Instant Roof Quote
× South MS: (601) 520-3183
North MS: (662) 636-7663
North AL: (256) 692-5527
Meridian, MS: (601) 841-3218
Do You Need To File An Insurance Claim
South MS: (601) 520-3183
North MS: (662) 636-7663
North AL: (256) 692-5527
Meridian, MS: (601) 841-3218
Do You Need To File An Insurance Claim
Posted on April 9, 2025
Metal roofs are a great choice for homeowners who want a sturdy roofing system that gives their home a modern look. But just like any other roofing material, a metal roof also has some less attractive features, with one common concern being oil canning. If you’ve ever seen a sleek, modern metal roof, you may have also noticed some subtle waves or ripples on its surface, which is known as oil canning. While it might appear to be a major flaw, it’s important to understand that oil canning is just an aesthetic issue, not a structural one.
To better understand this metal roof phenomenon, let’s get into this blog post and explore oil canning on a metal roof
A noticeable waviness in the flat sections of metal roofing panels is called oil canning, sometimes referred to as stress wrinkling or wave distortion. Oil canning gives the appearance of shallow ripples that change depending on the angle of the light. Given their flat surfaces and fastening methods, standing seam roofs are more likely to have this problem than ribbed panels.
Stresses during production and installation, uneven substrates, overtightened fasteners, and thermal expansion can all cause this metal roofing issue. Although it has nothing to do with oil, the term is derived from the fact that it resembles the slightly dented surface of an old metal oil can. It can change the roof’s appearance, particularly in high-visibility regions, although it has no effect on the roof’s strength or functionality.
Oil canning can be reduced by using appropriate installation methods, handling materials with care, and using thicker or textured panels.
Now that you have an idea of what oil canning is, let’s go over the different factors that can cause oil canning on a metal roof:
Metal expands in heat and contracts in cooler temperatures. If panels are fastened too tightly or lack space to move, stress builds up, leading to visible waviness or oil canning.
Fasteners that are too tight or installed at the wrong angle create unnecessary tension, preventing the metal from flexing naturally and causing distortions over time, contributing to oil canning issues.
Without proper spacing during installation, metal panels cannot expand and contract freely. This restriction creates stress points, leading to visible distortions such as oil canning as the material adjusts to temperature changes.
A roof deck with dips or bumps creates pressure points, forcing metal panels to conform to an inconsistent surface, which can result in metal roof oil canning.
An uneven underlayment beneath the metal panels can create irregularities, affecting how the panels sit and leading to visible distortions, contributing to oil canning.
As a building settles or shifts, it can misalign the roof deck and fastening points, introducing stress that eventually causes oil canning.
If metal panels are produced with roll-forming issues, such as poor calibration or worn-out equipment, uneven stress is introduced. This makes the panels more prone to waviness, resulting in oil canning on the metal roof.
Carrying panels incorrectly, such as lifting them by one corner or laying them flat, can cause slight bends in the material that later appear as oil canning.
Darker metal panels are more prone to showing oil canning due to their higher reflectivity, making any waviness more noticeable under different lighting conditions. Lighter colors, being less reflective, tend to mask these imperfections better.
It is important to understand that oil canning on a metal roof is often inevitable. But with the right tips and tricks, there are ways you can prevent it.
Opting for thicker metal panels, like 24 gauge or lower, is a wise choice as they are less prone to bending and distortion compared to thinner gauges (26 or 29 gauge). High-quality materials are more durable and resistant to stress, which helps minimize the risk of oil canning.
Light-colored panels with low-gloss finishes help to reduce the visibility of waviness caused by oil canning. Darker, shinier finishes tend to highlight these distortions, while lighter tones may provide better aesthetics.
Incorporating stiffening features like ribs, striations, or bead designs adds structural support to the metal panels, reducing stress buckling and minimizing oil canning. These features also enhance the architectural appeal of the roof, making it more visually appealing while preventing distortion from oil canning.
It’s crucial to hire experienced contractors who follow proper installation practices. Aligning the panels correctly and avoiding over-tightening fasteners are key steps that help prevent unnecessary pressure on the metal, which can lead to oil canning.
Tension-leveled metal undergoes pre-stretching during the manufacturing process, which helps prevent it from reverting to its original shape when subjected to thermal expansion and contraction. This reduces the likelihood of waviness developing over time, preventing oil canning roof issues.
Adding foam backer rods along the center of each panel creates a crown effect that pushes ripples toward the edges. This simple step helps make oil canning less noticeable and improves the overall visual uniformity of the roof.
Opting for panel profiles that naturally conceal oil canning, such as corrugated or striated designs, can help reduce visible distortions. Flat panels are more prone to visible waviness, so selecting a textured design can minimize this issue.
To prevent stress points that may exacerbate oil canning later on, ensure that metal panels are stored in a dry place and handled with care during transportation and installation. Mishandling can introduce damage that worsens the problem over time.
Ventilation beneath the metal roof helps regulate temperature fluctuations, minimizing thermal stress on the panels. Insulation inside the building also stabilizes temperature levels, further reducing the risk of distortion and oil canning roof issues.
Precision and experience are crucial when it comes to metal roofing. That is why homeowners trust B & A Roofing and Gutters for high-quality metal roofing services. By using premium materials and industry-best techniques, our skilled team reduces the chances of metal roof issues, even oil canning, and guarantees your metal roof will continue to function flawlessly for many years to come. For expert metal roofing services, give us a call at (601) 520-3183 today!
Although oil canning doesn’t always mean roof damage, it may indicate problems with the installation or the standard of the materials used. Oil canning does not impact the roof’s strength, but it could signal the installation wasn’t done correctly. If you are concerned about how oil canning may affect the longevity or performance of your roof, monitor the condition and consult a roofing specialist.
If oil canning has appeared on your metal roof, the options for addressing it are somewhat limited. Since it’s primarily a cosmetic issue, completely eliminating it can be challenging without replacing the affected panels. While minor adjustments may improve the appearance, more extensive cases might require panel replacement for a more lasting solution.
Yes, oil canning is more common in certain climates. Areas with major temperature changes and high humidity are more likely to see this issue. In hot climates, metal expands with the heat, causing visible distortions, while in colder areas, quick cooling can make existing imperfections worse. Additionally, regions with frequent storms or strong winds put more stress on metal panels, making oil canning more noticeable.
Don’t see your location? Call us! We Likelt serve your area too
