metal building measuring wall liner panel?

[MNBobcat]

Hi guys,

I'm installing pole building metal on the walls inside my building. The ceiling is already installed and around the perimeter of the ceiling is an upside down j-trim that the top of my panel will slide up into. (note -- I'm calling it J-trim for brevity but the top trim is not technically a j-trim)

I'm just now going to install the bottom trim.

When I order my metal they cut the metal to an even inch.

I made a story pole that will slide up into that pocket in the j-trim around the ceiling just as the wall liner would. I'm going to use that story pole to align the bottom trim (as I install the bottom trim) so that it runs perfectly parallel to the top trim.

What I need to know is how much "gap" I should allow in my measurements for installing the wall panels?

In other words, say I position the top of the bottom trim at 138.5 inches from the top of the pocket in the top trim. Then I would order wall panels pre-cut to 138 inches. That would leave me a half inch gap for installing the panel.

Someone else said to allow a 1 inch gap. To me...that sounds like way too much.

I want to hear from someone that has done this for a living or has a lot of experience doing this since we're talking thousands of dollars in metal I'm ordering.

How much gap should I allow?

Thanks!

 

[SSdoxie]

I built pole and metal buidings for close to 15 years before changing carrers and a lot of those were lined with steel on the inside. Yes, J channel is the correct term for that trim at the top the steel slides into. 1/2" clearance should be more than enough provided the top J channel is straight within 1/4" variance, and you keep your steel running plumb. It is much easier to cut off a little, if it hits a tight spot, than trying to make it cover a large gap. 1' at the top would leave the top edge exposed, giving appearance of not well finished. If the steel length at an even inch length is a little too short you could always add another row of the J channel at the top, just butt it up against the one that is there.

 

[davedj1]

Just install the bottom J as you put the wall panels up, no need to have it fixed in place prior. Use the last screw to hold the J and panel. I'm a builder and that is how I would do it. Have all the panels cut the same length, keep them tight at top.

 

[Rustyiron]

I wouldn't use that story pole against a truss, that is unless they are checked for true. The bottom chord of the truss can be very wavey and can change alot in 2'. This will give you a fit trying to follow those marks. This may not be the case but in such situations I would make your mark on each end and one every 15' or so in between and chalk a line for your trim. Allow your self the 1/2 " you mentioned (from your longest measurement of the wall). Chances are you may not want to "relate" down from the ceiling. The floor will be a "stronger" visual point of reference, giving the eye something to relate to, assuming that your floor will be parallel to your bottom wall trim, giving you a point to measure up from for your bottom closure (rat) trim.