One big panel or two small ones?

[pmiranda]

I’m getting close to ordering steel paneling for my interior finish and I’m debating doing 16’ tall single panels, or 7’6” panels on the bottom and 8’6” on top. I imagine the half panels are easier to deal with, but I can probably get away without scaffolding or a lift if I use the tall panels. Of course if I want to open the wall it’s easier with small panels and easier to transport them and replace them.

Any benefits of the long panels I might be overlooking? I expect I’ll predrill all the pilot holes so it’s easy to keep them lined up as I go without needing to hold panels in place precisely while trying to fasten them

 

[kap]

These panels are not incredibly heavy, but they're pretty flexible. If you'll be working alone, I'd recommend using shorter panels. I just did the ceiling of my 16' x 32' building (working alone). I installed straps to hold them in place while I worked overhead.
These panels are PERFECTLY square and your framing isn't (even if off by only 1/8" to 1/4" here and there - it builds up). And if you happen to install each panel out of square by only 1/8", after you have put up 4 panels you could be off by 1/2".
SO - I drilled only ONE or TWO holes near the middle, popped the panel in place with one or two screws, then moved it to ensure it was aligned correctly. THEN I drilled the rest of the holes and the rest of the screws. You'll always have one corner where 4 panels overlap - this involves a bit of wiggling and jiggling to get it aligned.
Work slow, measure many times, and don't secure all screws until you've got several panels aligned and you'll be happy with the results.

 

[Kaizen]

Agree two panels is way easier. You can carry them cupped like a letter U but going vertical it goes to jello. You will have to have two people. Only reason for single panel is looks with no line.


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[nadogail]

That's why a helper is, IMHO, indispensable for many jobs.

 

[pmiranda]

Thanks! I think smaller panels is the way to go... I'll just have to find a different excuse to buy a utility trailer later, since the small panels will fit in my truck ;(

 

[dfiler2]

Don't forget to make the panels long enough to overlap. If it were me I would put the top panels up first then overlap the bottom panels, the seam will disappear.

 

[Mark price]

If you do two prices do a z trim between will look nicer and give a little flexibility

 

[Kaizen]

Thanks! I think smaller panels is the way to go... I'll just have to find a different excuse to buy a utility trailer later, since the small panels will fit in my truck ;(

Get them delivered if they can’t load from the end. Mine could only be forked from side. You don’t want to be unloading and stacking which increases scratches. Not a huge deal as it’s inside but just my luck I wouldn’t see it till i was done.


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[pmiranda]

Get them delivered if they can’t load from the end. Mine could only be forked from side. You don’t want to be unloading and stacking which increases scratches. Not a huge deal as it’s inside but just my luck I wouldn’t see it till i was done.

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Not a bad idea, I'm gonna need about 100 panels so it's probably worth it instead of making a bunch of trips down the road to pick them up.
Only issue is the driveway is a bit of a sharp turn for a big truck. Maybe I can get that fixed first...

Lots of useful advice guys, thanks!

 

[Kaizen]

Not a bad idea, I'm gonna need about 100 panels so it's probably worth it instead of making a bunch of trips down the road to pick them up.
Only issue is the driveway is a bit of a sharp turn for a big truck. Maybe I can get that fixed first...

Lots of useful advice guys, thanks!

My delivery just blocked the street and used the moffet to bring up my yard. Definitely put them right where you need them.


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[pmiranda]

True... it's alot of material to me, but probably only two trips down the driveway for an all-terrain forklift, which I imagine is what they use to deliver metal building materials. That should make me popular with the folks down the road

 

[bradpac]

For your application, i would go with the shorter panels and lap them. Now, if it's your roof and especially if it's low slope then you want to go with full length panels, but otherwise easier to install and replace a shorter panel. We have ran some 200 footers for a few jobs, those are hard to handle.

 

[pmiranda]

Sorry I wasn't clear, these are going on the interior walls. I would not want to DIY roofing with 16' sidewalls, much less with 200 foot panels!

 

[Tduby]

Biggest benefit to 2 small panels is when the bottom one gets damaged you only need to replace the lower one.

 

[bradpac]

Sorry I wasn't clear, these are going on the interior walls. I would not want to DIY roofing with 16' sidewalls, much less with 200 foot panels!

Right on the roof top, you couldn't get me up on that open framing....my amateur drone work

 

[pmiranda]

Cool video! I was wondering how you transported and moved 200' panels... now I have my answer. You don't! roll-forming in place, brilliant! Makes sense, if you can do it for a gutter, why not a roof panel?
BTW, I see those guys have safety harnesses... that's a very good investment!