Volume 1

Symmetry is a beautiful thing! Why, the word itself just sounds like something good doesn’t it? Say it slowly...
S-Y-M-M-E-T-R-Y.

But you know what sounds even better? It’s a phrase that describes what can come from symmetry:
L-O-W-E-R - C-O-S-T. Now that is a beautiful thing!

"But what," you ask, "does symmetry have to do with metal roofing?" When it comes to metal roofing, symmetrical metal roofing panels definitely mean something good to installers, architects and building owners alike – a lower TCO! Simply put, symmetrical panels lower the overall cost of installing, maintaining and repairing a standing seam roof.

Non-symmetrical panels:

Symmetrical panels offer installation flexibility, resulting in significant labor savings over interlocking systems. With non-symmetrical panels, installers must start on one end and continue laying panels in a single direction, one after the other. With symmetrical panels, however, crews can start from a center point on the roof and work in either, or both, directions. This capability alone can significantly reduce labor requirements, or allow contractors to add another simultaneous crew to expedite job completion.

Now imagine that there is a roof protrusion (such as a dormer, skylight, etc.) in the installation path that requires detail work from a craftsman. A symmetrical system allows the contractor simply move the crew and continue working elsewhere, assured that any panels inserted later will align properly.

With non-symmetrical panels, however, installation would be halted until the craftsman completed his work. Only then can the crew (which has waiting below and still "on-the-clock") continue laying the sequential panels.

Some would argue that symmetrical panels actually require additional labor to install the separate seam cap. While the cap does present an additional component, both in material and labor, the time and cost required to install caps is negligible. By the time you add up the crew’s “stand-by” wages, the daily equipment mobilization costs, and potential liquidated damages as the deadline approaches, the time- and labor cost-savings of a symmetrical system can be significant.

While you shake your hips to Madonna’s tune that’s now playing in your head (c’mon – you know you are!), think about hips and valleys.

When cutting a symmetrical panel for installation at hips and valleys, there is very little waste. This is due to the fact that, when the panel is cut, each piece can be used for opposite sides of the condition. With a non-symmetrical panel, the remainder of the cut panel is waste - and waste equals cost.

Metal roofing specifiers are trending toward requiring that “individual panels shall be removable for replacement without removing adjacent panels.”

Imagine a new metal roof on a school that faces the playground and becomes a wide, inviting target for all those budding Roger Clemens’. After a few months of “Rogering,” new panels look as old as … well … Roger Clemens. So, the decision is made to replace the damaged panels … and probably to send our future “Roger” and his buddies to visit the principal.

At this point, the architect who specified symmetrical seam is breathing a sigh of relief, because with symmetrical panels, only the damaged panels need to be replaced: The damaged panels' seam caps are be removed, the panels are pulled off and the replacement panels fit snugly into place.

The architect who specified a non-symmetrical panel, however, is watching what should be minor repairs turn into a not-so-minor local news story about wasted taxpayer dollars.

Faster installation at a lower cost; reduced waste; easy, economical repair and maintenance - with all of these benefits and more, symmetrical panel systems are definitely a “beautiful thing.” Ahhh ... symmetry!

Volume 1, Issue 3

In This Issue Featured Article: Balancing the Budget with Symmetry Symmetrical Panels Mean Lower TCO Panels can be installed bi-directionally s Start in the center and run two crews for faster completion Don't keep costly labor on "stand-by" s Work around protrusions and areas that are not ready for roofing Reduce mobilization costs and liquidated damages: s Avoid delays by moving crews around obstacles to complete other areas s Add simultaneous crews if needed to meet deadline Minimize waste s Bi-directional installation allows cut pieces to be used elsewhere Control repair costs s Replace only damaged panels when needed ... not the entire roof		Ahhh… Symmetry By Kenneth King Symmetry is a beautiful thing! Why, the word itself just sounds like something good doesn’t it? Say it slowly... S-Y-M-M-E-T-R-Y. But you know what sounds even better? It’s a phrase that describes what can come from symmetry: L-O-W-E-R - C-O-S-T. Now that is a beautiful thing! "But what," you ask, "does symmetry have to do with metal roofing?" When it comes to metal roofing, symmetrical metal roofing panels definitely mean something good to installers, architects and building owners alike – a lower TCO! Simply put, symmetrical panels lower the overall cost of installing, maintaining and repairing a standing seam roof. Symmetrical roofing panels: Have vertical legs that are equal in both size and profile Are typically joined by a separate seam cap Can be installed in either direction (there is no need to match one side of one panel with the corresponding side of another panel Non-symmetrical panels: Have interlocking male/female seams Do not require a separate seam cap Can only be installed in one direction, from one end of the roof to the other, by matching male to female seams Easing Labor Pains Symmetrical panels offer installation flexibility, resulting in significant labor savings over interlocking systems. With non-symmetrical panels, installers must start on one end and continue laying panels in a single direction, one after the other. With symmetrical panels, however, crews can start from a center point on the roof and work in either, or both, directions. This capability alone can significantly reduce labor requirements, or allow contractors to add another simultaneous crew to expedite job completion. Now imagine that there is a roof protrusion (such as a dormer, skylight, etc.) in the installation path that requires detail work from a craftsman. A symmetrical system allows the contractor simply move the crew and continue working elsewhere, assured that any panels inserted later will align properly. With non-symmetrical panels, however, installation would be halted until the craftsman completed his work. Only then can the crew (which has waiting below and still "on-the-clock") continue laying the sequential panels. Some would argue that symmetrical panels actually require additional labor to install the separate seam cap. While the cap does present an additional component, both in material and labor, the time and cost required to install caps is negligible. By the time you add up the crew’s “stand-by” wages, the daily equipment mobilization costs, and potential liquidated damages as the deadline approaches, the time- and labor cost-savings of a symmetrical system can be significant. Living in a Material World While you shake your hips to Madonna’s tune that’s now playing in your head (c’mon – you know you are!), think about hips and valleys. When cutting a symmetrical panel for installation at hips and valleys, there is very little waste. This is due to the fact that, when the panel is cut, each piece can be used for opposite sides of the condition. With a non-symmetrical panel, the remainder of the cut panel is waste - and waste equals cost. Play Ball Metal roofing specifiers are trending toward requiring that “individual panels shall be removable for replacement without removing adjacent panels.” Imagine a new metal roof on a school that faces the playground and becomes a wide, inviting target for all those budding Roger Clemens’. After a few months of “Rogering,” new panels look as old as … well … Roger Clemens. So, the decision is made to replace the damaged panels … and probably to send our future “Roger” and his buddies to visit the principal. At this point, the architect who specified symmetrical seam is breathing a sigh of relief, because with symmetrical panels, only the damaged panels need to be replaced: The damaged panels' seam caps are be removed, the panels are pulled off and the replacement panels fit snugly into place. The architect who specified a non-symmetrical panel, however, is watching what should be minor repairs turn into a not-so-minor local news story about wasted taxpayer dollars. Faster installation at a lower cost; reduced waste; easy, economical repair and maintenance - with all of these benefits and more, symmetrical panel systems are definitely a “beautiful thing.” Ahhh ... symmetry! For more information about symmetrical panels, click here. © 2006 IMETCO (Innovative Metals Company, Inc.)
For more information on this topic, please call IMETCO at 800-646-3826 or send an e-mail to learn@imetco.com. If you would like to schedule an onsite presentation or speak with a metal roofing specialist, please contact sales@imetco.com. 2070 Steel Drive Tucker, Georgia 30084 (800) 646-3826 www.imetco.com
Neither Innovative Metals Company, Inc. (IMETCO) nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty of any kind with respect to the materials and information contained herein. Although IMETCO attempts to provide accurate information, this bulletin is intended for general reference and informational purposes only. IMETCO assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the content contained in, or directly accessible from, this bulletin, and makes no commitment to update such information. IMETCO shall not be liable for any damages relating to your use of, or reliance upon, this bulletin or any of its content.