Delivering a weather-resistant structure requires a comprehensive approach to building design. This, of course, includes careful consideration of the building materials and systems used on the project. For example, roofing and wall systems can be called on to provide high-performance protection. These systems are joined and so can impact one another’s ability to perform as intended. As Roofing columnist Thomas Hutchinson (of “From the Hutchison Files”) has noted, the influence of a wall’s surface, articulation and design on roofing systems cannot be underestimated as they can be the root causes for most system failures. While this is often a challenge to be addressed in the planning phases, it is also important for contractors to be able to spot potential missteps where roofing and wall systems come together during construction.
While performance capabilities can drive specification, roofs and walls impart a business’s first impression to visitors. This can be an important part of attracting and retaining customers, tenants or employees. As such, prioritizing the appearance of a project’s exterior can be an equally important aspect of its design and construction.
To solve challenges inherent in performance demands and design goals, many building design professionals turn to metal roofing and wall panels. Not only are these systems resilient to a wide range of extreme weather conditions, but they also are available in a myriad of colors and profile options to meet nearly any design vision.
Metal Roofing
A building’s ability to withstand today’s increasingly severe and frequent weather events depends on its roofing system. Roofs protect against rain, hail, snow, high winds and even flaming debris from forest fires. They can also be called on to support a building’s ability to maintain a comfortable interior environment, so protection from heat and the sun is also crucial. High-quality metal substrates and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) paint finishes provide enhanced weather resistance.
Starting with the substrate, most metal roofing panels achieve a Class A fire rating, which represents the highest rating possible. As a result, they can provide superior resistance to flaming debris from forest fires or a nearby lightning strike. Further, given metal roofing panels’ substantial strength-to-weight ratio and their ability to interlock via a snap or mechanically locked system, they can resist damage from high wind speeds, including HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) requirements in southern Florida. When installed per the manufacturer’s installation instructions and using complete assemblies, the metal roofing systems can receive Class 90 UL 580 Wind Uplift ratings and meet UL 1897 Extended Phase Wind Uplift requirements, which help them stand strong against extreme weather events.
Finally, metal has a high thermal emittance rate, which means it sheds heat quickly to reduce the number of peak operating hours for a building’s HVAC systems. Coupled with cool-roof-rated PVDF finishes, metal roofing panels provide enhanced protection against solar heat gain. Likewise, PVDF offers protection against sun-induced fading for a roofing solution that can last up to three times longer than conventional systems.
Roofing professionals have used metal roofing panels to create weather-resilient structures across the country — delivering wildfire resilience in Colorado, withstanding heavy coastal rain in New Jersey and hurricane-level winds in Florida. Likewise, metal panels can also be employed across a building’s façade to further improve a project’s weather resilience.
Metal Wall Panels
How metal wall panels defend against extreme weather events differs from roofs. For example, in high wind situations, resistance to uplift is important for roofs, but withstanding pressure differences is more important for walls. Both ASTM E 330 and ASTM E 1592 standards can be used to test a wall system’s ability to withstand pressure caused by high winds. Metal wall panels are able to achieve these and other static pressure ratings to provide a high degree of wind resistance. When used in conjunction with metal roofing systems, metal wall panels contribute to a structure’s ability to protect occupants during severe wind events.
Because windstorms are often accompanied by rain and other types of precipitation, it is important for wall systems to guard against water penetration under both static and dynamic pressure conditions. Doing so not only keeps interiors dry but also reduces the risk of water-induced corrosion of structural and non-structural elements. Able to meet AAMA 501.1-17 and ASTM E331 standards, metal wall panels provide a substantial barrier to water intrusion under several pressure conditions. While this helps reduce the damage moisture can do to insulation, sheathing, structural members and electrical systems, it also supports the roofing system. When walls can withstand wind and rain, they reinforce areas where walls and roofs come together to enhance the overall protection provided by each.
With these performance capabilities, metal wall panels provide long-term durability in nearly any environment, ensuring both the integrity and appearance of a façade with minimal maintenance.
Weather Resistance, Aesthetic Appeal
Metal roofing and wall panels resist extreme weather in several profile types, orientations and color options. This helps project teams deliver a beautiful and unique exterior that maintains its appearance for decades. For example, while some roofing and wall systems should technically resist damage caused by long-term exposure to the sun, metal panels finished with PVDF coatings will retain their color for longer. This means visible signs of aging will be reduced as well as the associated costs for upkeep.
In addition to color, metal panel systems for both roofs and walls come in a variety of profiles. Different profile types alter the way that light interacts with the building’s facade, creating dynamic and dramatic shadows. From broad-width seams to snap-on battens, metal roofing panels can highlight several aspects parts of the building envelope, such as mansards and fascia, while effortlessly handling hips and valleys of complex roof shapes. Further, mechanically seamed panels allow more opportunities for curved applications with their ability to accommodate radii as small as 3 feet. Likewise, metal wall panels can incorporate several protruding profile seams to create sleek and modern facades. They are also available with flush seam joints for a smooth and uniform aesthetic.
Metal wall panels can be oriented vertically, horizontally or a combination of the two. When oriented vertically on a building’s facade, they draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of a much taller building. In a horizontal orientation, metal wall panels wrap a façade in symmetrical, clean lines. This minimalist approach to design can draw a visual connection between one building and adjacent ones. The two orientations can also be mixed to achieve unique design configurations that highlight specific features of a building and its location.
Long-Term Performance
Metal paneling can solve several challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. Whether installed on the roof, along the façade, or across all sides of a building, metal panels provide proven resistance to high wind, rain, fire, hail and more. And because these systems support nearly endless options for customization, they can accommodate a wide range of desired design aesthetics. Their versatility, in both looks and performance, makes them a long-term solution for most projects.
That said, it is important to consider, in addition to substrate and finish materials, the manufacturer of metal roofing and wall panels. Select manufacturers can offer several types of warranties to give peace of mind to both roofing professionals and end-users. When they have locations across the United States or a regional fabricator certification program, manufacturers can provide fast and efficient shipping. As a result, metal paneling from industry-leading manufacturers can offer a total building solution.
About the author: Brian McLaughlin is Director of Sales for Drexel Metals, A Carlisle Company. He is a graduate of Temple University and has been involved in the metal roofing industry for over 15 years. For more information, visit drexmet.com.
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