What Does Metal-Roof Gauge Mean? Gauge describes metal thickness. The confusing part: Lower gauge number = thicker metal. Metal Construction Association guidance lists representative minimum steel thicknesses of approximately: 24 gauge: 0.024 inches 26 gauge: 0.018 inches Does 24 Gauge Automatically Mean a Better Roof? Not automatically. Panel performance also depends on: Profile Width Seam
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Galvalume vs. Galvanized Both begin with: steel. The difference is the metallic coating protecting that steel. What Is Galvanized Steel? Galvanized sheet uses a zinc coating applied to carbon steel. The zinc helps protect the steel underneath. What Is Galvalume? Galvalume uses an aluminum-zinc alloy coating. ABC describes the coating as roughly 55% aluminum and
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Steel Is Strong—but Its Finish Matters Modern steel siding begins with a steel substrate protected by: Metallic coatings Paint systems Those layers help manage corrosion. But installation requires cutting panels around: Windows Doors Corners Rooflines Why Pay Attention to Cut Edges? A field cut exposes the cross-section of the metal. The protective coating system and
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Why Is One Small Area of Siding Melting? The siding is not near: A barbecue A fire An exhaust vent Yet one area looks: Wavy Shiny Distorted Partially melted Look across the property. A neighbouring or nearby window may be reflecting concentrated sunlight onto that wall. Can Window Reflection Really Get That Hot? Yes, under
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Dutch Lap vs. Clapboard You decide on vinyl siding. Then the contractor asks: Clapboard or Dutch lap? Both run horizontally. But the profile creates a different shadow and architectural effect. What Is Clapboard? Clapboard creates the appearance of traditional overlapping horizontal boards. It has a relatively straightforward face profile. What Is Dutch Lap? Dutch lap
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Why Does New Fascia Sometimes Look Wavy? Aluminum is a metal. That means it reacts to temperature. As conditions change, the material: Expands Contracts The installation needs to allow for that movement. What Can Cause Buckling? Possible contributors include: Fasteners installed too tightly Long unsupported sections Uneven fascia board Heat exposure Material movement The Wood
WHY DOES ALUMINUM FASCIA SOMETIMES BUCKLE OR LOOK WAVY? Read More »
The Glass Cracked—but Nothing Hit It A window develops a crack with no obvious: Rock Branch Impact mark One possible cause is: Thermal stress. How Does Thermal Stress Happen? Glass expands slightly when heated. If one part of the pane becomes significantly warmer than another, the glass experiences uneven stress. What Can Create Uneven Heating?
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Double Doors Have a Unique Problem A single exterior door closes against a solid frame. Double doors meet each other in the centre. That centre seam needs its own solution. One component commonly used is the: Astragal. What Does It Do? The astragal attaches to one of the door panels and helps: Cover the centre
WHAT IS AN ASTRAGAL ON DOUBLE EXTERIOR DOORS? Read More »
A Sliding Door Should Not Feel Like a Workout If you need both hands to move the patio door, something has changed. Possible causes include: Dirty track Worn rollers Misalignment Damaged track Frame movement Start With the Track Debris can collect from: Dirt Pet hair Outdoor material Cleaning may improve movement. Rollers Wear Too The
WHY IS MY SLIDING PATIO DOOR GETTING HARD TO OPEN? Read More »
Why Doesn’t the Window Fall Every Time You Open It? A movable window sash has weight. In hung windows, a hidden mechanism helps counterbalance that weight. That component is commonly called the: Sash balance. What Happens When It Fails? Common symptoms include: Window falls shut Sash won’t stay open One side feels heavier Window becomes
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