Metal Roof Thermal Expansion

The rate of thermal movement varies by the type of metal installed and temperature of the base metal.

Metal roof thermal expansion.

The roofing membrane materials listed below will typically develop smaller clte s as they age. 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. One of the most common questions that many people often have about metal roofs is whether or not they will expand and contract. Even a cooling breeze a cloud passing overhead or sudden rain shower can cause roof systems to contract.

When precision is necessary always refer to the data sheets of the actual specific product you intend to use. Also the surface temperature of metal roofing materials can range from 25 degrees fahrenheit cooler than ambi. A number of myths often circulate about metal roofs. 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.

Metal roof systems can be the least forgiving of all roof sys tems if provisions for expansion and contraction are neglected. Designing metal roofs for thermal movement. Expansion and contraction factors often are overlooked or regarded as insignifi cant in metal roof system design and construction. If you don t take this into account premature roof failure could occur.

This is because metal roofs tend to heat up when the sun rises each morning. Metal roof thermal expansion. Metal is a rigid material and as with all rigid materials metal expands and contracts when temperatures change. In the long run a properly designed weather tight roof will cost less than an improperly designed leaky low cost roof.