Store Metal Roofing Safely and Efficiently
Metal roofing is a cost-effective and durable solution for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. However, before it can do its job for your home or business, it’s important to store panels properly to ensure they stay in top condition. Whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, knowing the proper storage techniques for storing your metal roofing panels properly is critical, especially given how expensive of an investment it can be. At XYZ Storage, we understand how important it is to store your metal roofing panels correctly, which is why we put together this guide to help you protect them during storage.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Storing metal roofing panels is important to avoid rust, scratches, or dents while in storage. Fortunately, with the right storage practices you can avoid these issues, keep your panels in top-notch condition, and avoid any costly expenses until you’re ready to use them.
10 Essential Tips for How to Store Metal Roofing
We’ve put together 10 key tips for storing and handling metal roofing panels safely to make the storage process as seamless and easy as possible.
1. Choose a Dry and Covered Location
Keep your metal roofing panels in a dry and covered area whenever possible. This is because you want to protect the panels from moisture and direct sunlight. However, if you’re not able to store your metal roofing panels indoors, a waterproof and loose-fitting tarp will work as long as it protects it from rain and snow while allowing for air circulation. As a result, you’ll avoid causing discolouration of your panels and protect them from debris and dust.
2. Avoid Storing Panels Directly on the Ground
Avoid storing panels directly on the ground as it can expose them to moisture, dirt, and debris. This can lead to damage to your metal roofing panels, such as corrosion and scratches. Therefore, if you’re able to elevate your panels while storing them using cinder blocks or wooden pallets that would help keep them off the ground, hence protecting them.
3. Stack Panels Carefully
The goal of stacking panels is to do so carefully, evenly, and not piled too high. This will prevent any dents or warping in your metal roofing panels. In addition, you can add spacers between your panels to improve ventilation and prevent scratches to keep them in top condition in storage.
4. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is key when storing metal roofing for an extended period. If there is a lack of ventilation any trapped moisture can lead to mildew. Spacers or slats between stacked metal panels will help airflow and reduce damage while in storage.
5. Handle Panels with Care
Handling metal roofing panels properly is essential. How you handle them is just as important as how they are stored. For example, to properly handle metal sheets or any roofing material it’s best to lift them. Improper handling such as sliding them when transporting them will lead to scratches and dents.
6. Protect Against Rust
To avoid rust, always ensure that metal sheets and panels are completely dry before storing them away. For extra precaution, consider applying a protective coating or a paint system designed to shield the metal from moisture and corrosion.
7. Use a Flat, Stable Surface
For the best results, store your metal roofing panels on a flat and stable surface. Uneven surfaces can cause warping or bending over time, so make sure the area is level and sturdy for adequate storage of any roofing material.
8. Cover the Panels
If you must store the metal panels outside, cover them with a breathable material, such as a waterproof tarp with adequate airflow. This will protect them from the humid conditions and moisture while allowing air to circulate. In addition, avoid using plastic sheeting, as it can trap moisture and contribute to rust.
9. Store Indoors Whenever Possible
Indoor storage is the ideal solution for keeping your metal roofing panels in top condition. Storing them in a temperature-controlled environment eliminates exposure to changing humidity and temperature levels, thus reducing the risk of damage and protecting the structural integrity.
10. Inspect Panels Regularly
Before storing your metal roofing panels, inspect them for any pre-existing damage, such as scratches, dents, or rust. Once stored, check the metal panels periodically to ensure they’re still in good condition. By staying on top of any small issues, you can prevent them from turning into more expensive problems later down the line.
FAQs About Storing Metal Roofing
Here are the answers to the most common questions about storing metal roofing.
What’s the best way to store metal roofing to prevent damage?
The best way to store metal roofing panels is to keep them in a dry, covered, and well-ventilated area. Using spacers and avoiding overstacking will help prevent damage to your metal roofing panels.
Should metal roofing be stored indoors or outdoors?
Indoor storage is always the best option, as it protects the metal panels from the elements. However, if indoor space isn’t available and they must be stored outdoors use a weatherproof cover to avoid direct sunlight and elevate the panels off the ground.
How can I protect metal roofing from rust during storage?
To prevent rust, ensure the metal roofing sheets are dry before storing them, and consider applying a protective coating. Good ventilation is crucial, so check the panels regularly for signs of moisture or early corrosion.
Is it important to keep metal roofing dry while in storage?
Absolutely! Moisture can cause rust and corrosion. Always store metal roofing material in a dry environment to prevent long-term damage.
How should metal roofing be stacked for long-term storage?
Stack the metal roofing sheets or panels evenly with spacers in between to maintain airflow. Avoid stacking them too high to prevent warping or structural damage.
Can I store metal roofing directly on the ground?
No, storing the metal panels or metal roofing sheets directly on the ground exposes them to moisture, dirt, and debris, which can lead to rust and scratches. Always elevate the panels using pallets or another sturdy material.
How do I prevent scratches and dents when storing metal roofing?
Handle the panels with care by using gloves and avoiding dragging them across rough surfaces. Store them with spacers between panels and make sure the storage surface is level.
How XYZ Storage Can Help
Whether you’re a homeowner or contractor in need of storing metal roofing, we’re here to help! Our self-storage facilities across Toronto and the GTA are clean, secure, and temperature-controlled to ensure your metal roofing panels stay in top-notch condition. You can visit any one of our accessible storage facilities, including Toronto Downtown, Toronto Midtown, Toronto West, Scarborough, and Etobicoke, and our storage experts will be happy to assist you. Happy storing!
