but stops short, as around a dormer or elsewhere. Or some could be the result of some special conditions created by the roof design such as cascading water over an edge or heavy snow accumulation conditions. There are certainly many others too, but the point is that any of them are a potential source of water leakage and building damage if they are not properly addressed.

Roof Conditions
Above is an example of a special roof transition created by MBCI.

Most metal building manufacturers not only recognize the importance of such specialty roof conditions, but they also have lots of experience in developing very workable solutions for them. The key for success is found in the fundamental principles of properly overlapping (i.e. “shingling”) all materials to allow water to drain smoothly away where it is intended without getting diverted to places where it shouldn’t go. That means the metal roofing panels need to be cut, fit, and installed properly, but it also means that flashing, sealants, and fasteners need to be installed correctly too, all regardless of the slope of the roof. To communicate ways to achieve better results in the field for specialty roof conditions, manufacturers like MBCI make step-by-step details available for installers. The significance of using and following these details can not be overstated since they are a key component in getting a weathertightness warranty from the manufacturer.

As an example of how this might play out on a specific building, let’s look at a dead valley that occurs because a gable roofed dormer is installed in the main area of a roof. The first thing to recognize is that multiple layers of materials are involved in the transition around the dormer, all of which need to be installed in the proper location, following the proper sequence, and with the proper connections. A step-by-step process as detailed by the manufacturer might look like this:

Step 1:

With the substrate in place (rigid insulation over a metal deck), a special width panel will likely need to be installed and serve as the collection area for the dead valley to drain into. Then, plywood spacers and nailers are installed, and the main lower valley area is covered with “rubber” (EPDM) flashing.

Step 2:

Secure continuous eave trim over the plywood nailers and add and offset cleat on top to receive roof panels, all secured with tri-bead tape sealer and fasteners as shown.

Step 3:

Install extended valley trim across the valley with an offset cleat on either side secured as shown.

Step 4:

With all of the prior steps in place, then the installation of upper panels can begin to interface with the edge of the dead valley.

Step 5:

Continue cutting and installing panels to fit over and drain into the dead valley, which then drains without interruption onto the special width panel and the roof.

By following step by step details from the manufacturer for this or other specialty roof conditions, then the likelihood increases that everyone involved in the project is both proud and satisfied with the end results. The key is to start at the beginning with the proper planning and preparation by communicating with the manufacturer about all roof conditions that require special attention like this example.

To find out more about the library of specialty roof conditions available for metal roofing projects, contact your local MBCI representative.

The Importance of Roof Installer Training and Certification

Posted on by kbuchinger

Many metal roofing installers may think that their years of experience on the job is enough. But even for those who have been putting up metal roofs for a long time, the truth is that if they haven’t put up a particular brand’s roof before, they need to go through that manufacturer’s installer training and get certified. There are several reasons for this.

  • More and more, architects are starting to specify that an installer must be certified by the manufacturer of the product being installed.
  • For many manufacturers, including MBCI, in order to get a Standard III warranty with no dollar limit—or any Day One warranty—training and certification are required.
  • Installers need to know the proper technique and protocols—for a particular manufacturer’s product! After all, you don’t make any money by going back and fixing leaks.

There are many other standing seams that are very similar to those that MBCI sells, and while they may look similar, there will be a number of small differences, such as the way panels are notched or the way sealants are put in. Even the way companies test panels can be different. For instance, if you have a Florida or Dade County approval or an FM approval, that’s all tied into the way the roof system is tested. So, if someone has a project where one of those things is required, it is imperative to make sure the installer is using that brand’s system of doing things, down to every last detail. These are some of the things covered in certification courses.

Certification Courses and Installer TrainingInstaller Training

At MBCI, we offer a three-day course that covers all of our standing seam panels, and have a separate two-day course for insulated metal panels, which provides advanced installer training in metal roof installation through classroom lecture and hands-on application in a variety of MBCI’s products, assembling roof systems on a mockup to reinforce what was learned from the presentations. Courses take place once a quarter in different locations throughout the United States.

In terms of who should attend certification courses, generally speaking, it’s the person from the company who will be doing the actual work since a certified installer needs to be on the roof any time any work is being done on the roof. He or she is the one we train. And that installer is tied back to the company in order for them to receive certification. That company has to have workman’s comp and general liability insurance. If the certified person leaves the company to go elsewhere, the first company needs to certify someone else.

The Bottom Line of Certification

From a bottom line perspective, it’s important for companies to be proactive in making sure there is always someone on their team who is a certified installer for the products they use—or might use. Not only will they learn tips and tricks for proper installation, but it will also avoid a situation where you have a job, the panels are being delivered the next week and you realize you need someone to be certified. Maybe it’s three weeks until the next certification opportunity. You’ll want to have all that settled before you need it.

Just because you’ve been installing roofing for 30 years, doesn’t mean installer training and certification isn’t necessary. Our best advice is to come to the class and learn all the little idiosyncrasies about whatever manufacturer’s roofing panels you’ll be installing. This is a case where even a little knowledge goes a long way.

Proper Test Methods to Determine Thermal Resistance of Metal Panels

Posted on by MBCI

For a given assembly, if the right information is not specified in conjunction with the desired R-value, the designer will likely not achieve the results he or she expects. This can lead to code compliance issues as well as poor performance of the finished building. Therefore, a more thorough approach must be considered to ensure the specified assembly will be building energy efficiency code compliant. Where to begin? When looking at proper test methods to determine thermal resistance of metal panels, the place to start is ASHRAE 90.1 Chapter 5 (Building Envelope) and Appendix A.

Thermal Resistance
ASHRAE 90.1 Section 5 specifies requirements for the building envelope.

Code Compliance for Thermal Resistance

The most widely accepted energy efficiency standard for commercial construction in North America is ASHRAE Standard 90.1. This standard provides both a prescriptive and a performance path to be chosen at the designer’s option. The prescriptive path is most commonly used. It also provides the baseline performance level that is used to determine compliance for the performance path, so understanding this set of requirements is critical. Within the prescriptive path, two possible methods of compliance are available to determine the minimum thermal performance of opaque areas on the building envelope. Section 5.5.3 is the pertinent passage and it reads:

  1. Minimum rated R-values of insulation for the thermal resistance of the added insulation in framing cavities and continuous insulation only. Specifications listed in Normative Appendix A for each class of construction shall be used to determine compliance.
  2. Maximum U-factor, C-factor, or F-factor for the entire assembly. The values for typical construction assemblies listed in Normative Appendix A shall be used to determine compliance.

Exceptions: For assemblies significantly different than those in Appendix A, calculations shall be performed in accordance with the procedures required in Appendix A.

What does this mean? Basically, there are standard types of construction that ASHRAE recognizes and if you have a wall that fits the description in Appendix A, you don’t have to test or do anything special to determine its thermal resistance. Appendix A provides tables based on calculation methods that have been derived on the basis of previous tests and general experience. What is perhaps less obvious is that if your assembly is adequately described by one of the standard assemblies in the Appendix, you may NOT use a tested or modeled value in place of the values in the table, even if that value has better performance! (i.e., lower U-factor) This is explained in Section A1.2.

The reason the code is set up this way is to prevent people from building unrepresentative assemblies that achieve high performance in the lab but are likely not built to the same specifications in the actual building.

Conversely, if the assembly you want to use is NOT adequately described in Appendix A, the appendix goes on to specify which methods are acceptable to determine the U-factor based on the assembly to which it is most similar. This is covered in Section A9. Two and three-dimensional finite element models are always acceptable and in some cases, simplified calculation alternatives are also available. Note that hot box testing is not always allowed.

Conclusion

To summarize, whether using a prescriptive or a performance path, the first and last stop when determining thermal resistance for metal panels is ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Chapter 5 and Appendix A. Designers would be well advised to familiarize themselves with the Standard and the specific set of requirements for their particular scenario in order to utilize proper testing methods for high-performance results.

Level of Development (LOD) BIM Specifications for Metal Buildings

Posted on by MBCI

When designing and constructing metal buildings, an increasing number of professionals are using a computerized building information model (BIM) as their primary tool. This allows for detailed, three-dimensional computer models to be created, not only to develop the design, but to identify material lists, coordinate details, avoid conflicts between building systems and streamline the design and construction process.

Problem: BIM Coordination

Of course, design is a process that requires some back-and-forth between multiple parties to arrive at the best final solution. So, when a metal-building supplier or manufacturer is asked to provide their information to be incorporated into a BIM process, the question that naturally comes up involves the level of detail. This is common across all trades, and fortunately, there is an organization that is addressing this issue. Known as the BIMforum (www.BIMForum.org), is is the not-for-profit United States chapter of buildingSMART International, and its mission focuses on improving BIM technology, collaboration, education, innovation and open information exchange. As they describe themselves, “Co-sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), BIMForum seeks to lead by example and synchronize with counterparts in all sectors of the industry to jointly develop best practice for virtual design and construction.”

Solution: Level of Development (LOD) Specification

A flagship publication of BIMForum is the 2016 version of Level of Development (LOD) Specification. Having evolved over several years, this publication is “a reference that enables practitioners in the AEC Industry to specify and articulate with a high level of clarity the content and reliability of Building Information Models (BIMs) at various stages in the design and construction process.” Coordinated with other industry standards, it “defines and  illustrates characteristics of model elements of different building systems at different Levels of Development.”

Essentially, it defines and standardizes how much detail is expected in a building information model at different stages of design development. Therefore, if a metal-building manufacturer or any other trade is asked to supply its BIM information, then it needs to ask “What Level of Development?” so that is it providing the right amount of information to coordinate with the larger computer model for the building.

How LOD Works:

The LOD Specification is based first on the familiar Uniformat specification sections used by most spec writers. Metal Buildings commonly fall under Special Construction in Section F1020.40 in the Uniformat approach, or 21-06 10 20 40 in the Omniclass approach, and are found that way in the LOD Spec. From there, five levels of detailing are described by the numbers 100, 200, 300, 350 and 400, as described further below.

  • LOD 100 – This is the most basic of model, described as “Generic mass of special structure with system typically noted with a design narrative for conceptual pricing.” It is likely that this level of BIM is already developed by an architect or engineer and given to a manufacturer or supplier as a starting point.
  • LOD 200 – This level calls for basic primary structural member sizing, generic representation of secondary framing, and general cladding and exterior trim to be provided, including openings.
  • LOD 300 – More-specific sizing of all needed primary frame structural members, web tapers, frame connections and similar details are called for at this level. Similarly, secondary framing needs to be shown, including purlins and bridging, girts, subframes and base conditions. Exterior panel and trim with actual profiles, actual openings and all significant trim and accessories are shown here.
  • LOD 350 – This level starts to show coordination with other elements or building systems. Therefore, for the primary structure, things like base plate locations, bracing/gussets, clips and any reinforcement all need to be included. Secondary framing elements need to include similar details, such as nested members, connections to primary structure, any miscellaneous or secondary steel members, bridging, etc. Cladding and exterior trim would include all actual profiles, closures, downspouts and all minor trims shows at least generically.
  • LOD 400 – This is the full-fabrication level equivalent to shop-drawing level of detail. As such it includes all final details, including welds, bolts, holes, cinching and all other details of fabrication and assembly for primary and secondary framing, plus all cladding and trim.
BIM
Level of Development (LOD) Specification Example – image courtesy of BIMForum.org

By using these standardized Levels of Development, all design and construction professionals can proceed in an orderly sequence to provide the appropriate information, receive coordination feedback and then move on accordingly to the next level.

The full 2016 LOD Specification can be downloaded for free at http://bimforum.org/log/. The specific information for Metal Building Systems can be found on pages 177–186. For information on how to work with a manufacturer to provide the appropriate BIM information, contact your local MBCI representative.

Proper Cutting and Cleaning of Metal Building Panels

Posted on by Jason Allen

Metal building panels, whether for roofing or walls, are manufactured with a long-lasting and durable finish of different types and in many colors, allowing the panels to hold up and look great for decades. However, once they get to the building they may need to be cut to fit a field condition, or they may need to be cleaned either during or after installation for any number of reasons. Innocently doing either, without understanding that doing it the wrong way could compromise the integrity of the finish, can be disconcerting at best or warranty-buster at worst. Here are a few tips for the proper cutting and cleaning of metal panels.

Cutting Metal Panels:

Field cutting of panels is certainly allowed and acceptable to manufacturers and is common, particularly at framed openings. However, there are two things to pay attention to here:

  • Cutting Method: If field cutting is required, the panels must be cut with nibblers, snips or shears to prevent edge rusting. Do not cut the metal panels with saws, abrasive blades, grinders or torches. Abrasive saw blades, grinders and torches can leave irregular or rough edges that are no longer coated or finished, thus causing rust and corrosion.
Metal
Corrosion on this panel edge is due to an abrasive saw blade cut.
  • Cutting Location: All cutting of metal will produce fine particles, or swarf, that will fall from the cut. If this swarf falls on the roof, it can cause permanent staining and, if enough of it accumulates in one place, it could rust completely through the metal roof panel. Therefore, never cut metal panels on the roof or over other metal panels. It is best to cut the panel down on the ground where the swarf can be captured and disposed of.
Metal
Accumulated swarf from cutting is staining this metal panel.

Cleaning Metal Panels:

Metal panel manufacturers will usually provide information and directions for cleaning. A typical set of cleaning recommendation follows, based on a progression of cleaning levels—start with number 1 and work your way down the list for tougher jobs.

  1. For simple cleaning, water and mild detergent will often be all that is needed. However, bleach should never be used, since it can change the finish color or interact disastrously with certain metals.
  2. For water-soluble dirt or other deposits requiring more complete cleaning, a solution of hot or cold water mixed with detergent is appropriate. In a container of water, use a 5 percent solution of commonly used commercial (non-industrial, non-bleach) mild detergent, so as not to have any deleterious effect on the painted metal surface. Use a cloth or a soft-bristle brush for application of the cleaning solution, followed by an adequate rinse with clean water. Alternatively, pressure-washing with a 40° tip is also an option.
  3. For non-water-soluble deposits such as tar, grease, oil and adhesives, a solvent or alcohol-based cleaner may be required. In this case, since most organic solvents are flammable and/or toxic, they must be handled accordingly. Generally, keep them away from open flames, sparks and electrical motors. Use adequate ventilation, protective clothing and goggles, and read the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of any solvent used for any other specific safety details. The following are among the cleaners recognized by manufacturers for this type of non-water-soluble cleaning:
    1. Alcohols
      1. Denatured alcohol (ethanol)
      2. Isopropyl (rubbing alcohol)
    2. Solvents
      1. VM&P naptha
      2. Mineral Spirits
      3. Kerosene
      4. Turpentine (wood or gum spirits)

Regardless of the level of cleaning required, never use wire brushes, abrasives, or similar tools that will abrade the surface coating and leave scratches or other finish damage and lead to corrosion. Further, keep in mind that any misuse or abuse of any of the acceptable cleaning agents will automatically void any manufacturer’s warranty for the affected surfaces.

By using the tips above to properly cut and clean metal panels, installers can avoid the problems of corrosion, staining or other surface damage. Thus, the integrity and beauty of the finish is maintained without any impact on the warranty. To learn more about metal panel finishes, cutting, cleaning and warranties, contact your MBCI representative.

Knowing When to Call the Metal Manufacturer: Part 2

Posted on by MBCI

As stated in Part 1 of this series, the success of a metal roof or metal wall project can rest on the installer knowing when something isn’t working or just doesn’t seem right. When that happens, a call to the manufacturer is not just suggested but is really imperative to ensure any potential problem is averted before it’s too late. In addition to the previously discussed scenarios, such as damage to the physical panel or problems with the fasteners, let’s take a closer look at a few other common circumstances under which MBCI recommends immediately reaching out to the manufacturer:

Alignment and Substrate Issues

It is the installer’s responsibility to verify the substrate and check for proper alignment before attaching any sheeting materials. If the installer notices any issues of this sort (either before installation or once they start putting on the sheeting), they should stop and address them immediately. This might include oil canning or other irregularity in the appearance of the panel. The installer should investigate the source. If unable to identify and properly remedy the situation on their own, then a call to the manufacturer’s support team is recommended. They may be able to suggest items to check to help locate the source of the problem—whether it be installation or manufacturing—and from there make suggestions as to the best possible means to address the situation.

Accessories

When physically getting ready to modify a panel system by adding things to the roof (such as snow guards or mechanical curbs) or to walls by installing doors, windows and louvers, these penetrations can have an impact on the system and its weather-tightness and appearance. Oftentimes, other trades—who may or may not have knowledge of the sheeting system—are coming onto the job to perform the accessory installation. It’s wise to visit with manufacturer prior to installation and/or alert the non-metal panel installer of precautions to take when adding accessories.

bad roof jack installation - part #2 ACCESSORIES SECTION
The pipe penetration shown here is not the correct type of piping for metal roofing, and not the correct installation. This can lead to issues with roof performance, including leaking and water damage.

Coordination regarding material types of accessories, fasteners and placement is critical. There are materials that can react negatively with the installed system and lead to damage as well as void manufacturers warranties. Accessories should always be discussed prior to installation. Read more about different types of roof accessories and penetrations in MBCI’s blog article, Roof Penetrations Made By Non-Roofing Contractors.

Panel Engagement

Panel systems have an engineered means by which the panels attach and engage one another as shown in the manufacturer’s installation manuals and project drawings. If at any point the panel will not engage as depicted in the details, installation should be halted and reviewed to determine the cause. This can require a call to the manufacturer to help determine if the matter is site and substrate related or potentially a manufacturing issue.

Do not continue to install the system if the laps are not nesting properly, clips are not engaging as detailed, panel modularity cannot be controlled or if the overall panel is not “resting” on the substrate such that there is excessive bowing and stress in the panel. This is the time to call the manufacturer, as once the material is completely installed, it is much more difficult to determine the cause of a problem and is potentially more expensive to remedy. Additionally, in many cases, full installation constitutes acceptance of the product and the manufacturer’s hands could be tied or extremely limited in being able to assist in remedying after the fact.

By knowing when to be proactive with a call to the manufacturer, installers can mitigate many types of potential pitfalls. And if you’re just not sure, it’s best to call.

For more information on metal roof and wall products and training, MBCI offers courses through its Metal Institute. These courses are available for general training purposes or for those seeking installer certification.

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