Replace traditional shingled roof with metal roof? Experiences?

[EddieWalker]

I have some serious doubts that the metal is expanding from heat enough to loosen screws or elongate the holes through the screws. What is probably happening is the framing isn't strong enough to hold the building still and the movement of the building is causing all the problems. I see this with houses claiming to have foundation issues when their sheetrock is cracked, and then going into the attic and seeing modifications, or lumber that is undersized, spaced too far apart or just a really bad design.

Most barns are built as cheaply as possible. Spans are maxed out and lumber is usually smaller then what would be acceptable for a house. Just because it's standing doesn't mean it's right.

Eddie

 

[300UGUY]

I have some serious doubts that the metal is expanding from heat enough to loosen screws or elongate the holes through the screws. What is probably happening is the framing isn't strong enough to hold the building still and the movement of the building is causing all the problems. I see this with houses claiming to have foundation issues when their sheetrock is cracked, and then going into the attic and seeing modifications, or lumber that is undersized, spaced too far apart or just a really bad design.

Most barns are built as cheaply as possible. Spans are maxed out and lumber is usually smaller then what would be acceptable for a house. Just because it's standing doesn't mean it's right.

Eddie

A lot of owner built pole barns are pretty marginal. My neighbor lost his to the snow this winter, I looked at the mess, and the trusses were 4 ft on center. I'm surprised it lasted this long.

 

[DaveOmak]

I have some serious doubts that the metal is expanding from heat enough to loosen screws or elongate the holes through the screws. What is probably happening is the framing isn't strong enough to hold the building still and the movement of the building is causing all the problems. I see this with houses claiming to have foundation issues when their sheetrock is cracked, and then going into the attic and seeing modifications, or lumber that is undersized, spaced too far apart or just a really bad design.

Most barns are built as cheaply as possible. Spans are maxed out and lumber is usually smaller then what would be acceptable for a house. Just because it's standing doesn't mean it's right.

Eddie

Eddie, morning.... Well, I followed this roofing problem for 2 years..... The building was 120 x 200 dog kennel.... Radiant heat in the floor to speed drying when washed daily and keep the animals warm during winter.... New construction... There were no leaking problems until he hired an outfit to "re screw" the roof.... He asked me to do it and I said NO and explained the problems that may ensue with longer screws.... He had it re screwed and a few months after that, with summer days and rains, the sheetrock was soaked and fell.....
Heat build up in an attic with sheet steel roofing on OSB, can and will expand.... Hey.... don't believe me... I'm just passing on information that I saw and know is true... expansion of 1/16" in 10 feet is not uncommon... A 20' panel with up to 1/8" gap could be a problem.... He had 50 or 60' one piece roofing panels... Dark Blue in color...

Are you concerned about 1/8th of an inch? - 04-26-2013 : Roofing Contractor Texas contact: Monica... Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing

In the National Roofing Contractors Association’s (NRCA) Roofing and Waterproofing Manual, Fifth Edition, it states, “In the case of metal components, the expansion and contraction that takes place with changes in temperature can cause severe problems if it is not accommodated for in the design and construction.

 

[brokenknee]

I went with a metal roof last year and so far do not regret it. I had a problem with ice dams; last year before replacement the ice dam leaked into the living room. I had them (roofers) tear off the shingles before putting on the tin.

Noise, I do not believe there is a big difference in noise when it rains. This is not like in a shed with no sheathing or insulation on it. Not really a concern.

Ice dams, just don't have them.

Snow breaks, good idea, I have them on the front of the house.

Insurance, may depend on the company, but mine offers a discount (10% I think) if you don't want cosmetic (hail dents) covered. Otherwise they will cover cosmetic damage.

I know I only have had a metal roof a year, but I would do it again. I purchased the premium grade at Menards 40 year warranty. I did not get the hidden fasteners. I talked to a lot of people in the area that have the tin roof and no one said they have had trouble with the screws leaking. Maybe different climates have different results. We don't get the extreme heat other members get.

 

[MH8675309]

A valid point about the attic on a modern house (sheet-ed with OSB). Modern houses tend to be airtight - maybe too airtight. Ours is an old farmhouse with 1" pine boards instead of osb sheeting. Ventilation while important is not as much of a consideration with an older house. In the past 8 years I've been in hundreds of (bank owned) houses and the worst ones for moisture build up and eventual mold are houses built from 1995 and later. The older houses seem like they can take sitting closed up and unheated much better than the new ones.