What is Oil Canning?

Oil Canning can be defined as visible waviness in the flat areas of metal roofing panels. It can occur in any type of metal panels including steel and aluminum. Certain conditions like the time of day, the viewing angle, the gauge of material installed, and the color of the metal roofing panel may magnify the appearance of Oil Canning. Oil Canning does not affect the performance of the roof system or void any warranties, it can just be unsightly.

There are certain conditions where we have seen an increase in metal roofs presenting oil canning characteristics. These conditions include:

• Installing 26 GA Standing Seam panels over deck imprecations
• Installing 26 Gauge 5V Crimp panels without striations over deck imperfections
• If the roof deck has any bows or dips and steps haven’t been taken to remedy those imperfections, there is a greater chance of oil canning to occur in all Standing Seam and 5V panels.