Standing Seam Cladding Installation: Top 7 Builder Questions Answered (and How to Prevent Oil Canning)
Introduction: Standing Seam Cladding Installation in Australia
Standing seam cladding is fast becoming the go-to choice for modern Australian homes and commercial projects. At MyCladders, we field questions from builders every week about COLORBOND standing seam cladding installation—especially when it comes to getting a flawless finish and avoiding issues like oil canning.
In this guide, we answer the 7 most frequently asked builder questions about standing seam cladding and share our top professional tips for a perfect result.
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### 1. Do I Need to Ply the Wall Before Installing Standing Seam Cladding?
**Short answer:** No, you don’t need to ply the wall.
For both timber and steel frame walls, simply batten the wall to create a thermal break and vapor barrier. Our standard method is insulation, sarking (wrap), battens, then COLORBOND cladding. Ply isn’t necessary for a high-quality installation.
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### 2. How Do I Flash Around Windows for COLORBOND Cladding?
**Pre-flashing is essential.**
Before laying cladding, install all side, head, and toe flashings around windows and doors. Each project is unique, so solutions are often bespoke to suit the window type and cladding profile. Always use quality sealant and avoid tight cuts around flashings to prevent oil canning.
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### 3. How Do I Set Out a Wall So Sheets Line Up with Windows?
**Careful planning is key.**
Start your layout from the most visually important windows or doors. Mark your sheet centers (e.g., 265mm, 320mm) and work outwards for symmetry. Consider custom under-sheets for tricky layouts, and always double-check measurements.
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### 4. What’s the Best Standing Seam Cladding Width to Minimize Oil Canning?
– **165mm:** Minimal oil canning, less traditional look.
– **265mm & 320mm:** Best balance of aesthetics and performance (320mm in 0.6mm is our favorite).
– **465mm:** Most likely to oil can, even if thicker.
For most projects, 265mm or 320mm wide sheets in thicker gauge are ideal for reducing oil canning.
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### 5. Are There Cheaper Alternatives to Standing Seam Cladding?
**Yes, but with trade-offs.**
Concealed fixed roofing profiles (like Lysaght Clip Lock, Stratco Topdeck) can be used vertically for wall cladding. These offer a similar look at a lower cost—sometimes $50–$60 per m² less. For a more architectural finish, choose matte colors to reduce reflectiveness.
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### 6. Should Hoods or Awnings Be Installed Before or After Cladding?
**Install hoods/awnings before cladding.**
Fit the hood or surround to the wall, then install battens and cladding around it. Always pre-flash and over-flash for watertightness. Measure carefully to allow for flashings and a professional finish.
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### 7. How Do I Flash Between Different Cladding Types?
**Custom flashings are required.**
When joining COLORBOND cladding to other materials (like fiber cement, weatherboard, or brick), custom flashings ensure a seamless, watertight finish. Each project is unique—there’s no off-the-shelf solution.
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### Bonus: How to Prevent Oil Canning in COLORBOND Cladding
**Pro tip:**
When installing battens, avoid a perfectly flat wall. Instead, pack battens so the wall has a very slight outward bow (like a gentle rainbow). This keeps the sheets under gentle tension and helps prevent oil canning. Never allow the wall to dip inwards.
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### Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: What is oil canning in metal cladding?**
A: Oil canning is visible waviness or distortion in flat metal panels, often caused by expansion, contraction, or improper installation.
**Q: Can I use standing seam cladding on both walls and roofs?**
A: Yes, standing seam cladding is suitable for both applications, but installation details may differ.
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### Internal Linking Suggestion
For more expert tips on COLORBOND cladding, check out our [blog on cleaning and maintaining COLORBOND cladding](#) or visit our [project gallery](#).
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