Standing seam cladding sits at the crossroads of beauty and endurance. It looks sleek, performs well, and lasts decades. Yet even the most impressive material can fail if the details go wrong. Many projects suffer because the specification phase gets rushed. Inaccurate calls in this stage can create a cascade of costly issues.
So, let us walk through the major mistakes to avoid.
Ignoring the Climate Factor
Every region challenges building materials differently.
Harsh winters create expansion and contraction cycles. Tropical storms bring high winds and intense rainfall. Dry heat can bake coatings until they fade or blister. A specification that overlooks these conditions sets up the cladding for early distress.
So, research local weather extremes before you settle on a gauge or coating. For coastal projects, resist the temptation to choose budget-grade finishes. Salt-laden air will feast on unprotected metal. For snow-heavy areas, choose a panel profile that allows snow to shed quickly. For high-wind zones, consider fastener spacing with surgical precision.
Choosing the Wrong Panel Profile
Standing seam panels come in many forms.
- Snap-lock profiles save time but suit gentle weather only.
- Mechanical lock profiles offer watertight performance but demand skilled installation.
- Striations reduce oil canning but alter the look.
- Flat panels deliver sharp modern lines but need flawless substrates.
Specifying without studying these options is a recipe for regret. Architects and builders sometimes default to the profile they last used. That shortcut often backfires. Panel geometry affects drainage, wind resistance, and visual texture. The wrong choice can make the building look awkward or leave it vulnerable to leaks.
Skimping on Gauge Thickness
A thin gauge may look fine on paper. The budget may even breathe a sigh of relief. Yet that saving often becomes a future expense. Thin panels dent with minor impacts. They can ripple in hot sun and can drum in strong winds.
Thicker gauges resist deformation and deliver a solid feel. They can bear more abuse from ladders, hail, or falling branches. They also resist the visual warping that plagues thinner metals.
Do not let cost trimming dictate gauge choice. The difference in performance and lifespan can be dramatic. Clients may never forgive a roof or facade that ripples like a tin toy.
Overlooking Substrate Preparation
Metal cladding reflects every imperfection in the surface beneath it. A lumpy substrate makes the panels look warped. Gaps in the sheathing invite moisture penetration. Uneven framing throws alignment out of order.
Some assume the cladding will hide substrate flaws, but it will not. The crisp linearity of standing seam highlights any misalignment. Worse, panels installed over an uneven base can strain and deform over time.
So, before the first panel arrives, inspect the substrate with a critical eye. Level surfaces, correct defects, and replace damaged sheathing. Metal may forgive many things, but an unprepared base is not one of them.
Neglecting Expansion and Contraction
Metal moves with temperature.
A 12-metre panel can expand or contract several millimetres in a single day. This movement can pull at fasteners, stress seams, and cause buckling.
Some designers overlook thermal movement entirely, and others underestimate it. Both paths lead to problems. So, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on panel length limits. Use sliding clips where required and provide room for movement at terminations.
A panel that can breathe will last longer and perform better.
Underestimating Oil Canning
Oil canning refers to the visible waviness that can appear on flat metal surfaces. It is not a structural flaw, yet it can tarnish the visual impact of a building. Clients expecting perfection will call it a defect.
Certain conditions make oil canning more likely.
- Large, flat panels.
- Thin gauges.
- Dark colours.
- Improper fastening
If the specification ignores these risks, the final appearance may disappoint.
Use striations or pencil ribs to reduce the effect. Choose thicker gauges where possible. Keep fastening tension consistent. Oil canning may be inevitable in some cases, but you can keep it subtle.
Disregarding Manufacturer Guidelines
Every manufacturer tailors panels with specific joint designs, coatings, and accessories. Ignoring these instructions risks voiding warranties. It can also lead to technical incompatibilities that shorten the cladding’s life.
So, it’s important to read the technical manual before finalising specifications. Confirm accessory compatibility. Check that installers follow the manufacturer’s sequence. These steps may sound tedious, but they protect the investment.
Forgetting About Maintenance Access
Standing seam cladding is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Panels still need cleaning, inspection, and occasional repairs. Neglecting maintenance access can turn minor tasks into costly exercises.
If the cladding extends high above ground, plan for safe access. If it wraps tight corners, ensure service tools can reach them. If solar panels share the roof, leave room to move around them.
A building that is difficult to service will eventually get neglected. Maintenance-friendly design extends the life of the cladding and keeps warranties valid.
Overcomplicating the Colour Palette
Standing seam cladding can take on nearly any colour. Powder coating, PVDF, and anodising offer a rich menu of finishes. This abundance tempts some designers to use multiple shades and effects. The result can be chaotic.
Too many colours break the visual rhythm of the seams. They can also age differently, creating uneven fading. When in doubt, stick to one or two harmonious tones. Let the form and texture of the cladding carry the design.
Not Consulting Specialists Early
Architects and contractors often wait until late in the process to involve a cladding specialist. By then, design constraints may block the best solutions.
Bring a specialist into the project from the start. Their expertise can flag issues with panel length, joint design, or substrate preparation. Early input saves time, reduces errors, and creates smoother installations.
Conclusion
Standing seam cladding rewards careful planning. Each mistake in the specification phase carries a price. So, treat it with forethought, and it will serve beautifully for decades. For more help in regards to it, you can connect with Claddco experts. You will be glad to have their opinion on the matter.
