These panels are directly fastened to the roof deck with a fastener through a slotted flange. As metal roofs become hotter, the slotted flange limits the panels’ ability to expand and contract to around 45′. The most significant places for installing these exposed fastener systems are residences and other small, light commercial structures.
Clipped systems latch to the substructure using a heavy gauge steel clip incorporated with the male and female leg on the panel instead of nail-type panels that use flanges. In snap lock panels, the vertical legs are fitted over one another during installation, and the upper part is pushed down into the lower part until the legs correctly join.
In contrast to snapped panels, mechanically seamed panels require using motorized seaming equipment for installation and engagement. The mechanical seam profile comprises panels with roll-formed edges that align with one another. The clip is attached to the male leg using the same screws used in the snap-lock profile. The edges can be bent manually or mechanically once the panels are connected.