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Roof Seaming Best Practices Guide
The purpose of this guide is to familiarize personnel with the general knowledge, basic operation, safety, and maintenance procedures followed by standard troubleshooting suggestions for standard roof seaming processes. This is a general guide to be used in conjunction with the material installation guide and the project's erection drawings.
A “clip” is traditionally installed on the male side of the roof panel, secured to the substrate, and covered by the corresponding female side of the next panel
Sealants help provide an additional layer of protection within the seam against external elements. Some seam types do not require sealants to be added while others require sealants to be added in the field, or added in the factory during manufacturing. Regardless, sealants can play a vital role in the life of the roof and its performance. Sealants can come in the form of tape or in a liquid state applied from a tube. In either case, confirm with the supplier that the sealant is properly intended for metal roofing.
Sealant Tape: Several sizes of sealant tapes are available, commonly having butyl rubber content. It is important to select the correct types of tape to dimensionally match the seam involved. Depending on installation recommendations, multiple layers may be applied at clip locations or end lap conditions. Ensure that the tape is non-curing and non-skinning with a high percentage of solids. This type of sealant should be pliable with a high degree of tack and elongation.
Tube Sealant: Many variations exist for this style of sealant. It is important to adhere to specifications for the size of bead applied with this sealant. Using more than recommended can create a hydraulic effect that will cause the finished seam to appear wavy or “blow out” at clip locations.
