Metal Roof Thermal Expansion

These thermal expansion values are meant to provide a general idea of how much various materials expand and contract due to temperature change and should not be used if precise values are needed for critical engineering calculations.

Metal roof thermal expansion.

The roofing membrane materials listed below will typically develop smaller clte s as they age. Metal roof systems can be the least forgiving of all roof sys tems if provisions for expansion and contraction are neglected. Even a cooling breeze a cloud passing overhead or sudden rain shower can cause roof systems to contract. Expansion and contraction factors often are overlooked or regarded as insignifi cant in metal roof system design and construction.

The rate of thermal movement varies by the type of metal installed and temperature of the base metal. In the long run a properly designed weather tight roof will cost less than an improperly designed leaky low cost roof. Metal is a rigid material and as with all rigid materials metal expands and contracts when temperatures change. It is true that metal roofs will expand and contract.

Thermal expansion contraction is responsible for most roof leaks. This is because metal roofs tend to heat up when the sun rises each morning. 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.

If you don t take this into account premature roof failure could occur. A number of myths often circulate about metal roofs. One of the most common questions that many people often have about metal roofs is whether or not they will expand and contract. Designing metal roofs for thermal movement.