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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. What is a square of panels?
A. A square is an area of 100 square feet. This, however, is not coverage square feet. Many years ago, the industry elected to calculate these 100 square feet on the total out-to-out width of the panel. For example, a 3' coverage, screw-down panel is figured to be 3.19 feet wide. Other panels, such as standing seam or architectural types figure squares by actual coverage of the panels. Hey, we didn't write the rules, we just follow them!

Q. How do I calculate my amount of squares?
A. In order to arrive at this exact figure, you must know exactly how many panels you need and how long each panel will be. When this is known, you can figure squares by this method:

1. Arrive at a total length of all your panels, as if they were placed end-to-end. For example, 20 panels of 10' 4" in length would be 206.6' of total length.

2. If your panels are 3' coverage panels, multiply your total length by .0319. This is your amount of squares. Round off your total to the nearest tenth of a square. For example, 206.6'x .0319 = 6.6 squares.

3. If your panels are standing seam or architectural types, multiply your total length by the actual coverage of the panel and then divide by 100. For example, 206.6' x 2' coverage standing seam divided by 100 = 4.1 squares.

Q. Will Metal Outlet figure how much material I need?
A. Yes. Metal Outlet will perform material take off from scaled drawings or actual measurements.

Q. How fast can I get my material once I order it?
A. Lead times usually run from one to five working days.

Q. Will Metal Outlet deliver my order?
A. Yes. Local delivery (60 mile radius) is available.

Q. Can I pick up my own order?
A. Yes. Metal Outlet encourages pick up within one week to prevent damage to your order. Please bring a vehicle or trailer that is big enough for your material. Maximum allowed overhang is 6 feet. We do not tie-down loads, so please bring your own straps or tie-downs.

Q. What's the difference between self-tapping screws and self-drilling screws?
A. Self-tapping screws require a pilot hole be pre-drilled through the panel and steel support member prior to screw installation. Self-drilling screws have a drill point on the tip that will drill through the panel and steel support member. We also offer a sharp-point Woodtite screw that will pierce through the panel and fasten into a wood support member.

Q. Does Metal Outlet offer architectural panels?
A. Yes, Several different styles and colors of panels are offered

Q. What gauge is thicker?
A. Many people get confused about the metal gauges. The following is a list of the gauges (minimum thickness)

29 gauge.....0.0145"
26 gauge.....0.0185"
24 gauge.....0.0230"
22 gauge.....0.0290"
16 gauge.....0.0540"
15 gauge.....0.0620"
14 gauge.....0.0690"
13 gauge.....0.0830"
12 gauge.....0.0940"

Q. What length can I get roof or siding panels?
A. The roofing or siding panels can be from 1 ft up to 40 ft and can be ordered up to the 1/2”. You are only charged for the actual length of the material when it is ordered to a custom length.

Q. What is a "reject" panel?
A. Metal Outlet sells 16' long imperfect panels, called "Rejects". These are panels produced from the first and last parts of a coil of painted coil. They are not warranted, and are sold "as is" with no return privileges. Colors will vary. First-come, first-served availability.

Q. What are secondary panels?
A. Secondary panels are custom orders panels produced from imperfect coils, purchased just for this product. Colors will vary, check with component sales. First-come, first-served availability. This is a non-warranted product. Defects will vary. Shape, color, edge damage will be a few of the possible defects.

Q. Is a metal roof noisy when it rains?
A. Steel roofing when installed over shingles or decking should not produce any more noise then other roofing. This is a common misperception associated with older metal sheds/barns when the metal roofing is installed on open framing.

Q. Will my metal roof attract lightning?
A. No, steel roofing does not attract lightning but they can be hit by it. Should lightning strike a steel roof you would probable be safer since the steel is non-combustible and the roof should help dissipate the electrical charge.

Q. Does a metal roof get hot in the sun?
A. Metal typically reflects 70% of the sun’s energy. This results in less heat transfer onto the building’s substructure which in turn helps to reduce you cooling energy costs.

Q. Will my metal roof get damaged in a hail storm?
A. Steel roofs are very strong and durable and are in most cases hail resistant.

Q. What does metal roofing cost?
A. Steel roofing typically cost two to four times what shingles cost depending on what type of steel roofing panel is used While the initial cost is more the yearly cost is less since a good quality steel roof should last at least 20 to 50 years.

Q. Do I need to remove my existing shingle roof to install a metal roof’?
A. One of the benefits of steel roofing is that is lightweight, which allows it to be installed over existing roofing material. Local building codes and your roofs substructure integrity must be addressed to reveal this answer.

Q. How long can I expect my metal roof to last?
A. A properly installed metal roof should last 20 to 50 yrs. or more. Comparative life cycle cost of metal roofing is 25% less than clay/cement tiles and 59% less than wood shakes or shingles.