Standing seam metal roofs are a popular choice for their durability and sleek appearance. However, one issue that can occur with these roofs is oil canning, which is the visible waviness or buckling that can happen on the flat sections of the metal panels.

Oil canning can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper installation, manufacturing defects, or environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures or humidity. While it may not affect the functionality of the roof, oil canning can be unsightly and can detract from the aesthetic appeal of the standing seam metal roof.

Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent or minimize oil canning on standing seam metal roofs, however some of the addons can add significant cost to the bid. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Proper panel installation: One of the most important factors in preventing oil canning is proper installation of the metal panels. This includes ensuring that the panels are installed with the correct spacing and that the seams are properly secured. It is also important to use the correct panel size and thickness for the specific roofing application.
2. Choose high-quality materials: The quality of the metal panels can play a significant role in the likelihood of oil canning. It is important to choose high-quality materials from reputable manufacturers who have a track record of producing durable and reliable products.
3. Consider panel design: Certain panel designs may be more prone to oil canning than others. Panels with flat surfaces are more likely to show waviness than panels with ribbed or striation surface. Consider choosing a panel design that is less likely to show oil canning.
4. Limit panel Length: Longer panels are more likely to experience oil canning due to the increased weight and stress on the panel. The standard panels lengths range between 4" to 44'. Consider limiting panel length to reduce the likelihood of oil canning.
5. Panel Width: The standard panels are usually 16" width; however, they can be ordered in 12", 14", 16", and 18". We also encourage the seam widths so be as narrow as possible to reduce the possibility of oil canning, however many designers and architects prefer the wider widths which are more prone to get oil canning.
6. Panel Thickness: The thickness of the panels is measured with Gauge, the higher the number of Gauge, the thinner the metal is. The industry standard thickness is 26 Gauge and cheaper metal materials are 29 Gauge. It's easier to shape 26 and 29 Gauge since they're thinner and you can add striation and ribbed designer easier on them, however the warranty on 29 Gauge is normally about 20 years, and the warranty on 26 Gauge is 20-30 years. At Factor Roofing we install 24 Gauge metal roofs as our standard thickness choice. The warranty on 24 Gauge is 40-50 years depending on the coating and finishes. Some manufacturers also offer 22 Gauge, but it's totally made to order and often more expensive.
7. Use appropriate fasteners: The type and placement of fasteners can impact the appearance of the roof and the potential for oil canning. Choose fasteners that are appropriate for the specific panel and roof design and ensure that they are properly spaced and installed. For standing seam metal roofs we use a concealed type of fastener.
8. Sealant: Some manufacturers offer factory injected/applied sealant on some panels. This is optional and you can ask the manufacturer to apply sealant on the panels for an extra layer of protection for weather resistance. This option depends on the seam system, width, and length of the panels and you need to discuss the details with the manufacturer. For roofs that are 2:12 and less slope, factory injected sealant is a requirement.
9. Maintain proper roof ventilation: Proper ventilation can help prevent extreme temperature changes that can contribute to oil canning. Make sure the roof has adequate ventilation to allow air to circulate and regulate temperature. Commonly, roofing companies install dormer vents and we have installed dormer vents on previous standing seam metal roofs too; however, we started switching to a new ridge vent system that hides the vent underneath the ridges. Some houses don't have enough ridges so we either add soffit vents underneath the over-hang roof eave or add some dormer vents on the roof in addition to the Snap-Z ridge ventilation system.
10. Roof insulation: You should consider adding an insulation foam board to be installed on top of your roof deck plywood if you don't have an attic. Insulation can add a significant cost to your bid; however, it'll help with reducing heat transfer and longevity of the roof as well as reducing the possibility of oil canning. If you live in a city that the temperature difference of day and night is significant compared to other places, or it's super humid, you should consider adding an insulation regardless of if you have an attic or not.

Feel free to give us a call or send us an email to schedule a consultation for your standing seam metal roof project. In conclusion, standing seam metal roofs can provide a beautiful and durable roofing solution. However, oil canning can detract from their aesthetic appeal. By following proper installation procedures, choosing high-quality materials, considering panel design, limiting panel length, using appropriate fasteners, and maintaining proper ventilation, you can minimize the likelihood of oil canning and ensure your standing seam metal roof looks its best for years to come. Get a free virtual quote for your roof replacement project or if it is new construction, send us your plans and scope of work and we will get back to you within 48hours.