Palm Beach County Contractors

Float or Fix

Standing seam roof panels expand and contract with temperature. Watch fixed vs floating clips respond as you change the temperature - and see why getting the clip layout right matters for hurricane survival.

Calculate Wind Loads Compare Clip Types

Temperature: 80°F

Fixed vs Floating Clips

You need both. The question is where to put each type.

Fixed Clips

Lock panel in place - no sliding
Placed at one end of panel run
Creates anchor point for thermal movement
Using all fixed clips causes buckling

Floating Clips

Allow panel to slide during expansion
Placed along length of panel run
Still resist full uplift load
Prevent thermal stress damage

Clip Spacing Calculator

Estimate clip spacing based on wind pressure and clip rating.

Clip Spacing Estimator

Roof Zone Wind Pressure-75 psf

Clip Uplift Rating350 lbs

Max Spacing (Field)

24"

Max Spacing (Edge)

18"

Max Spacing (Corner)

12"

Common Questions

Fixed clips lock the panel in place - no movement allowed. Floating clips allow the panel to slide as it expands and contracts with temperature. A standing seam roof needs both: fixed clips at one end and floating clips along the rest to handle thermal movement.

Clip spacing depends on wind zone and roof location. In Palm Beach County with 170 mph winds, clips in corner and edge zones may need to be 12-18 inches apart. Field areas might allow 24 inches. The clip manufacturer's wind rating tables determine exact spacing.

Standing seam failure usually starts at clips. Clips spaced too far apart get overloaded. Cheap clips with low uplift ratings fail. Improper seaming leaves weak spots. Thermal movement stress from all-fixed clips can cause fatigue. Proper design prevents all of these.