Choosing the right roofing materials is essential for homeowners. Doing so can go a long way toward improving energy efficiency, indoor comfort and air quality, and appearance among other crucial factors. If properly installed and maintained, a roof can even extend the longevity of the entire house.

When it comes to metal roofs, purchasing a high-quality product and having it installed by knowledgeable and experienced roofing contractors is the key to making the most of such an investment. While metal roofing has certainly established its place in construction and home improvement, it can pose certain problems. One of the most notorious is oil canning.

Taking a Closer Look at Metal Roofing

Numerous roofing materials are on the market these days. They range from various types of wood shingles to clay and concrete tiles and beyond. Everyone has their own preferences in this regard. That being said, metal roofing is quickly rising through the ranks. Based on recent reports from the construction industry, metal roofs are now the nation’s second-most popular option, topped only by asphalt shingles.

Metal Roofing Advantages

Metal roofing offers a long list of benefits for homeowners. For one, it’s among the most versatile materials on the market. It comes in a variety of colors and styles. Versions are even available that mimic the appearance of clay tiles and asphalt and wood shingles.

At the same time, metal roofing is extremely energy efficient due to its reflectiveness and can generate significant savings over time. Depending on the type of metal, it can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, too. Durability comes into play here as well. Metal roofing is resistant to the elements, falling limbs, and other hazards.

Exploring the Problem of Oil Canning

All those factors make metal roofing one of the most cost-effective solutions available. Still, it comes with a few disadvantages. One of those is the issue of oil canning. This may sound like a disturbing problem, but it’s actually far less alarming than it may seem.

What Is Oil Canning?

Oil canning is basically a wavy or rippled effect that occurs in sheet metal. Instead of appearing perfectly flat and smooth, the metal will look a bit crinkled or otherwise distorted. It may look worse depending on the way the light hits the roof or the angle at which it’s being viewed. Different types of paint or other finishes can make oil canning more or less noticeable as well.

Most flat metal surfaces exhibit oil canning to an extent. That’s especially true of rolled metal products. While oil canning may detract from the appearance of the roof, it’s nothing more than an aesthetic issue. It doesn’t affect the performance or longevity of the roof. It doesn’t necessarily reflect the skill or experience of the roofing team that installed it, either.

What Causes Oil Canning?

Several factors can cause oil canning. It’s largely a product of the metal-rolling process. Metal roof fabrication entails extreme amounts of pressure. High levels of stress and uneven pressure distribution are often culprits. Additionally, if metal roofing isn’t stored or handled appropriately prior to installation, oil canning can happen. Those issues enter the mix long before installation, but other situations can lead to oil canning as well.

Installation Shortcomings

As alluded to earlier, oil canning doesn’t always mean metal roofing wasn’t installed properly. However, it can be the result of incorrect installation or a lack of experience with metal roofs. Installing a metal roof requires knowledge and precision. It’s an exacting process. Even something as seemingly minor as using too much pressure when putting fasteners into place can cause oil canning or make it worse.

Furthermore, the roof deck and underlayment must be installed correctly and kept in good condition to reduce the effects of oil canning. If either of those components is uneven, damaged, or otherwise imperfect, oil canning can become an issue. It’s important to inspect the roof components that are already in place before installing metal roofing to reduce the likelihood of oil canning.

Temperature Fluctuations

Roofs are exposed to serious hazards as they safeguard homes against the elements. Those include snow and ice as well as extreme temperature fluctuations. Metal is known to expand and contract under those conditions. It’s unavoidable.

Over time, though, expansion and contraction can distort metal roofing. That’s particularly the case if the panels are affixed too tightly or with the wrong fasteners. Not having the right support system in place for metal roofing can also enhance the problem. Again, turning to a highly experienced contractor can help to ease this issue.

Reaping the Full Benefits of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has been gaining popularity for quite some time. Because of its versatility, longevity, and other strong suits, it’s one of the most sought-after options on the market. Despite its many benefits, oil canning can be a bit off-putting for many homeowners.

Oil canning is purely a cosmetic problem; it doesn’t affect the functionality of a roof in any way. Choosing heavy gauge metal is one way to reduce the potential for oil canning. Hiring an expert roofing team with extensive metal roofing experience will further lessen the risk of unsightly oil canning developing over time.