b'ARCHITECTURAL SHEET METALtape sealants to tube caulks and outside closurethe mechanical seaming of a batten cap.placement and installation, the weather integrity of theThe risk of installer error and seaming machine issues roof system relies upon following the manufacturersare significantly reduced with T-Style panels. And in instructions. rare cases when issues occur, T-Style panels allow While it may not be the end of the world to havefor the easy replacement of single panels in the field extra parts left over after assembling some things,of the roof. Their non-symmetrical counterparts cant a standing seam metal roof isnt one of them. Forboast the same.example, many systems require structural plates atRegardlessoftheselectedpanelstyle,most the eave and ridge. Since they arent visible aftermanufacturers offer in-seam sealant, which is a critical installation, some contractors find it tempting to skipelement in creating a watertight seam.their use.However, these parts reduce pressure from the crew member standing on the panel during installation.Without these parts, panel deformation and ponding water can occur.Monitor Module Width. Based on the design, standing seam panels can grow or shrink during installation. Yet to function correctly, the finished install width must be correct.When panels are allowed to grow, it can be tricky (if not impossible) to get them properly sealed and seamed at the low and high sides of a roof, as shown in the photo below.Respect Panel Style SpecificsIn order to achieve a watertight seam, its essentialSeaming Machine Issuesto recognize the differences between standing seam styles. While not every style of standing seam panel requires Snap Style Panels: As the name implies, panels thata mechanical seaming machine, many of the systems snap together typically have a male/female leg thatused on lower slopes (think 2:12 and below) require snaps together during installation. Installers often usemechanical seaming. While seaming machines preform a rubber mallet on the vertical leg to ensure the panela critical function, its important to respect the basics is fully engaged. Its important to note that this family ofbelow:panels should be engaged (or snapped) continuouslyEnsure Seamer Maintenance. A seaming machine from the eave up to the ridge. Skipping the middleis a mini roll former and does tremendous work to portion of the panel and planning to come back tofold the vertical standing seam panel legs together it later frequently causes panel engagement issues. correctly. As a result, proper maintenance is critical. Mechanically Seamed Non-Symmetrical HookedMost manufacturers send seamers out for maintenance Panels. This panel style offers a male/female leg thatand repair between uses; however, if you decide hooks (or rolls into place) with the preceding panelto purchase a seaming machine, just realize that during installation.The hook leg must be fully andresponsibility falls to you. While maintenance might feel consistently engaged during panel installation. like a waste of time, seaming machine difficulties can Seaming machine issues will likely occur if the hookwreak havoc on a perfectly well-installed metal roof.leg isnt engaged. Also, due to the panel design, theseRealize Seamers Arent Universal. We mentioned panels typically require left-to-right or right-to-leftearlier that seaming machines are mini roll formers. installation. As a result, specially designed roll forming wheels fit MechanicallySeamedSymmetricalT-Stylethe male/female legs at specific points as they roll Panels. Since T-Style panels are symmetrical, panelthe seam. Its essential to recognize that seamers installation isnt limited to a left-to-right format. Instead,are unique to each panel profile and typically cannot installers can start anywhere on the roof, skip overbe interchanged.sections and even come back to them later. This panelInspect Before Seaming. Before starting the seaming style also simply pushes together and attaches throughoperation, clearing any dirt, debris, or excess sealant www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 21'