How to Stop & Avoid Oil Canning

Written By Anthony Ortega
on August 6, 2025

i 3 Table Of Content

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Oil canning is a key concern we address as one of Utah’s top trusted metal experts. We take the design and maintenance of our clients’ roofs seriously. Not only do we prioritize achieving a client’s vision, but we also provide guidance based on best practices and our expertise, especially when it comes to issues like oil canning metal roof distortion. This is particularly important in Park City, Utah, where homes face harsh, wet winters and dry, intense summer heat.

When prospective clients approach us, we often hear of issues with oil canning on their metal facades including roof, fascia and wall panels. This article will get into what oil canning is, how it happens, and how to avoid it.

What is Oil Canning?

An example of oil canning on a metal roof.

In the roofing industry, oil canning is a somewhat common phenomenon seen on metal roofs. Oil canning can occur with a number of commonly used construction materials like steel, galvalume, aluminum, galvanized, zinc, copper and more.

This occurs when there is a thermal expansion and contraction of metal, typically due to weather. Your roof is attempting to expand and contract, but if it cannot, it will become distorted and the metal will appear wavy, as pictured above.

This is most often seen in higher gauge steel products, such as 24 gauge or 26 gauge metals, often popular for fascia and wall panels.

Unfortunately, once a roof has oil canning, you cannot fix it. Oil canning does not impact the structural integrity of the roof and you can only prevent it from happening in future residential or commercial roofing projects.

What Causes Oil Canning?

To begin with, it is important to note that oil canning is not entirely avoidable. This is simply due to the natural properties of metal, especially in exterior applications like a metal roof.

Most commonly, the worst cases of oil canning metal roof distortion are the result of installation errors. When you fasten metal to the substrate, the method and placement of those fasteners will influence how much oil canning appears on the roof or other metal facades. Poor installation practices significantly increase this risk.

Oil canning can also occur due to manufacturer defects. The material itself may contain flaws, or if sourced from a non-credentialed manufacturer, there’s a higher chance of receiving low-quality material or material that was handled improperly.

Working with an expert helps ensure the correct fastening locations on the metal, reducing the chances of oil canning. Professionals can also source better-quality materials and minimize the potential for error throughout the process.

How to Avoid Oil Canning

Pick a material suited for conduction:

Choosing the right material is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of oil canning. Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) is a cost-effective solution that performs well in climates with extreme temperature swings, like Park City, Utah. It’s becoming increasingly popular for fascia and wall panel installations due to its durability and ability to resist visible distortion such as oil canning.

Work with a trusted general contractor:

Partnering with experienced professionals ensures access to better installation teams, such as Viotell, as well as higher-grade materials. A reliable contractor can address early concerns about oil canning metal roof issues and recommend appropriate solutions.

Incorporate texturized or profiled panels:

Ribbed, corrugated, or perforated panels are helpful in minimizing the appearance of oil canning. These designs provide added structure to the metal, allowing it to better handle stress and maintain a clean, consistent look.

Proper substrate installation:

A smooth and level substrate is critical in preventing oil canning. Skilled contractors will inspect for irregularities, defects, or moisture accumulation before fastening the panels. To support thermal movement and reduce stress on the panels, they may also apply insulation, use correctly spaced fasteners, and install expansion joints. These practices help reduce the chances of oil canning metal roof deformation over time.

Consider your climate:

In high-elevation, snowy areas like Park City, it’s important to select materials that can endure significant thermal and structural stress. Reinforced panel assemblies, snow retention systems, sloped surfaces to promote snow shedding, and coatings with UV resistance all help prevent long-term issues like oil canning.

Ensuring Your Roof Stands the Test of Time

At Viotelll, we understand that although there is no guarantee to fully prevent oil canning, it takes a village to mitigate the issue as much as possible. We work with trusted fabricators, architects, and general contractors to select the best materials and techniques to stay within a clients budget, deliver on the desired aesthetic, and adhere to industry standards.

We have successfully mitigated this issue for dozens of projects, both residential and commercial with our expert metal artisans and our premier partnerships with trusted brands like ALUCOBOND.