When you’re specifying materials for a metal roofing or siding project, details matter. While it’s tempting to drop in specs from a previous project, what works for one building may not translate well to another, especially with metal roofing projects. At Great Northern Metal Company (GNMC), we’ve seen how one overlooked detail can lead to long lead times, material swaps, or installation issues on the jobsite.
But here’s the good news: speccing metal can be simple and efficient with the right process and the right support. Whether you’re working on a custom build in Bozeman or a commercial project in Billings, this guide will help you avoid the most common pitfalls and set your project up for success.
Architects and Metal Roofs: 5 Steps to Perfect Specifications
1. Get Specific, Not Generic
Metal roofing and siding systems aren’t one-size-fits-all. Panel types, thicknesses (gauges), colors, coatings, and installation methods vary widely—and so do the performance expectations for each project.
Copying specs from a previous project without tailoring them to your current one can cause mismatches. We’ve seen architects unknowingly specify unavailable gauges or outdated finishes that are no longer produced. The result? Project delays, change orders, and rework that could have been avoided.
Better approach: Start with specs written for this project. GNMC offers 3-part specs for every panel profile, developed in partnership with Sheffield Metals. They include everything you need—general requirements, fire and impact ratings, product data, installation guidelines, and finish options. If you’re unsure which profile or gauge is best for your build, just ask.
2. Know What’s Available Now
The metal industry changes. Lead times shift. Materials go in and out of production. If you’re working off old product sheets or assuming a supplier still stocks a certain finish, you might be designing a project around a spec that’s not actually orderable.
Pro tip: Before you finalize your spec, check in with the supplier. At GNMC, we can tell you exactly what’s in stock, what’s made-to-order, and what finishes or panel profiles are best suited for your timeline and climate. A quick five-minute call or email can save hours of redesign later.
3. Understand Performance Expectations
Montana’s climate throws a lot at buildings—snow loads, ice damming, high UV, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles. That’s why it’s important to specify panels that match both the building’s needs and the realities of the jobsite.
For example, some profiles don’t perform well when installed below a certain slope or others are better suited to wall applications than roofing and vice versa.
By discussing your goals with GNMC early, we can recommend panel types and specs that match the demands of your site and meet performance standards from day one.
4. Be Open to Feedback
We’ve worked with dozens of architects across Montana. The best experiences happen when there’s collaboration early in the process. When architects consult us before finalizing their specs, the results are always smoother:
- Fewer RFIs
- Fewer change orders
- Faster delivery
- Better accuracy
- Stronger working relationships
No detail is too small to ask about. Placement of chimneys, integration of snow guards, how panels terminate at ridges—these are all things we’re happy to discuss. We’ll always tell you what’s worked well in similar builds.
5. Use the Tools We’ve Built for You
GNMC provides full 3-part specs for all of our panels, including most concealed fastener and exposed fastener systems. If you’re not already requesting or downloading these, they’re a huge time saver. Each spec includes:
- General conditions
- Products and materials
- Execution and installation guidelines
- Fire and impact ratings
- Warranty language
- Finish and color options
These specs are designed to drop right into your plan sets with minimal editing. Plus, if you need a custom variation for your build, we’ll help you draft one.
6. Consult First!
If there’s one takeaway from this guide, it’s this: a quick consultation upfront can prevent big issues down the road.
At Great Northern Metal Company, we make it easy. Whether you prefer a five-minute phone call or a quick email with your plans attached, our team is here to help you spec the right panel, avoid costly oversights, and hit your timeline. We’ll tell you what’s in stock, what’s working well in similar Montana builds, and what details to watch for. It’s fast, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. No wasted time, no sales pitch, just real support from people who know metal.
Let’s Make Your Next Project Even Smoother
At the end of the day, we’re here to help you deliver a high-performance, low-stress metal project that reflects your design vision and stands up to Montana’s demands. We’re happy to review your drawings, answer material questions, and offer real-world insight before your spec goes to bid.
Before you finalize your next metal roof or siding spec, reach out. We’ll help you pick the right panel, write the correct spec, and set your project up for success.
Let’s talk—give us a call or send your plans our way. We’d love to be part of your process.
