The Metal Construction Association
(MCA) prides itself on being at the forefront of technical issues and topics concerning metal roofs and walls
MCA regularly revises and releases subject and issue-based technical bulletins for the industry. These expert committee-approved resources are available free of charge in the Education section of the MCA website, www.metalconstruction. org. Look for additional contributions throughout the year.
The association is also committed to highlighting building projects that use our member companies’ materials through the development of case study references. We currently have dozens available on the website, and we add more each month. MCA’s new mobile-adaptable website also features regularly-updated content, including a photo gallery, an industry blog and a growing education section.
Here is a snapshot of two newer publications. Please consult the website for further information.
Oil Canning Bulletin
Bulletins such as “Oil Canning” are excellent tools for the industry. MCA’s intent is to provide contractors with the information to ensure proper installation and performance of metal roofing and wall products. MCA is committed to showcasing and supporting metal products and all its attributes, and also improving the overall quality of the installed product.
Generally the period and amplitude of the wave will become more pronounced as the panel width increases and/or the panel thickness decreases. Conditions such as the time of year, the viewing angle, and the angle at which sunlight strikes the panel may also have an impact on the ability to discern oil canning.
 |
 |
| Oil canning can be defined as visible waviness in the flat areas of metal roofing and metal wall panels. It can occur in any type of metal panels: steel, aluminum, zinc or copper. The only difference between these images is an hour in time and the changing angle of the sun. | |
Certain designers regard oil canning as inherent to the material and treat it as a desired effect, accentuating the material’s natural characteristic, while others do not. Coil producers and panel manufacturers generally attempt to minimize unintentional non-flat conditions. While a number of factors are involved in panel design, there are steps-outlined in this bulletin-that the project designer, panel manufacturer, panel fabricator and installer can take to reduce the probability, severity and visual impact of oil canning.
With careful attention to a number of factors, the tendency for oil canning can be minimized.
Central Arizona College Maricopa Campus Case Study
MCA’s Case Study section on its website holds a wealth of project information on specific building designs and approaches that utilize metal roofs and walls in both common and unique applications. MCA member companies are typically highlighted in these concise project descriptions, specifically geared for architects and designers to learn the unique benefits of using metal in their projects.
Our newest case study features Central Arizona College and describes the “exquisite sheds” that were used in the design of this 2013 Chairman’s Award recipient for Overall Excellence. This project proves that “metal’s potential extends beyond durability, with its low-maintenance qualities and design flexibility that uniquely blends with the artistry and cultural identity of the area.” Excerpt: Located on the outskirts of Maricopa, Ariz., and planned for significant growth in the next 20 years, CAC’s new campus is “conceptually rooted in its historic agricultural roots and Native American legacy,” according to the architect. “Structures are conceived as a series of honest, spare, and no-maintenance ‘academic sheds,'” he states.
Naturally oxidizing Corten siding panels and metal standing seam roof panels painted a faux-rust hue were used to achieve the agrarian vision. The choice to use two types of metal in this project provides two different solutions that give the college a roofing-siding system that works together and yet performs very differently. The use of metal panels was one among many of this project’s sustainable elements, several of which are outlined in the study.
Look to the Metal Construction Association and its website as an ideal source for expert information. For more than 30 years the association has worked to move metal in construction forward- advancing the industry’s interests in technical, code, market development and education. We are committed to producing tangible resources that support industry advancement.
——————————–
Jeff Henry is chief strategic officer of the Metal Construction Association. Henry has been engaged with MCA since May 2012 and has more than 25 years of experience in association management.
