Heard the term “oil canning” but don’t know quite what it means? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
The focus of this article will be defining what oil canning on metal roofs is, the causes of it, whether it’s a big problem and when to contact Manchester Roofing for assistance from professionals.
Oil Canning: What is It?
Let’s start at the beginning with a definition. Oil canning is basically the wavy “kinks” that appear in flat materials used in roofing. It can look like a ripple in certain lighting, or puckering that takes away from the overall look of your metal roofing.
Is it a Big Problem
Oil canning may not look the best, but it’s not a huge problem in terms of the integrity of your roofing. It doesn’t mean you need to repair it, and won’t cause any structural issues if left untreated. It is purely a cosmetic issue.
What Causes Oil Canning?
Oil canning is something that occurs in almost every type of metal, and it’s often difficult to identify the exact cause. This is because it can be the result of a number of different things including:
Production Issues
Extra stress on the materials during production can result in oil canning.
Uneven Roof Decking
If the area on which you install the roof (known as roof decking) is uneven and not consistent, it may cause oil canning. The best way to avoid this is to install your roof on an even roof deck.
Poor Installation
When your roof has been improperly installed, it may make the oil canning more obvious.
Thermal Expansion & Contraction
If your roofing panels have been installed too close together, there will be no room for thermal expansion/contraction. This makes the imperfections of oil canning stand out more.
Improper Handling
Roofing materials should always be stored perpendicular, with nothing on top of them that may cause stress. If these materials are not stored or handled correctly, oil canning will be more obvious.
Can You Fix Oil Canning?
Unfortunately, it’s tricky to fix oil canning without a complete reinstall. It is something we as professional installers and manufacturers of quality roofing materials try to avoid as much as we can. And often we pick up on its presence before or during the installation process to ensure you get the best possible result.
In some cases, the effects of oil canning in metal roofing reduce over time, so is often something you can get used to. So while you can’t avoid it completely, you can minimise it a little.
Here are some suggestions we have to do that:
Choose a Thicker Material
Oil canning becomes a problem when the material is flat and thin. While it may still be present in thicker options, it may not be as noticeable.
Opt for a Lighter Colour or Matte
Darker colours make oil canning more obvious. When you opt for a lighter colour, or even something that is not as high-gloss and shiny, the oil canning tends to blend in a little more.
Install on a Levelled, Consistent Surface
One of the best ways to minimise the appearance of oil canning is to ensure the roof decking you install your material on is not uneven and is consistent.
When to Contact Manchester Roofing for Assistance
If you want the best quality roofing materials for your new roof, the best thing to do is work with an experienced roofing company. At Manchester Roofing, we do our very best to minimise the presence of oil canning and only invest in the best quality materials for all our customers.
To arrange for the installation of a new roof you know you can rely on, contact our experts today.
