Oil Canning Acknowledgment: Understanding And Minimizing Oil Canning In Metal Roofing
What Is Oil Canning?
Oil canning refers to the visible waviness that can appear in the flat areas of metal roofing and siding panels.
This phenomenon — also known as elastic buckling or stress wrinkling — is primarily an aesthetic issue that can affect any metal roofing system, including steel, aluminum, zinc and copper panels.
Before the manufacturing process begins, it’s essential that everyone involved in a project understands what oil canning is and how it can affect the final appearance of metal roofing. The team at Berridge Manufacturing is here to explain its common causes and how to minimize this occurrence.
Factors Contributing To Oil Canning In Metal Roofing
Several factors can lead to oil canning, many of which are beyond the control of the panel manufacturer. These include:
- Misaligned substrates or framing — Panels installed on an uneven surface are more prone to oil canning.
- Thermal movement — Metal panels expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can cause deflection, leading to waviness.
- Overdriven fasteners — Fasteners applied with too much force can create tension in the panels, contributing to oil canning.
While oil canning is a natural characteristic of metal panels, there are ways to minimize its appearance through proper design and installation techniques.
How To Prevent Oil Canning: Best Practices
Although oil canning cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be minimized by addressing specific design and installation practices. Berridge Manufacturing Company offers several options to help reduce the likelihood of oil canning in metal roofing and siding panels. Our striated standing seam panels and textured wall panels are excellent solutions for projects where oil canning is a concern.
Striated Panels: A Practical Solution For Oil Canning
Striating panels involves roll-forming gentle “waves” into the panel surface, which helps to break up the flat areas and reduce the appearance of oil canning. This technique is particularly recommended for wide standing seam products or when the project design emphasizes a smooth finish.
For example, our Berridge Double-Lock Zee-Lock Panel with striations is an excellent choice to minimize the impact of oil canning.
The illustration below shows a cross-section of the Berridge Double-Lock Zee-Lock Panel with striations:
Why Is Oil Canning Common In Metal Roofing?
It’s important to recognize that oil canning is an inherent characteristic of metal roofing and siding, not a sign of a defective product. In fact, the industry commonly acknowledges that oil canning is part of the natural behavior of metal panels, and it is not a reason for panel rejection.
However, striations and other design features can significantly reduce its appearance, improving the overall aesthetic of the finished project.
Working Together To Address Oil Canning Concerns
Berridge Manufacturing Company is committed to delivering high-quality metal panels that meet the stringent specifications outlined in our product quality standards. However, if excessive oil canning is observed, please contact us immediately before starting the installation process.
This ensures that all parties — including the architect, contractor and manufacturer — can work together to review the root cause and address any potential concerns upfront.
Our goal is to minimize the potential for oil canning issues and to ensure a smooth, successful installation. For additional details on how to prevent oil canning in metal roofing, please contact your Berridge Manufacturing representative or visit our Oil Canning Position Paper.
