Metal Roof Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion contraction is responsible for most roof leaks.

Metal roof thermal expansion.

One of the most common questions that many people often have about metal roofs is whether or not they will expand and contract. Expansion and contraction factors often are overlooked or regarded as insignifi cant in metal roof system design and construction. In the long run a properly designed weather tight roof will cost less than an improperly designed leaky low cost roof. When precision is necessary always refer to the data sheets of the actual specific product you intend to use.

If you don t take this into account premature roof failure could occur. Also the surface temperature of metal roofing materials can range from 25 degrees fahrenheit cooler than ambi. Metal is a rigid material and as with all rigid materials metal expands and contracts when temperatures change. I had a standing seam metal roof installed on my thermal expansion 1 10 2005 within the noise discussion of the residential metal roofing forum.

Designing metal roofs for thermal movement. The rate of thermal movement varies by the type of metal installed and temperature of the base metal. Even a cooling breeze a cloud passing overhead or sudden rain shower can cause roof systems to contract. It is true that metal roofs will expand and contract.

A number of myths often circulate about metal roofs. Metal roof thermal expansion. This is because metal roofs tend to heat up when the sun rises each morning. It is important to note ambient air temperature will differ from the temperature of the metal and direct solar radia tion plays a major role in this process.