When buying a metal roof, one term you might hear is oil canning—a visual phenomenon where a metal panel appears wavy or distorted. While it does not affect the structural integrity of your roof, it can be an aesthetic concern for some homeowners and builders.
Several factors can influence the appearance of oil canning, including panel color, finish, viewing angle, and even the time of day or year.
What Causes Oil Canning?
Oil canning can result from a variety of factors, including:
- Roll forming stresses due to improperly adjusted or worn machinery
- Incorrect fastener installation or uneven fastening points
- Mishandling panels—metal should never be carried flat or lifted from a single corner
- Improper panel dimensions during installation
- Incorrect clip tension—too tight or too loose
- Overdriven fasteners
- Uneven substrates or improper underlayment
Oil canning is most noticeable on higher-slope and high-visibility projects, but there are ways to minimize its effects.
How to Reduce Oil Canning
The Importance of Professional Installation
A properly trained installation crew plays a major role in reducing oil canning. Experienced crews understand how to handle metal panels correctly, plan layout carefully, and avoid inducing stress that can lead to waviness.
At Ramco Metal Roofing, we take quality seriously. Our trained technicians ensure that our roll-forming equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operating at peak performance before production begins. By combining superior manufacturing with proper installation techniques, we help you achieve a metal roof that is both durable and visually appealing.
Ramco: Your Trusted Metal Roofing Manufacturer
At Ramco Metal Roofing, we manufacture metal roofing, metal siding, custom trim, and flashings right here in Northern Indiana. With short 24-hour lead times and quick jobsite delivery, we provide high-quality, reliable solutions to keep your projects on schedule.