Metal roof on home

[19977]

I'm thinking of getting a metal roof on my home which already has 2 layers of shingles,the max i can go.Anybody have any ideas or suggestions ,as in good or bad,what to look out for.I have googled a bit but after awhile you just get overwhelmed.I'm reaching out to someone who may have been were i'm at now. Thanks Mike

 

[schmism]

metal roof is fine for a home, but you better be tearing off both layers of those asphalt shingles first.

Standard dead load for a house is at max 2 layers of shingles.

 

[shaley]

What schmism said. Plus, you can replace any bad decking and spot any problem areas around dormers or hips or chimneys and address them correctly.

 

[Bird]

I hope I don't have to re-roof my house anytime in the foreseeable future, but if or when I do, I'll sure be looking about getting a metal roof. And like the other guys said, I'd want the roof stripped to bare wood to start with.

 

[heymack]

All I have to say is get your checkbook ready. I have an improperly installed metal roof system that needs complete replacement. The bids range from $16K to over $30K. If my application permitted me to do so, I'd opt for a composition roof any day over the metal roof.

 

[shvl73]

All I have to say is get your checkbook ready. I have an improperly installed metal roof system that needs complete replacement. The bids range from $16K to over $30K. If my application permitted me to do so, I'd opt for a composition roof any day over the metal roof.

I don't know the size or type of roof you have but, that is an outrageous sum of money.

To the original poster, deciding on whether you want a standing seam or a exposed fastener roof would be a start. Exposed fastener will be less costly and with the right product, installed correctly, will last most peoples lifetime. I would insist on a galvalume substrate and Kynar/Hylar paint finish. Fastener choice is very important on an exposed fastener roof, with WoodGrips being inexpensive and Zac or Mac's more $ but long life.

 

[gordon21]

I will be installing approx 2200 SF of standing seam red steel roofing in about 2 months from now. The materials cost for 26 gauge painted steel with all the trim is about $2.60 per SF. (labor not included) This will be for a basic installation with two rectangular flat surfaces. No dormers or compound surfaces. Standing seam means there are no exposed screw heads and there is a vertical wall every 12-18" at least 1" high. The panels overlap and lock in place. All screws are UNDER the metal surface and hidden.

The other type uses hundreds upon hundreds of metal screws with rubber washers under the heads. No thanks. I view those installations as a leak waiting to happen. Drive around and start looking at commercial buildings. They use a lot of metal roofing. In my area it is very common. Probably 30% or more of new houses use it.

Look at this site Eagle Metals Mfg.

Metal roofing should be installed over felt paper in good condition. 40# or 80#
It will last 50 years if properly installed with no leaks and no worries about wind, hurricanes, snow or ice.

 

[shvl73]

Exposed fastener is good for the long term as long as its installed correctly. Some panels may be installed over furring strip (strapping) or solid roof deck, while others require a solid roof deck. 30# felt is adequate for most installations requiring a solid roof deck. I would recommend a bituthene in valley areas. Check online for manufacturer installation guides. Common brands in the northeast are:
McElroy Metal
Fabral
ABC
Metal Sales
Ideal
VicWest
I'm sure there are others. If I can be of any further help, let me know.

 

[Mike120]

I put a standing seam steel roof on mine when I built it. It doesn't hold heat near as much as asphalt and you get a heck of a cut on your homeowners insurance. It is pricy though...

 

[bugstruck]

Standing seam tin (terne) roofs can make near 100 years if maintained.
Copper and steel have similiar longevity if the right maintenance and materials are used. Not much maintenance to do on copper.

Exposed fastner roofs are better than asphalt shingle IMO but are only 30 to 40 year roofs with leaks generally well before that. But leaks are usually easy to fix on these. Newer fastners may last a bit longer but metal roofs move and direct pinning (screwing) of the sheathing is always vulnerable to movement. Metal moves a lot.

Cedar shakes are maybe 30 year roofs with modern (felt interlay) installation methods. The could make 60+ years installed the old way with no sheathing or felt. Just purlins. I've take them off at almost 70 years old on unwooded lots but they were past spent.

I'm not a roofer but I've seen and worked around most except tile.