Have you ever seen a metal roof that looks dimpled, wrinkled, and warped? If so, then you have seen one of the biggest concerns in metal roofing, known as oil canning. Oil canning is an inherent quality of light-gauge, flat metal products, and makes broad areas of panels look wavy and distorted. This phenomenon can occur in any type of metal material used in construction,
and is a common concern in the metal roofing industry. Common causes of oil canning include:
- Stresses during the production process
- Stresses during rollforming and slitting
- Incorrect fastener installation
- Color and gloss
- Improper usage, handling, and storage
- Misalignment of panels
In order to minimize oil canning development in your metal roofing project, consider using a thicker metal material, using a striated panel to break up large surface areas, and choose a low-gloss or matte finish to reduce reflectivity.