40×60 Steel Building with 26G PBR Metal Panel Design in Dripping Springs, TX
When it comes to building with metal, whether for commercial or residential purposes, builders often encounter oil canning as a common issue. Oil canning is a term that refers to a specific type of visual distortion that creates a wavy or “oil-canned” appearance on the surface of metal panels. While this can often be an aesthetic issue, it may also raise concerns about the metal’s strength and durability, especially if it’s severe.
The severity of oil canning on metal panels will depend on so many factors including but limited to the following:
- Colors
- Finish of Paint
- Time of Day
- Angle the panel is viewed from
Understanding oil canning in metal buildings is important for both builders and property owners to ensure the longevity, aesthetic appeal, and structural integrity of the Texas metal building.
Today, we’ll dig deeper into what oil canning is, why it happens and how you can address it to maintain the integrity and visual appeal of your metal building.
Causes of Oil Canning on Steel Buildings
Oil canning is not always caused by a single factor but often results from a combination of issues. Here are the top reasons in the metal building industry.
1. Stresses during the production process
The supplier of materials has greater control over oil canning than the builder. Oil canning can develop during the initial stages of coil production, roll forming, and slitting of panels.
2. Color selection and Finish Type
Dark colors are attractive but they show effects of waviness more than lighter colors. In the metal building industry, the standard finish on paint is semi-gloss which has a slightly glossy sheen that has a reflective aesthetic. Semi-gloss also tends to show effects of oil canning more than low gloss finish paint.
3. Stresses by structure misalignment and fasteners
In construction, builders face challenges in making everything perfectly level and plumb. For that reason, any slight misalignment puts stress on the panels which creates opportunity for oil canning.
Another factor is the installation of fasteners. Over-driving and angle driving fasteners can create unnecessary stress that leads to oil canning.
Is Oil Canning a Problem?
While oil canning doesn’t usually affect the structural integrity of the building, it can impact the aesthetic of your metal building. This can be a concern if you’re aiming for a perfectly smooth finish look of your steel building.
How to Address Oil Canning in Metal Buildings?
Like concrete will crack, sheet metal will have oil canning. However, there are tricks and methods to minimize oil canning.
1. Choose a Thicker Sheet of Metal
Thicker panels are less likely to flex and distort, making them less prone to oil canning.
29g is thinner material and therefore you can see the oil canning more than the 26g material. Especially in tubular buildings where this is the standard orientation of the panels run horizontally on sides, oil canning can be more prone to oil canning. This happens because the panels usually run the full length of the building which creates a big opportunity for stress on the panels. If you run panels vertically, you can minimize the oil canning on 29g. Vertical orientation is an upgrade available.
26g panels are heavier and therefore it is harder for the metal to give in and move.
Let’s not forget trims. Trims which are the cornerstone of a metal building and most visual part of any building, are affected by the gauge. The heavier the trim the less oil canning that can become visible.
2. Proper Fastening Techniques
Ensuring panels are installed correctly with proper fastener spacing is one of the most effective ways to reduce oil canning. Panels should be fastened with the right amount of pressure, ensuring they are snug but not overly tight.
What does WolfSteel think?
If you will be installing on an OSB or Plywood, then 29g is good. If you will be installing over framing members then 26g is our recommended option for aesthetics.
When you select a 26g roof and wall upgrade, you are not only getting panels upgraded but all trims as well. This is what differentiates our 26g upgrade with competitors.
You cannot get trims upgraded when only selecting 26g Roof Upgrade because the wall colors might not fully match if trims are the same color.
Choosing the right colors and hiring an experienced builder can minimize the occurrence of oil canning on your Texas metal building. A skilled builder will ensure proper installation techniques, and the right color can reduce the visual impact of any imperfections.
Overall, don’t let oil canning catch you off guard. By taking the right steps to prevent it, you can be sure that your Texas metal building not only meets your practical needs but also delivers a visually appealing, lasting investment.