Terminology commonly used in the metal building industry.
A
A building product that supplements a basic solid panel building such as a door, window, skylight,
ventilator, etc.
(Metallurgy) A metal that will corrode in the presence of moisture and a “noble” metal (See Galvanic Action
and Galvanic Series Chart in this Glossary).
A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other
horticultural products. Such structure shall not include habitable or occupiable spaces, spaces in which
agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged; nor shall an agricultural building be a place of
occupancy by the general public.
American Institute of Steel Construction
Association of Iron and Steel Engineers
American Iron and Steel Institute
A corrosion resistant metallic element. Aluminum alloy coated sheet is often used for metal roofing and wall
panels.
Steel coated with aluminum for corrosion resistance.
A plan view drawing showing the diameter, location and projection of all anchor rods for the components of
the Metal Building System and may show column reactions (magnitude and direction). The maximum base plate
dimensions may also be shown.
See Anchor Rods.
The term “anchor rod” is used for threaded rods embedded in concrete to anchor structural steel. The term
“rod” is intended to clearly indicate that these are threaded rods, not structural bolts, and should be
designed as threaded parts using the material specified in the latest edition of AISC. The embedded end of
the rod may be secured in the concrete by means of a head, threading with a nut on the end, a hook or other
deformation, by welding to reinforcing steel or other means.
With regard to metal and galvanic response, when two metals are connected in an electrolyte, they will form
a galvanic cell, with the higher metal in the galvanic series being the anode. The anodic metal, being more
“active” oxidizes first, thus protecting the cathodic metal from corrosion (see cathodic).
American National Standards Institute
A set of drawings that may include framing plans, elevations and sections through the building for approval
of the buyer.
A flashing located at the juncture of the top of the sloped roof and a vertical wall or steeper-sloped roof.
Any panel that has a primary purpose of the aesthetic enhancement of a building or structure.
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Society of Civil Engineers rated steel shape similar to a train track. Placed on top of a runway
beam, it acts as a guide for top running cranes.
Allowable Stress Design.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
An asphalt-saturated and/or an asphalt-coated felt. (See Felt).
A group of mutually dependent and compatible components or sub-assemblies of components.
American Society for Testing and Materials.
A closure between the two leaves of a double swing or double slide door.
A crane which when activated operates through a pre-set cycle or cycles.
A welding procedure utilizing a machine to make a weld.
A girder arranged parallel to the main girder for supporting the platform, motor base, operator’s cab,
control panels, etc., to reduce the torsional forces that such load would otherwise impose on the main crane
girder.
A supplemental hoisting unit, usually designed to handle lighter loads at a higher speed than the main crane
hoist.
Dynamic live loads such as those induced by cranes and material handling systems.
A force tending to elongate or shorten a member.
B
A name commonly used for “Open Web Steel Joists”.
A semi-cylindrical shaped roof.
An angle secured to a wall or foundation used to attach the bottom of the wall paneling.
The lower flashing component of a two component metal flashing detail. The component flashing details are
often used either for expedience or to allow differential thermal movement between building elements or
accessories. The lower component is the “base” flashing; the upper component is the “counter-flashing”.
A plate attached to the bottom of a column that rests on a foundation or other support, usually secured by
anchor rods.
A continuous member imbedded in the edge of the foundation to which the wall panels are attached.
A strip of wood common to non-structural panels that is used to support the vertical ribs of adjacent metal
panels.
1. A separate strip of metal used to cover the wood batten, and join the vertical ribs of adjacent metal
panels on either side of the batten.
2. A strip of formed metal used to span the void area and join the vertical legs of adjacent metal panels.
1. A metal panel profile attached to and formed around a wood or metal batten,
2. A metal panel profile that imitates the traditional batten seam system but omits the wooden batten.
The space between the main frames measured normal to the frame.
A member, usually horizontal, that is subjected to bending loads. There are three types, simple, continuous,
and cantilever.
A structural system consisting of a series of rafter beams supported by columns. Often used as the end frame
of a building.
See “Beam and Column”
See “Bearing Hot Rolled”
See “Beam and Column”
See “Bearing Hot Rolled”
Also referred to as a Bearing End Frame or Bearing Frame Endwall (BFEW). A Bearing Hot Rolled is a
structural system consisting of a series of hot rolled rafter beams supported by hot rolled columns
connected by a series of pinned connections. Often used as the end wall framing of a building.
See “Beam and Column”
A steel plate that is set on the top of a masonry support on which a beam or purlin can rest.
See “Main Frame”.
A metal panel featuring a stepped profile. The panel runs perpendicular to the slope of the roof.
A list that enumerates by part number or description each piece of material or assembly to be shipped.
Also called tally sheet or shipping list.
Wire mesh used to prevent birds from entering the building through ventilators and louvers.
A layer or sheet of flexible fiberglass thermal insulation.
A small headed pin with expandable shank for joining light gage metal. Typically used to attach flashing,
gutter, etc.
Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc.
Girders, trucks or other members of rectangular cross-section enclosed on four sides.
Rods, angles or cables used in the plane of the roof and walls to transfer loads, such as wind, seismic and
crane thrusts to the foundation.
A structural support projecting to a structural member. Examples are canopy brackets, lean-to brackets, and
crane runway brackets.
A machine used to bend, fold or form sheet metal.
That part of an overhead crane consisting of girders, trucks, end ties, walkway and drive mechanism which
carries the trolley and travels in a direction parallel to the runway.
A load lifting system consisting of a hoist that moves laterally on a beam, girder or bridge, which in turn
moves longitudinally on a runway, made of beams and rails.
Bracing or systems of bracing used between structural members.
That amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1°F.
A party who, as a routine part of his business, buys the Metal Building System from a manufacturer for the
purpose of resale. See “Dealer”
A structure forming an open, partially enclosed, or enclosed space constructed by a planned process of
combining materials, components, and subsystems to meet specific conditions of use.
A space defined by the length of the building and the space between building columns.
Regulations established by a recognized agency describing design loads, procedures and construction details
for structures usually applying to a designated political jurisdiction (city, county, state, etc.).
The elements of a building that enclose conditioned spaces through which thermal energy is capable of being
transferred.
There are two types of Buildings “Stand Alone” buildings and “Attachment” buildings. A Stand Alone building
is any building in a project that does not attach to any other building in the same project. The first
building entered in a new project is always a Stand Alone building because there are no other building to
which it could attach; it can be added to the project and located so that it does not interfere with other
buildings in the project. An Attachment is a building which will attach to any other building in the
project; it can be a Lean-to, single slope or gabled building and made Endwall-to-Endwall,
Sidewall-to-Sidewall, Endwall-to-Sidewall or Sidewall-to-Endwall.
A roof covering made up of alternating layers of tar and asphaltic materials or layers (plies) of organic or
synthetic fabric.
A structural member, usually an I-shaped section, made from individual flat plates welded together.
An energy-absorbing device for reducing impact when a moving crane or trolley reaches the end of its
permitted travel; or when two moving cranes or trolleys come into contact.
The end plate of a structural member usually used to rest against a like plate of another member in forming
a connection. Sometimes called a splice plate or bolted end plate.
A process of indenting two or more sheets of metal that are pressed against each other to prevent slippage
between the metal.
A common abbreviation for polyisobutylene-isoprene polymer sealant tape used between metal roof panel and
flashing joints.
See “Exterior Framed”.
C
A member formed from steel sheet in the shape of a block “C”, that may be used either singularly or back to
back.
A crane controlled by an operator in a cab supported on the bridge or trolley.
Curvature of a flexural member in the plane of its web before loading.
A projecting roof system that is supported and restrained at one end only.
A beam supported only at one end having a free end and a fixed end.
A plate located at the top of a column or end of a beam for capping the exposed end of the member.
The maximum load (usually stated in tons) that a crane is designed to support.
That action which causes movement of liquids when in contact with two adjacent surfaces such as panel
sidelaps.
With regard to metal and galvanic response, cathodic metals are lower (and more noble) in the galvanic
series. (May be protected from oxidation by more anodic metals). (See “Anodic”).
See “Sealant”.
Filling the joints, seams or voids between adjacent units with a sealant in order to make them weathertight.
The span of a crane system. Also referred to as Centerline to Centerline of Rail
A C-shaped member formed while in a semi-molten state at the steel mill to a shape having standard
dimensions and properties.
The exterior metal roof and wall paneling of a Metal Building System. See also “Components and Cladding”.
A sheet metal strip used in concealed fashion to secure panels or flashing that permits some limited degree
of thermal response.
A plate or angle used to fasten two or more members together.
A resilient strip, formed to the contour of ribbed panels and used to close openings created by ribbed
panels joining other components.
Crane Manufacturers of America Association, Inc. An independent trade association in the United States. It
is affiliated with the United States Division of Material Handling Industry. It is a voluntary association
to help promote the standardization of cranes as well as uniform quality and performance.
Cool Metal Roofing Coalition.
The application of a finish to a coil of metal sheet using a continuous mechanical coating process.
The process of using press brakes or rolling mills to shape steel into desired cross sections at room
temperature.
The process of forming sheet steel into desired shapes on a series of rollers at ambient room temperatures.
The weight of additional permanent materials required by the contract, other than the Building System, such
as sprinklers, mechanical and electrical systems, partitions and ceilings.
A main member used in a vertical position on a building to transfer loads from main roof beams, trusses, or
rafters to the foundation.
A part used in a Metal Building System. See also “Components and Cladding”.
For wind load considerations, members that do not qualify as part of a Main Wind Force Resisting System.
They include girts, joists, purlins, studs, wall and roof panels, fasteners, end wall columns and end wall
rafters of bearing end frames, roof overhang beams, canopy beams, and masonry walls when acting as other
than shear walls.
A hold down clip used with a wall or roof panel system to connect the panel to the supporting structure
without exposing the fasteners on the exterior surface.
1. Cooled space: an enclosed space within a building that is cooled by a cooling system whose sensible
output capacity is greater than or equal to 5 Btu/h·ft of floor area.
2. Heated space: an enclosed space within a building that is heated by a heating system whose output
capacity is greater than or equal to 5 Btu/h·ft of floor area.
3. Semi-heated space: an enclosed space within a building that is heated by a heating system whose output
capacity is greater than or equal to 3.4 Btu/h·ft of floor area but is not a conditioned space.
The transfer of heat through a material or construction.
A transition component between a through-wall scupper and downspout used to collect and direct run-off
water.
The means of attachment of one structural member to another.
The terminology given to a structural system denoting the transfer of loads and stresses from member to
member as if there were no connections.
A beam of variable geometry passing over two supports with overhang on one end or passing over three
supports.
The Documents that define the material and work to be provided by a Contractor or the General Contractor for
a Construction Project.
The heating of the air that passes over a hot surface.
The color coating on or self color of the roofing material that gives it a high solar reflectance and a high
thermal Emittance.
The difference in temperature between the outdoor mean temperature over a 24-hour period and a given base
temperature. For example, using a base temperature of 65° F a day with 85° F mean temperature has 20 CDD
(85-65=20). The annual Cooling Degree Days are the sum of the degree days over a calendar year.
A sheet metal flashing, cut or formed to the contour of ribbed panels and used to close openings created by
ribbed panels joining other components.
The covering piece on top of an exposed wall or parapet usually made of metal, masonry or stone. It is often
sloped to shed water back onto the roof.
A natural weathering metal used in architectural metal roofing; typically used in 16 or 20 oz. per square
foot thickness (4.87 or 6.10 kg/square meter)
A decorative finish or flashing that accents the top of a wall, or the juncture of a roof and wall.
Formed metal or elastomeric flashing secured on or into a wall, curb, pipe, rooftop unit, or other surface,
to cover and protect the upper edge of the base flashing and its associated fasteners from exposure to the
weather.
See “Cladding.”
A machine designed to move material by means of a hoist.
This is the section of the building serviced by the crane. The aisle length can run the length of the
building (perpendicular to frames) or it can run across (parallel to frames). The width of the aisle is
based on the width of the crane bridge unless it is a monorail and then it is simply a line.
Crane Manufacturers of America Association (CMAA) has established six categories of crane service
classification as a guide for determining the service requirements of a specific crane application. For more
information about Crane Service Classifications, see the MBMA handbook section II, subsection 2.9.1
This service class covers cranes used in installations such as powerhouses, public utilities, turbine rooms,
motor rooms and transformer stations where precise handling of equipment at slow speeds with long, idle
periods between lifts are required. Capacity loads are handled for initial installation of equipment and for
infrequent maintenance.
This service class covers cranes used in repair shops, light assembl operations, service buildings, light
warehousing, etc. where service requirements are light and the
speed is slow. Loads vary from no load to occasional full rated loads with two to five lifts per hour,
averaging 10 feet per lift.
This service class covers cranes used in machine shops or paper mill machine rooms, etc. where service
requirements are moderate. In this type of service, the crane handles loads that average 50 percent of the
rated capacity with five to ten lifts per hour, averaging 15 feet, not over 50 percent of the lifts at rated
capacity.
This service class covers cranes used in heavy machine shops, foundries, fabricating plants, steel
warehouses, container yards, lumber mills, etc., and the standard duty bucket and magnet operations where
heavy duty production is required. In this type of service, loads approaching 50 percent of the rated
capacity are handled constantly during the working period. High speeds are used for this type of service
with 10 to 20 lifts per hour averaging 15 feet, not over 65 percent of the lifts at rated capacity.
This type of service requires a crane capable of handling loads approaching a rated capacity throughout its
life. Applications may include magnet, bucket, magnet/bucket combination cranes for scrap yards, cement
mills, lumber mills, fertilizer plants, container handling, etc., with twenty or more lifts per hour at or
near the rated capacity.
This type of service requires a crane capable of handling loads approaching rated capacity continuously
under severe service conditions throughout its life. Applications may include custom designed specialty
cranes essential to performing the critical work tasks affecting the total production facility. These cranes
must provide the highest reliability with special attention to ease of maintenance features.
The method by which the crane is controlled.
The principal horizontal beams of the crane bridge which supports the trolley and is supported by the end
tracks.
A track supporting and guiding the wheels of a bridge crane or trolley system. On underhung cranes, the
crane rail also acts as the runway beam.
The member that supports a crane rail and is supported by columns or rafters depending on the type of crane
system. On underhung bridge cranes, the runway beam also acts as the crane rail.
The horizontal distance center-to-center of runway beams.
A device to limit travel of a trolley or crane bridge. This device normally is attached to a fixed structure
and normally does not have energy-absorbing ability.
A column that sets under the runway beam and next to frame column with bracing to frame column for lateral
support.
1. Top Running (TRE) (Top Running Electric)
2. Underhung (UHE) (Underhung Electric) – Typically crane capacities up to about 15 tons
3. Monorail – Typically crane capacities up to about 10 tons
Cool Roof Rating Council.
A raised edge on a concrete floor slab.
An element used to raise a wall, flashing or accessory item above the drainage plane of a roof.
Perimeter wall panels that carry only their own weight and wind load.
D
A baffle used to open or close the throat of ventilators.
The weight of the Building System construction consisting of members such as framing and covering.
See “Builder”.
A flat structural element that is fastened to the roof framing members, typically corrugated metal sheets or
plywood. It acts as the substrate for non-structural roof panels.
The displacement of a structural member relative to its supports due to applied loads. Deflection should not
be confused with “Drift”.
The loads expressly specified in the contract documents that the Metal Building System is designed to safely
resist.
The Architect or Engineer responsible for the design of a Construction Project.
The temperature at which water vapor condenses in cooling air at the existing atmospheric pressure and vapor
content. Cooling air below the dew point will cause condensation.
See “Bracing”.
The resistance to racking generally offered by the panels, fasteners, and members to which they are
attached.
See “Load Indicating Washer”.
An angle or channel used to stabilize or keep plumb a sliding or rolling door during its operation.
A standing seam in which the female component of the seam is wrapped and folded approximately 360 degrees
around the male seam component. (The male component is interlocked and usually folded 180 degrees). See
“Standing Seam”.
A vertical conduit used to carry runoff water from a scupper, conductor head or gutter of a building to a
lower roof level, or to the ground or storm water runoff system.
Horizontal displacement at the top of a vertical element due to lateral loads. Drift should not be confused
with “Deflection”.
The snow accumulation at a height discontinuity.
A tapered pin used during erection to align holes in steel members to be connected by bolting.
A metal flashing, with an outward projecting lower edge, intended to control the direction of dripping water
and to protect underlying building components.
E
The line that is usually parallel to the ridge line formed by the intersection of the planes of the roof and
wall.
See “Gutter”.
The vertical dimension from finished floor to the eave.
A structural member located at the eave of a building that supports roof and wall paneling and may act as a
strut to transfer bracing loads to frames.
The surface area of a building at the edges of the roof and at the wall intersections where the wind loads
on components and cladding are greater than at other areas of the building.
The practice of providing regularly spaced or continuous openings along a roof edge or perimeter, used as
part of a ventilation system to dissipate heat and water vapor.
The area used to determine the wind coefficient. The effective wind area may be greater than or equal to the
tributary area.
A design concept utilizing the proportional behavior of materials when all stresses are limited to specified
allowable values in the elastic range.
A crane in which the bridge, hoist or trolley is operated by electric power.
An electrically-operated machine for lifting, lowering and transporting loads, consisting of a movable
bridge carrying a fixed or movable hoisting mechanism and traveling on an overhead runway structure.
The minimum horizontal distance, parallel to the runway, between the outermost extremities of the crane and
the centerline of the hook.
The bays adjacent to the endwalls of a building. Usually the distance from the endwall to the first interior
main frame measured normal to the endwall.
A frame located at the endwall of a building that supports the loads from a portion of the end bay.
See “End Wall Column”.
Bumpers or wheel stops attached to the end of the crane runway to prevent the crane from driving off the end
of the runway. These are provided by the rail vendor only.
The unit consisting of truck frame, wheels, bearings, axles, etc., which supports the bridge girder(s) and
allows movement along the length of the runway structure.
The surface area of a building along the roof at the endwall and at the corners of walls
An exterior wall that is parallel to the interior main frame of the building.
A vertical member located at the endwall of a building that supports the girts. In beam and column end
frames, endwall columns also support the beam. Also referred to as a “Wind Column”
The projection of the roof beyond the plane of the endwall.
Refers to the type of framing that is used at and endwall.
The total estimated annual cost for purchased energy for the building, including any demand charges, fuel
adjustment factors and delivery charges applicable to the building.
The engineer or architect who is responsible for the overall design of the building project. The
manufacturer’s engineer is typically not the Engineer of Record.
A Synthetic thermoset rubber that is popular for membrane roofing and flashings, and as gasketing material
for the head of weather sealing screw fasteners.
The on-site assembling of fabricated Metal Building System components to form a completed structure.
Materials used by erectors to stabilize the building system during erection.
Roof and wall erection (framing) drawings that identify individual components and accessories furnished by
the manufacturer in sufficient detail to permit proper erection of the Metal Building System.
A party who assembles or erects a Metal Building System.
A cleat designed to accommodate thermal movement of the metal roof panels.
A break or space in construction to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the materials used in the
structure.
A wall framing system where the girts are mounted on the outside of the columns.
F
The manufacturing process performed in a plant to convert raw material into finished Metal Building System
components. The main operations are cold forming, cutting, punching, welding, cleaning and painting.
An architectural treatment, partially covering a wall, usually concealing the eave and/or the rake of the
building.
Any loss of initial color intensity.
A decorative trim or panel projecting from the face of a wall.
A flexible sheet manufactured by the interlocking of fibers through a combination of mechanical work,
moisture and heat. Roofing felts may be manufactured principally from wood pulp and vegetable fibers
(organic felts), asbestos fibers (asbestos felts), glass fibers (fiberglass felts or plysheet), or polyester
fibers.
A small metal sleeve placed inside a gutter at the top. In residential applications, a spike is nailed
through the gutter into the fascia board to hold the gutter in place. The ferrule acts as a spacer in the
gutter to maintain its original shape.
1. The uninterrupted principle area of a roof, exclusive of edges, accessory and other flashing areas.
2. The “job site” or “building site”.
3. General marketing area.
See “Closure Strip”.
Coil metal that has a corrosion resistant film laminated to it prior to the forming operation.
A standing seam roof system hold down clip that does not allow the roof panel to move independently of the
roof substructure.
A column base that is designed to resist rotation as well as horizontal or vertical movement.
The projecting edge of a structural member.
A member used to provide lateral support to the flange of a structural member.
See “Trim”.
A counterflashing used to cover and/or seal the top of a pipe flashing or other small base flashing at
penetrations through the roof.
See “Sliding Clip”.
Those loads induced on the floor system by the use and occupancy of the building.
A wall framing system where the outside flange of the girts and the columns are flush.
A pad or mat, usually of concrete, located under a column, wall or other structural member, that is used to
distribute the loads from that member into the supporting soil.
The substructure that supports a building or other structure.
Framing members and flashing that surround an opening.
See “Erection Drawings”.
G
A typical coating weight for galvanized metal sheet. Equates to 0.90 oz. (26g) of zinc per square foot,
measured in both front and back surfaces. Other coating weights are G30 and G60.
The triangular portion of the endwall from the level of the eave to the ridge of the roof.
See “End Wall Overhang”.
A roof consisting of two sloping sides that form a ridge and a gable at each end.
The distance between adjacent lines of fasteners along which pitch is measured, or the distance from the
back of an angle or other shape to the first line of fasteners.
A proprietary trade name for a coating, used over sheet steel, that is composed of an aluminum-zinc alloy
for corrosion protection.
An electrochemical reaction between dissimilar metals in the presence of an electrolyte, including:
Galvanic Series, Magnesium, ACTIVE, Zinc, Cadmium, Aluminum 2017, Steel (plain), ANODIC, Cast iron, Lead,
Tin, Brasses, Copper, Bronzes, CATHODIC, Titanium, Monel, Nickel, Nickel (passive), 304 Stainless Steel
(passive), 316 Stainless Steel (passive),Silver, Graphite, and/or NOBLE
Steel coated with zinc for corrosion resistance.
A crane similar to a top running crane except one side of the bridge is supported by one or more gantry legs
that ride on a rail attached to the floor, while the other side’s end truck rides on a runway beam.
The thickness of sheet metal.
A main horizontal or near horizontal structural member that supports vertical loads. It may consist of
several pieces.
A horizontal structural member that is attached to sidewall or endwall columns and supports paneling.
The reflection of sunlight that can impair vision and create an annoyance. Glare of a coated surface is
controlled by the sheen. Low Sheen = Low Glare.
The process of installing glass in windows and doors.
Glass panes or paneling used in windows and doors.
The term used when referring to the ground elevation around a building.
A concrete beam around the perimeter of a building.
The probable weight of snow on the ground for a specified recurrence interval exclusive of drifts or sliding
snow.
A mixture of cement, sand and water used to fill cracks and cavities. Sometimes used under base plates or
leveling plates to obtain uniform bearing surfaces.
A steel plate used to reinforce or connect structural elements.
A light gauge metal member at an eave, valley or parapet designed to carry water from the roof to downspouts
or drains.
H
A steel member with a cross section in the shape of an “H”.
“V” shaped reinforcing steel used to transfer shear in the anchor rods to the concrete floor mass.
A crane in which the bridge, hoist, or trolley is operated by the manual use of chain and gear without
electric power.
The deepened portion of a column or rafter designed to accommodate the higher bending moments at such
points. (Usually occurs at the intersection of column and rafter.)
A diagonal member from the intersection of the column and rafter section of the rigid frame to the eave
member to prevent lateral buckling of the haunch.
The horizontal framing member located at the top of a framed opening.
The difference in temperature between the outdoor mean temperature over a 24-hour period and a given base
temperature. For example, using a base temperature of 65° F a day with 50° F mean temperature has 15 HDD
(65-50=15). The annual Heating Degree Days are the sum of the degree days over a calendar year.
The edge created by folding metal back on itself.
Any bolt made from steel having a tensile strength in excess of 100,000 pounds per square inch.
Structural steel having a yield stress in excess of 36,000 pounds per square inch.
See “Pinned Base”.
The line formed at the intersection of two adjacent sloping planes of a roof.
A roof that is formed by sloping planes from all four sides.
A mechanical lifting device usually attached to a trolley that travels along a bridge, monorail or jib
crane. May be chain or electric operated.
Wheels mounted near the ends of end trucks that roll on the side of the rail to restrict lateral movement of
the crane.
Steel sections (angles, channels, S-shapes, W-shapes, etc.) which are formed by rolling mills while the
steel is in a semi-molten state.
Metal panel systems that are designed to “shed water” are referred to as hydrokinetic. Hydrokinetic roof
details are typically devoid of sealant and rely on water to freely shed over the joints. Hydrokinetic roof
details are not to be used on roof slopes below 3:12.
Metal panel systems that are designed to withstand being submersed in water for a period of time are called
hydrostatic panels. Hydrostatic roof details rely on sealant to keep water from infiltrating the joints and
seams. Hydrostatic roof details can be used at almost any roof slope (1/4:12 minimum).
I
See “S” Shape.
International Building Code.
International Conference of Building Officials.
A buildup of ice that forms a dam on the roof covering along the eave of the building.
International Energy Conservation Code.
A dynamic load resulting from the motion of machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles, and other similar
moving forces. See Auxiliary Loads.
A power tool used to tighten nuts on bolts.
A factor that accounts for the degree of hazard to human life and damage to property.
Wire mesh used to prevent insects from entering the building through ventilators, louvers, or other
openings.
Any material used in building construction to reduce heat transfer.
Pressure inside a building caused by wind acting on the building porosity.
J
A beam used to support another beam, rafter or truss and eliminate a column support.
A truss used to support another beam, rafter or truss and eliminate a column support.
The vertical framing members located at the sides of an opening.
A cantilevered or suspended beam with hoist and trolley. This lifting device may pick up loads in all or
part of a circle around the column to which it is attached.
A device used to hold pieces of material in a certain position during fabrication.
Light beam for supporting a floor or roof.
K
An extension attached to the bottom of a downspout to direct water away from a wall.
A unit of measure equal to 1,000 pounds.
The connecting area of a column and rafter of a structural frame such as a rigid frame.
A diagonal member at a column and rafter intersection designed to resist horizontal loads.
A metal cover trim that fits over a panel rib or seam area after it has been cut and bent at a fascia break
detail.
L
A joint where one roof panel or flashing segment overlaps another.
A structure having only one slope and depending upon another structure for partial support.
The dimension of the building measured perpendicular to the main framing from end wall to end wall.
A steel plate used on top of a foundation or other support on which a structural column can rest.
Maximum safe vertical distance through which the hook, magnet, or bucket can move. Also referred to as “Hook
Height”
Buckets, magnets, grabs and other supplemental devices, the weight of which is to be considered part of the
rated load, used for ease in handling certain types of loads.
A metal panel attached to the inside flange of the girts or inside of a wall panel.
See “Roof or Floor Live Load”.
A washer with dimples which flatten when the high strength bolt is tightened. The bolt tension can then be
determined by the use of feeler gages to determine the gap between the washer and the bolt head.
The direction parallel to the ridge or sidewall.
Direction parallel to the crane runway beams.
An opening provided with fixed or movable, slanted fins to allow flow of air.
A description of a class of buildings usually less than 60′ eave height. Commonly, they are single story,
but do not exceed 4 stories.
Load and Resistance Factor Design.
M
An assemblage of rafters and columns that support the secondary framing members and transfer loads directly
to the foundation.
A structural assembly that provides for the overall stability of the building and receives wind loads from
more than one surface. Examples include shear walls, diaphragms, rigid frames, and space structures.
A steep sloped (almost vertical) real or mock roof element on the perimeter of a building. Originated by the
French architect, Francois Mansart.
A party who designs and fabricates a Metal Building System.
An engineer employed by a manufacturer who is in responsible charge of the structural design of a Metal
Building System fabricated by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s engineer is typically not the Engineer of
Record.
Anything constructed of materials such as bricks, concrete blocks, ceramic blocks, and concrete.
See “Sealant”.
A written description of the chemicals composing a product, and other information, such as safe handling and
emergency procedures. In accordance with OSHA regulations, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to
produce an MSDS and the employer’s responsibility to communicate its contents to employees.
Metal Building Manufacturers Association.
Metal Construction Association.
Average height of roof above ground.
A complete integrated set of mutually dependent components and assemblies that form a building including
primary and secondary framing, covering and accessories, and are manufactured to permit inspection on site
prior to assembly or erection.
An intermediate level between floor and ceiling occupying a partial area of the floor space.
Cranes with service classification E and F as defined by CMAA.
The joint produced by joining two diagonally cut pieces, or the act of making such a cut.
A building code that is accepted in a large number of states. (See Building Codes.)
The tendency of a force to cause rotation about a point or axis.
A connection designed to transfer moment as well as axial and shear forces between connecting members.
A physical property of a member, which helps define strength and deflection characteristics.
A method of placing concrete grade beam and floor slab together to form the building foundation without
forming and placing each separately.
A crane where the hoist and trolley ride on a single S-shaped runway beam. Similar to an underhung crane,
except a Monorail has only one runway beam and no bridge span and is limited to movement in one axis.
Buildings consisting of more than one gable across the width of the building.
Buildings consisting of more than one span across the width of the building. Multiple gable buildings and
single gable buildings with interior columns are examples.
A crane that has two or more girders for supporting the lifted load.
N
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.
North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members (an AISI Standard).
National Building Code.
A synthetic rubber (polychloroprene) used in liquid-applied and sheet-applied elastromeric roof membranes or
flashings. Also once used as gasketing material beneath the head of metal screw fasteners (although most now
use EPDM).
SI unit of measure for force (N).
Cathodic.
Panels which are not generally designed to carry loads and are not normally capable of spanning between
structural supports without benefit of substrate materials such as wood, metal or concrete decks. Applied
snow, dead, live, concentrated and wind loads are resisted by the support substrate.
O
A waviness that may occur in flat areas of light gage, formed metal products. Structural integrity is not
normally affected by this inherent characteristic and therefore is only an aesthetic issue.
Light weight truss.
The documents normally required by the Manufacturer in the ordinary course of entering and processing
an order.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is composed of rectangular-shaped wood strands which are cross-oriented,
compressed, and glued together with waterproof adhesives. OSB is often used in both residential and
nonresidential construction, such as floors, walls and roof sheathing. Note: Particle Board is not
considered OSB, and should not be used in roofing applications.
See “Auxiliary Crane Girder”.
A simply supported beam that extends beyond its support.
See “Sectional Overhead Doors”.
P
The bottom flat part of a roof panel, which is between the ribs of the panel.
A panel that has a broad flat surface with vertical sides and no space between the edge profile.
A notch or block out formed along the outside edge of the floor slab to provide support for the wall panels
and serve as a closure along their bottom edge.
See “Cladding”.
That portion of the vertical wall of a building that extends above the roof line.
See “Components and Cladding”.
SI unit of measure for force per unit area (N/m2).
The uppermost point of a gable.
A sign attached to the peak of the building at the endwall identifying the building manufacturer.
Crane operated from a pendant control unit suspended from the crane.
A swinging door used by personnel for access to and exit from a building.
A number given to each separate part of the building for erection identification. Also called mark number
and part number.
A concrete structure designed to transfer vertical load from the base of a column to the footing.
A sheet metal section designed to direct the flow of water out through the face of the gutter rather than
through a downspout.
A reinforced or enlarged portion of a masonry wall to provide support for roof loads or lateral loads on the
wall.
A column base that is designed to resist horizontal and vertical movement, but not rotation.
A connection designed to transfer axial and shear forces between connecting members, but not moments.
The peak height of a gabled building divided by its overall span.
A method of interlocking metal sheets where each of two sheets are folded with two 180° bends.
A design concept based on multiplying the actual loads by a suitable load factor, and using the yield stress
as the maximum stress in any member, and taking into consideration moment redistribution.
See “Translucent Light Panels”.
1. The gathering of water at low or irregular areas on a roof.
2. Progressive accumulation of water from deflection due to rain loads.
See “Blind Rivet”.
Openings in buildings which allow air to enter during a wind storm.
A rigid frame so designed that it offers rigidity and stability in its plane. It is generally used to resist
longitudinal loads where other bracing methods are not permitted.
See “Column”.
See “Beam and Column”.
A method of prestressing reinforced concrete in which tendons are tensioned after the concrete has reached a
specific strength.
A device for fastening items by the utilization of a patented device which uses an explosive charge or
compressed air to embed the pin in the concrete or steel.
Coil of metal that has received a paint coating.
A machine used in cold-forming metal sheet or strip into desired sections.
Concrete in which internal stresses of such magnitude and distribution are introduced that the tensile
stresses resulting from the service loads are counteracted to a desired degree; in reinforced concrete the
prestress is commonly introduced by tensioning the tendons.
A method of prestressing reinforced concrete in which the tendons are tensioned before the concrete has been
placed.
See “Main Frame”.
A beam with uniform cross section.
A building or space where 300 or more persons may congregate in one area.
A horizontal structural member that supports roof covering.
Q
R
The main beam supporting the roof system.
A groove or slot, often cut in a masonry wall or other vertical surface adjoining a roof, for inserting an
inset flashing component such as a reglet.
See “Crane Rail”.
The horizontal stiffening members of framed and paneled doors.
The intersection of the plane of the roof and the plane of the endwall.
Angle fastened to purlins at rake for attachment of endwall panels.
A flashing designed to close the opening between the roof and endwall panels.
The maximum load (usually in tons) that the crane is designed to support safely.
The resisting forces at the column bases holding the structure in equilibrium under a given loading
condition.
A sheet metal receiver for the attachment of counterflashing, or the counterflashing itself when mounted to
a wall. (A reglet may be inset into a raggle, embedded behind cladding, or be surface mounted.)
The steel placed in concrete as required to carry the tension, compression and shear stresses.
A crane controlled by an operator not in a pulpit or in the cab attached to the crane, by any method other
than pendant or rope control.
The placing of new metal roof or wall systems over deteriorated roofs or walls.
The longitudinal raised profile of a panel that provides much of the panel’s bending strength.
A panel that has ribs with sloping sides and forms a trapezoidal shaped void at the side lap.
The horizontal line formed by opposing sloping sides of a roof running parallel with the building length.
A transition of the roofing materials along the ridge of a roof; sometimes called ridge roll or ridge
flashing.
Typically, a rigid polyisocyanurate or polystyrene foam insulation.
See “Moment Connection”.
A structural frame consisting of members joined together with moment connections so as to render the frame
stable with respect to the design loads, without the need for bracing in its plane.
Single or multiple leaf doors that open horizontally and are supported at the bottom on wheels that run on a
track.
A door that opens by traveling vertically.
All roof/ceiling components of the building envelope that are horizontal or sloped at an angle less than 60
degrees from horizontal.
The exposed exterior roof surface consisting of panels.
See “Curb, Roof”
1. A synthetic rubber boot or collar that is used to seal around round roof projections. (Also see “Flashing
Collar”.)
2. A metal bracket used to support toe-boards on steep-slope roofs.
Loads that are produced (1) during maintenance by workers, equipment, and materials, and (2) during the life
of the structure by movable objects and do not include wind, snow, seismic or dead loads.
A roof extension beyond the end wall or side wall of a building.
A machine that crimps or folds adjacent edges of standing seam metal roof panels together, to form a seam.
The tangent of the angle that a roof surface makes with the horizontal, usually expressed in units of
vertical rise to 12 units of horizontal run.
That load induced by the weight of snow on the roof of the structure. Usually obtained by taking a fraction
of the “Ground Snow Load”.
See “Butyl Tape”.
See “Crane Runway Beam”.
A bracket attached to the column of a building frame which supports the runway beam for top-running cranes.
The main conductors mounted on or parallel to the runway that supplies electric current to the crane.
The reciprocal of the U-factor (thermal transmittance). Units of R and h•ft2/Btu. Higher R-values indicate a
material’s ability to resist more heat flow.
S
A hot rolled beam with narrow tapered flanges.
A tension member such as rods, straps or angles used to limit the deflection of a girt or purlin in the
direction of its weak axis.
A panel used as covering consisting of an insulating core material with inner and outer metal skins.
Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc.
A nonstructural wall erected around units or curbs on a roof. Typically the framing consists of girts with a
wood or metal covering attached to the frame.
See “Through-Fastened Roof System”.
An opening in a gutter or parapet wall that allows excess water to escape.
A single-or multi-component polymeric or bituminous-based material used to weatherproof construction joints
where moderate movement is expected. The material comes in various grades: pourable,
selfleveling,non-sagging, gun grade, and tapes.
1. The joint (sidelap) area formed by connecting two adjacent roof panels.
2. A joint formed by mating two separate sections of material.
A mechanical device that is used to close and seal the side seams of standing seam roof panels.
Members that carry loads from the building surface to the main framing. For example– purlins and girts.
A geometric property of a structural member. It is used in design to determine the flexural strength of a
member.
Doors constructed in horizontally hinged sections. They are equipped with springs, tracks, counter
The lateral load acting in any horizontal direction on a structural system due to the action of an
earthquake.
A fastener that combines the functions of drilling and tapping.
A fastener that taps its own threads in a predrilled hole.
The force tending to make two contacting parts slide upon each other in opposite directions parallel to
their plane of contact.
See “Diaphragm”.
See Metal Flashing
A piece of steel used to level base plates or align columns or beams.
See “Bill of Materials”.
The initial coat of primer paint applied in the shop.
See “Power Actuated Fastener”.
A fastener used to attach wall and roof paneling to the structural frame. It consists of a large diameter
shank and a small diameter stud. The shank provides support for the panel rib.
The International System of Units. Also known as the metric system.
A fastener used to connect panels together at their side lap.
See “Drift (Sidesway)”.
An exterior wall that is perpendicular to the frames of a building system.
See “Roof Overhang”.
The bottom horizontal framing member of a wall opening such as a window or door.
See “Base Angle”.
See “Pin Connection”.
A term used in structural design to describe a beam support condition at two points which offers no
resistance to rotation at the supports.
A sloping roof in one plane. The slope is from one wall to the opposite wall.
A building or structural member without intermediate support.
A standing seam that utilizes one overlapping interlock between two panels.
A small groove to arrest the capillary action of two adjacent surfaces. (Anti-Capillary Groove).
See “Crane Support Column”.
A roof accessory to admit light, normally mounted on a curbed framed opening.
A single or double leaf door that opens horizontally by means of sliding on an overhead trolley.
A standing seam roof system hold down clip which allows the roof panel to move independently of the roof
substructure.
See “Roof Slope”.
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association.
A cap that snaps over the vertical legs of some single standing or batten seam metal roof systems.
See “Drift (Snow)”.
See “Roof Snow Load”.
The tightness of a bolt in a connection that exists when all plies in a joint are in firm contact.
A material that covers the underside of an overhang.
A pre-manufactured or custom built air inlet located in the soffit of a roof assembly.
The load per unit area a structure will exert through its foundation on the soil.
The ratio of the reflected solar flux to the incident solar flux.
Radiation originating from the sun, including ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared radiation.
Approximately 99% of solar energy lies between wavelengths of 0.3 to 3.5 micrometers.
1. Ultraviolet (UV) 3% of total energy (responsible for sunburn)
2. Visible (VIS) 40% of total energy (visible light)
3. Infrared (IR) 57% of total energy (felt as heat)
An intermediate column used to support secondary structurals; not part of a main frame or beam and column
system.
A type of assembly used to keep the end trucks of adjacent cranes on the same runway beams a minimum
specified distance apart.
A chip or fragment of concrete that has chipped, weathered or otherwise broken from the main mass of
concrete.
The distance between supports of beams, girders, or trusses.
A statement of a set of Metal Building System requirements describing the loading conditions, design
practices, materials and finishes.
A connection in a structural member.
1. See “Butt Plate”
2. In Roofing, a metal plate placed underneath the joint between two sheets of metal.
A tool used by erectors to line up holes and to make up bolted connections; a wrench with a tapered handle.
1. The term used for an area of 100 square feet.
2. A 900 angle.
An alloy of steel that contains a high percentage of chromium to increase corrosion resistance. Also may
contain nickel or copper.
Side joints of roof panels that are arranged in a vertical position above the drainage plane of the panels
or flashings.
A standing seam roof system is one in which the side laps between the roof panels are arranged in a vertical
position above the roof line. The roof panel system is secured to the roof substructure by meansof concealed
hold down clips attached with screws to the substructure, except that through fasteners may be used at
limited locations such as at ends of panels and at roof penetrations.
1. A member used to strengthen a plate against lateral or local buckling. Usually a flat bar welded
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member.
2. A formed shape in a metal panel that reduces the effect of oil canning in the panel’s flat area.
Sometimes called “stiffener rib”, or “stiffener flute”.
A short extension of material at an angle to the flange of cold formed structural members, which adds
strength to the member.
The vertical side members of framed and paneled doors.
A fastener connecting panels together at the sidelap.
Crane wheels with flat machined treads and double flanges which limit the lateral movement of the crane.
The deformation per unit length measured in the direction of the stress caused by forces acting on a member.
Not the same as deflection.
A measure of the load on a structural member in terms of force per unit area.
A panel that is capable of spanning between structural supports and can resist snow, dead, live,
concentrated and wind loads without the benefit of any substrate material.
A member fitted into a framework that resists axial compressive forces.
A vertical wall member to which exterior or interior covering or collateral material may be attached. May be
either load bearing or non-load bearing.
The surface upon which the roofing or waterproofing membrane is placed (i.e. structural deck, plywood or
insulation).
The system (rigid or flexible) used to suspend the runway beams of underhung or monorail cranes from the
rafter of the building frames.
“Meeting the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their needs.” – The World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987 (U.N. Brundtland Report).
The amount of deviation of straightness of a structural section measured perpendicular to the web of the
member.
T
A built up plate member consisting of flanges welded to a variable depth web.
End truck wheels with treads that are tapered, the large diameter being toward the center of the span.
Light weight deformed steel rods or wire mesh placed in concrete to resist possible cracks from thermal
expansion or contraction.
The longitudinal pulling stress a material can bear without tearing apart.
Forces acting on a member tending to elongate it.
A thermal insulating material that is placed between the metal building roof and the compressed insulation
over the purlins. Also known as a “thermal spacer block”.
The time rate of heat flow through unit area of a body induced by unit temperature difference between the
body surfaces. Units for C are Btu / (ft2 × °F) [Imperial system] or Watts / (m2 × °K) [SI system]. See
“Thermal resistance”.
The time rate of heat flow through unit thickness of a flat slab of a homogenous material in the
perpendicular direction to the slab surfaces induced by unit temperature gradient. Units for K are Btu /
hour / °F [Imperial system] or Watts / hour / °K [SI system]. See “Thermal resistivity”.
The ratio of the radiant heat flux emitted by a sample to that emitted by a blackbody radiator at the same
temperature. (Total Thermal Emittance). Values are expressed from 0 to 1.0, with 1.0 being the maximum
emittance possible.
The expansion and contraction that occurs in materials due to temperature change.
Reinforcing steel, usually in the concrete, extending from one column pier to the other column pier, tying
the two columns of a rigid frame together to resist thrust.
A through-fastened roof system is one in which the roof panels are attached directly to the roof
substructure with fasteners which penetrate through the roof sheets and into the substructure.
The horizontal component of a reaction usually at the column base.
A structural member that is loaded in tension.
A measurement of weight equaling 2000 pounds.
A wrench containing an adjustable mechanism for measuring and controlling the amount of torque or turning
force to be exerted – often used in tightening nuts and bolts.
A metal way for wheeled components; specifically, one or more lines of ways, with fastenings, ties, etc.,
for a craneway, monorail or slide door.
Panels used to admit light.
The direction parallel to the main frames.
A panel configuration whose edge profile forms an open geometric form, roughly in the shape of a
trapezoid.
The area directly supported by the structural member between contiguous supports.
The light gauge metal used in the finish of a building, especially around openings and at intersections of
surfaces. Often referred to as flashing. When contrasted, “trim” is generally more decorative, while
“flashing” serves more as functional weatherproofing.
The unit carrying the hoisting mechanism.
The basic structure of the trolley on which are mounted the hoisting and traversing mechanisms.
A structure made up of three or more members, with each member designed to carry a tension or compression
force. The entire structure in turn acts as a beam.
A method for pre-tensioning high strength bolts. The nut is turned from the “Snug tight” position,
corresponding to a few blows of an impact wrench or the full effort of a man using an ordinary spud wrench,
the amount of rotation required being a function of the bolt diameter and length.
See “Kick-Out”.
Bolts with a segment which shears off at a predetermined torque during bolt tightening. These bolts utilize
a specially designed wrench for proper installation.
U
Uniform Building Code.
A secondary waterproofing sheet material installed between the substrate and the roof panels, usually used
in hydrokinetic roof construction. Some types may be self-adhering.
1. See “Wind Uplift”
2. Upward force at a column base caused by applied building loads or building geometry.
A built environment wherein the large proportion of dark surfaces such as asphalt paving and dark roofs
absorb solar radiation and radiate the heat back into the atmosphere causing higher ambient temperatures and
higher pollution levels.
Heat transmission in unit time through unit area of a material or construction and the boundary air films,
induced by unit temperature difference between the environments on each side. Units of U are Btu / (hour ×
ft2). A lower U-value, means less heat flow that occurs through an assembly from the warm side to the cooler
side.
V
An architectural detail created where two roof planes intersect, usually having ridge lines at right angles
to each other.
A channel used to carry off water from the “V” of roofs of multi-gabled buildings.
Material used to retard the flow of vapor or moisture to prevent condensation from forming on a surface.
A surface marked with patches, spots or areas of different colors. In contrast to a surface having either
one color or a regular pattern or texture, a variegated surface has a varied design of several colors and/or
textures.
An opening designed to exhaust air, heat, water vapor or other gas from a building or a building component
to the atmosphere.
The process of supplying or removing air by natural or mechanical means to or from any space.
An accessory usually used on the roof that allows the air to pass through.
W
A hot rolled member with parallel flanges.
Wall material used in the lower portion of a wall that is different from the material in the rest of the
wall.
See “Personnel Door”.
The exterior wall surface consisting of panels or other material.
That portion of a structural member between the flanges.
A secondary structural member interposed between the top and bottom chords of a truss.
See “Stiffener”.
Distance from center-to-center of outermost crane wheels.
The vertical force without impact produced on a crane wheel bearing on a runway rail or suspended from a
runway beam. Maximum wheel load occurs with the crane at rated capacity and the trolley positioned to
provide maximum vertical force at one set of wheels.
The dimension of the building measured parallel to the main framing from sidewall to sidewall.
See “Portal Frame”.
A vertical member designed to withstand horizontal wind loads.
The load caused by the wind from any horizontal direction.
The differential pressure resulting from the deflection of wind at roof edges, roof peaks or obstructions,
causing a drop in air pressure immediately above the roof surface. This pressure, combined with “Internal
Pressure”, produces an upward force on the roof components. In “Built-Up Roofing”, wind uplift may also
occur because of the introduction of wind pressure underneath the membrane and roof edges, where it can
cause the membrane to balloon and pull away from the deck.
X
Bracing system with members arranged diagonally in both directions to form an “X”. See “Bracing”.
Y
Z
A member cold formed from steel sheet in the shape of a “Z”.
Steel coated with an alloy of zinc and aluminum to provide corrosion resistance.
