When it comes to selecting the steel siding profile for your project, small design details can make a big impact. Two common profile options that people often confuse are striations and minor ribs.
While they each serve distinct purposes with different structural effects, the most important commonality is that they reduce oil canning, one of the most important things to consider when utilizing steel roofing and siding.
What is Oil Canning?
Oil Canning is when sheet metal products seem to bow or wave outwards, causing a cosmetic change in appearance. The flatter the metal panel, the higher likelihood you’ll have of oil canning. Striations and Minor Ribs both combat this issue, though Striations are definitely the most effective way at reducing oil canning.
If you need to maintain a flat panel and are worried about the possibility of oil canning, we recommend profiles with a higher gauge to help prevent canning, such as Board & Batten or Expand Modular Systems.
What Are Striations?
Striations are a subtle, crimped pattern rolled into the steel panel surface during manufacturing. These ripples run the length of the panel and are designed primarily to minimize the appearance of oil canning.
Visually, striations add a refined structure that catches light in a uniform way, making panels look consistent from any angle. They are especially popular for modern architectural styles, residential homes, and commercial builds where a contemporary look is desired. They are commonly found in some of our Forma Steel profiles like Forma Loc.
What Are Minor Ribs?
Minor ribs, on the other hand, are small, raised ribs that run along the panel’s flat sections, providing both a more rigid and industrial definition. Typically spaced evenly across the panel, these ribs add a subtle shadow line effect and stiffen the panel’s structure, helping it resist buckling or denting under load.
Minor ribs tend to create a more industrial or traditional look compared to striations. They’re often seen on agricultural or commercial builds such as shops, sheds, and barns. Amongst our Forma Steel profiles, the ones most commonly seen with minor ribs are FC-36, I/9, and FR Panel.
Combat Oil Canning in an Eye Catching Way
Ultimately, whether you choose striations or minor ribs, your metal roofing and siding will be more structurally rigid, reduce oil canning, and will look visually arresting. Contact us today about our steel profiles, and for more information about oil canning, you can read our other blog post about it here.
