There are many benefits to using metal for your next roofing application. Metal is waterproof, has a top fire safety rating, and holds its own under dangerous weather conditions. Many homeowners opt to go with metal materials not only for its durability, but safety as well. And while a metal roof installation may cost a bit more than other options, it’s well worth the investment. In this article, we will provide a basic list of tips and tricks to help you along the way.

To begin, take a look at the various materials needed to install your roof, including shingles, hand tools, nails, flashing, and counterflashing. You can even obtain the look of a wood or tile system through employing the use of shingles.

A variety of color options and patterns are available to those choosing metal as their roofing material. If you are looking for more expressive options in terms of contours and samples, you may choose to select panels instead. Consider the purchase of recycled products such as steel and copper panels as they are just as durable and less expensive overall.

A great way to save money, is through purchasing your materials through a dealer or manufacturer. As an added bonus, many of these companies will also walk you through the installation process.

Be sure to use name-brand materials used by homebuilders. Stick with a company with a proven track record for quality and reliability.

Install your materials directly over your old roof. In many cases, this is a wonderful way to save time and resources. Check with your manufacturer to see whether this technique is a possibility in your application.

As a means to prevent leakage, attach the starter flashing. Adhere strips of securing flashing by nailing it down into the sections of the roof, and fascia trimboard. Be sure to apply strips of counterflashing as needed.

Install a roofing system with hidden gutter channels. These will provide superior drainage for your home as well as a more appealing appearance overall.

During your installation, keep your safety a top concern. Brace the ladder and wear rubber-soled shoes.

Purchase protective aluminum or zinc sealant in order to avoid rust down the road. Many of these coatings come with long term warranties.

It’s important to remember that not everyone is qualified to take on an application such as the one described above. If you find yourself in over your head, your best bet is to consult a trained professional. In the long run, the choice to ask for help may even save you a sum of time and money.

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Most everyone here in New England knows why the ice dam leak occurs, so I won’t go into great detail on the anatomy of an ice dam leak. However, let me give you, the reader, a quick summary to refresh your memory. Snow accumulates on the roof. The exterior wall of the house at the eave loses heat, usually due to poor insulation. The heat travels up through the roof and begins to melt the snow. The outside  temperature freezes the melt and it climbs up the roof under the shingles.This cycle continues day after  day and then it happens … the warm day , the thaw. The water is now under the shingles and makes its way into the house usually along the interior wall at the eave intersection of the roof.

You call your contractor or roofer and they will tell you that the roof was not properly installed. Some will tell you that the Insulation needs to be addressed or that the ventilation isn’t working properly. Can it be fixed?  Yes. Anything can be fixed. In some cases, you will want to reconstruct your roof to include proper overhangs and adequate sofit vents with the correct ratio to the ridge vent or gable vents to create convection of air up the roof to keep it cold. Someone might even tell you to build a cold roof.  There’s always the heating wires you can lay out on the roof, or maybe you could spring for a metal skirt . That ‘s a 2 foot metal edge around the perimeter of the roof in hopes that the ice and snow will slide off instead of daming. What typically happens with these solution is the ice dam forms further up the roof  just above the recently installed “solution” which can  further compound the problem

Some of these solutions could be helpful in correcting the problem. But over time, with an asphalt roof, one will end up with more ice dams even if the ventilation has been corrected.

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When you choose to buy a custom gazebo kit, you are offered many options to complete the gazebo you have long been dreaming of. Do you want screens? Do you want windows? And more importantly, what kind of roof do you want for your gazebo?

You may want a double roof gazebo. A double roof will offer extra ventilation for your gazebo. It is really more of an aesthetic addition. From inside of the gazebo, it gives it more of a cathedral ceiling type of a look. When viewing the gazebo from the outside, the double roof offers a break in the roofline.

You may opt for what is called a regular, square, hip roof. It is called this because all four sides are pitched inward and all sides are equal. The peak of the roof is located exactly in the center of the building and this results in all four roof sides as having an equal slope.

You may want to construct a metal gazebo roof. The advantage of a metal roof is durability and they are lightweight. You can make metal to imitate the appearance of just about any other type of roofing. A metal roof gazebo will have a life expectancy of over thirty years. The downside is the cost. Metal roof gazebo will cost from $100-$600 per 100 square feet and the installation will cost more than a shingle roof as well.

A metal gazebo roof may be made of painted aluminum or steel. These are two of the most popular choices. Aluminum and steel are strong and they can be formed to look like a tile or slate roof. These can be very expensive.

The speed of installation is another factor to consider when you are thinking of a metal roof gazebo. You can often find a metal roof gazebo kit that will have everything you need in order to set up and enjoy your new gazebo in the shortest amount of time.

A metal roof gazebo will give you years of worry free use. You won’t find holes, cracks or loose shingles when you choose a metal roof gazebo. The ease of maintenance and years of wear and tear can definitely tip the balance in favor of the more expensive metal roof gazebo, as it will be much easier to care for and last much longer.

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If you are a homeowner who is facing an urgent issue with your roof, you may be tempted to contact a roofing contractor right away, with the idea that any delay is wasted time. However, unless you are facing a leak or some other type of damage to the weatherized seal of your roof during a rainstorm or snowstorm, you will probably benefit from doing a little preliminary research before you make that first contact attempt to a roofing contractor. Read on to learn how to prepare for the conversation and to ensure that you receive the best deal on your next roofing project.

Know Your Materials

One of the most important steps that you can take to make yourself knowledgeable and prepared before your conversation with a roofing contractor is to make sure you know the differences between the most popular types of roofing materials, including their price, installation process, and durability.

The most common type of roofing material found in the United States is asphalt, by far. This material is cheap, looks sharp, and has an average durability in comparison to other roofing materials. Despite its popularity and widespread use, this material can come across as flat looking and uninteresting to discerning buyers.

Metal roofing is also extremely popular in commercial, and to a lesser extent residential, roofing construction in the United States. Metal roofing is cheap, very durable, and provides excellent protections against the elements. It is also easy to modify and install new structures on top of a metal roof. However, metal roofing is relatively new and complicated to install and requires a roofing contractor with extensive experience working with this particular material.

Slate and ceramic roofing are the last two types of roofing materials commonly found on residential roofs in the United States. Slate has a long history in the Northeast and is a beautiful and historically significant roofing material that looks fantastic with a brick building. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are most commonly associated with the Mediterranean region of the world and look best in tropical or beach environments.

Tear Down or Build Over

Another key decision that you will have to make on your roofing replacement project is whether to completely strip away the existing shingles, or whether to simply roof over them. Most qualified roofers would recommend no more than two layers of shingles, with a single layer being preferable. By layering more than one layer of shingles on top of each other, you increase the overall weight of the roof, which can lead to structural issues with older homes. However, this method does save a significant amount of money.

Understand Cost Variables

Another key thing that you can do to prepare yourself for a roof replacement project is to understand what factors will influence the quote for your roofing project. Key factors such as your home’s square footage, the pitch of your roof, materials used, the roofing contractor used, and in the time of year can influence the cost of your final quote. These costs can range from a minimum of $7,000 to over $100,000. Make sure that you are prepared to look over any quotes that you receive with a fine tooth comb and do your research ahead of time.

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Flashings need to not only prevent water penetration from roofing systems and other elements on the roof, but must also match the stunning looks of your roof. Your metal roofing system requires high quality aluminum flashings that prevent leakage, resist incredibly high winds, and yet enhance the look of your metal roof.

Flashings can be found at roof penetrations, valleys, rakes, eaves, chimneys, ridges, skylights, and even where roofs intersect with walls. There are several techniques employed to fit flashings as well as several materials such as aluminum, copper, zinc, galvanized steel, and stainless steel that can be used to construct sturdy and attractive flashings.

However, aluminum flashings are preferred by most installers and home owners because of its weight, low cost, high strength, and ability to easily bend to any desired shape. Hence, you and your architect can get a little creative while designing your metal roofing system complete with matching aluminum flashings.

Aluminum flashings are made from coil stock as well as sheets and pre-designed shapes, and are available in a very wide range of colors, shades, and finishes. Whether your metal roof or any other roof for that matter, possesses a wood finish or has a finish resembling stucco, stone, or shingles, you will be able to locate matching flashings made out of durable and versatile aluminum.

While flashings made out of copper need to be soldered for a waterproof joint, aluminum flashings need to be lapped and fastened mechanically as well as caulked for a perfect seal. You must remember to use aluminum nails to fasten your flashing to your frame as using a dissimilar material such as steel nails will cause galvanic action and result in faster deterioration.

Even though installing aluminum flashings require a higher level of skills, it can reward you with long life and of course, exquisite looks once they are installed to perfection. Such flashings can last for many years and can be fitted on roofs made out of various materials. These flashings certainly complement the long life of modern metal roofing systems that easily last for up to 50 years.

Aluminum flashings can also be shaped and installed quickly as compared to most other materials. Prices of these flashings will not blow a hole in your roof. A metal roof fitted with such flashings will not only add strength to your home, but will also require fewer columns and beams due to its light weight and high strength.

When you want your stunning roof to repel water for decades then why not opt for light and strong aluminum flashings? These flashings possess excellent aesthetics along with high performance that can complement metal roofing systems and provide stunning looks with functionality that lasts for a really long time.

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We have installed metal roofs on residential homes for many years now. This has been my main source of income over the last few years. I have learnt some important techniques for make your roof system more efficient. 2×4 stripping every two foot seems to be the most profitable.

We have laid the metal straight down on the singles, laid it on tar paper, and laid it on 1×4’s, and 2×4’s etc. There are some important benefits to 2×4 stripping that you might what to know. For one, the spacing between the metal and the original roofing material acts as an insulation space (like storm windows) which does not allow the heat from the sun to penetrate your attic space. This allows easier cooling during summer months.

On most raised rib panels ( not standing seam panels) there is open raised rib space every nine inches or so for the hot air to rise from all the way down at your eve to all the way up to your ridge and out the ridge vent made by the metal ridge cap. A vented roof system.

One important fact here is not to over fill the space created by the 2×4’s with insulation thus blocking the air flow to from your eve to your ridge vent.

*We actually did our own myth buster test on this theory. We built 2 identical boxes of wood with pitched roofs, completely sealed up from the outside. Both roofs were covered with singles.

On one roof we laid the metal roof straight down on the singles.

The other roof 2×4 stripping was added, then the metal roof was laid on top of the 2×4’s.

A digital thermometer was installed in both boxes. On the very first test during a 85 degree sunny day the box without the 2×4 stripping rose to 112 degrees, while the box with the 2×4 stripping maxed out at about 95 degrees. That’s about a 17 degree difference in the two attic spaces,

That’s plenty of justification for spending the extra dollars to strip your new roof with 2×4’s.

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Lean To shed roofs develop an interesting problem as they get larger. If the roof pitch is very steep at all then it will rise to a height that becomes unsightly. Some may say it is ugly. This “ugly” design is most often avoided by installing a low slope roof to keep the rise of the roof at a minimum. The problem with low slope roofs is that they are more likely to leak because of the water does not run off them as fast as when they are built with steeper pitches.

Before you build a lean to shed it is wise to get a better understanding of the different roofing materials and how they can be used to cover your lean to shed without the fear of a leaks.

Asphalt Shingle

The three tab asphalt shingle is arguably the most popular roofing material because of its low cost and relative good looks for the cost. Asphalt shingles typically have a minimum slope rating of 4 in 12. This means that for every 12 inches of horizontal distance across the shed the roof will rise 4 inches. This slope works well for sheds that are fairly narrow, like 4 to 6 feet, but for sheds that are 8′ or wider the shed roof becomes unsightly high. For instance if the top of the wall starts at 8 feet high it will be almost 11 feet high on the high side of the shed.

Metal

Metal roofing comes in various profiles and each profile is rated for a different roof slope. The profile is the way the bends are made in the metal pieces to both give the roofing rigidity and allow it to be installed and connected to adjacent pieces without leaking.

Solutions for Lean To Sheds

Both the asphalt shingles and metal roofs can be installed on a low slope lean to shed roof if the proper product is used and it is installed properly. Regular asphalt shingles that are rated for 4 in 12 roof slopes can be installed on lower slope roofs by simply installing a waterproof membrane under them. This membrane can be a self adhering base sheet or a mineral surface roll roofing. These roll products create a waterproof layer that the asphalt shingles are installed on top of. One of the best metal roof profiles that is designed for use on low slope roofs is the PBR profile. Different manufactures have different ratings for the PBR design but most are around 1 in 12. It is a commercial rated roofing panel and works well for lean to shed roofs.

Lean To Shed Roof Design

Designing a lean to shed so that it can work with either a low slope metal panel or a modified asphalt shingle installation is done by making the slope 2 in 12. This allow the builder to install either panel no matter what the choice of roofing material is.

Using one of these two materials and application techniques will allow you to have a lean to shed and keep the roof height down so your neighbors don’t wonder where the sun went. By understanding how lean to shed plans can detail the proper design to facilitate a low slope material installation you will be able to build a shed that is both pleasing to look at and very functional.

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A standing seam metal roof is an excellent choice to make when considering purchasing a reliable roofing material that will keep your cherished home protect for many years to come.

The standing seam metal roof can be finished and applied to your house quickly, and will provide your home with incorrigible cover for several years afterwards. If you want to reinforce your home then the standing seam metal roof is the choice to make for a dependable and everlasting covering.

A strong roofing material is as universally needed in a home as a strong foundation to hold up the home itself. Without a great foundation to keep the house completely grounded throughout the years, the structure will begin to crumble and collapse. Similarly, without a reliable and durable roof to cover the top of the home with, immediate damage such as leaks and holes will begin to appear as soon as a moderate storm comes into contact with your area. This roofing design not only provides a clean look, but it is also sturdy and leak resistant. On top of all of the other benefits, this roof is also resistant to piercing, an outstanding addition for an already remarkable roofing structure.

Although this particular roof is rather easy to design, the protection it provides makes it a brilliant roofing system. The design of the roof contains panels that intertwines and erects from the top of the roofing all the way to the base. There is a joint that each section touches that is in a lifted position horizontally over the roof. Reason being is that should bad weather come in contact with your home the water won’t trickle into any sections. So you won’t have to worry about fixing leaks or repairing a damaged roof after a bad storm. In addition to that, the standing seam metal roof has the top wind resistance out of all other roofing systems.

In closing, homeowners will want a solid, dependable roof that is reliable and causes as much trouble in the realm of upkeep as possible. The standing seam metal roof is the best choice for people looking to remodel their old home or even new homeowners who are looking for the best option available. Select this roofing system and you’re guaranteed a trustworthy service that you won’t likely be able to get otherwise.

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If you are planning to re-roof your house, or building a new house, choosing the right profile for the right pitch for residential metal roof applications can make all the difference. Here are a few common profiles, and the pitches they are most suited to. The cost of installing a metal roof can be quite high initially, and finding the right profile for the application can make a big difference to the lifespan!

Corrugated Corrugated, S profile or Victorian profile has a narrow pan, and ribs that are close to each other. Because of this, its ability to shrug off water is limited, and its best suited to higher pitches, normally from around ten degrees.

As the name Victorian profile suggests, this is an old-fashioned type of sheeting, and often used on period houses, or houses designed to look older. Because it is aesthetically pleasing, there is no problem using this on high pitched and therefore very visible roofs.

Corrugated sheeting also lends itself to rolling, which allows the sheeting to mold to a curve, without the necessity for cranking.

IBR

IBR sheeting, or inverted box rib, has a much wider pan between ribs. This makes it suited to much lower pitches, as it has the ability to channel larger amounts of water to runoff points.

Less visually appealing, it is nonetheless popular both in residential applications and more frequently in industrial and commercial developments, such as factories and malls.

IBR can be laid in one of two configurations – narrow flute out, the traditional manner, or broad flute out, commonly used for cladding of vertical surfaces. These provide a very different aesthetic, and can be combined, creating the appearance of two different profiles.

If IBR sheeting is to be laid to a curve, the sheets may be cranked to the profile of the curve, making laying a much easier proposition!

Secret Fix Sheeting

Secret fix profiles abound, usually as a patented product by a particular manufacturer. These types of sheeting are laid without piercing the sheet, to clips affixed to purlins or battens on rafters or trusses.

Because the sheeting is not pierced, and this type of sheet typically has a much broader pan, again channeling water more effectively, they are generally suitable for very low pitches, sometimes only a few degrees.

Usually more costly, in terms of material, they can be more cost effective in the long run, being relatively easy to lay, and with some suppliers offering the option of on site rolling to your sheet length requirements. The cost of installing a metal roof however does also include labor, so it’s likely to even out! They also offer a much better aesthetic, with no visible fixings.

Because the various profiles offer very different benefits, it is advisable to consider your choice carefully, and, when in doubt, consult a roofing professional or manufacturer for advice. They are also able to offer metal roof installation tips, and may be able to give you metal roof installation instructions. They can also advise on the best ways to reduce the cost of installing a metal roof, by choosing the right profile.

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Top 5 metal roofing myths for your reading pleasures!

It is truly fascinating how many people are clueless when it comes to the basic understanding of metal roofing. Not too long ago, I myself had the old rusty barn roof image in my mind. But now, after having been involved with metal roofing for 6 years I have developed a true appreciation for this roofing technology, and I would like to share some of the insights with you.

After reading these tips you will gain a better understanding, and appreciation of metal roofing technology.

Myth 1: Metal roof has a higher risk of getting struck by a lightning. Reality; No metal roofing does not increase the chances of your house getting struck by a lightning. In fact, if your house does get struck, metal roof will help to dissipate the charge, and because metal is a non combustible material, your roof will not catch fire.

Myth 2: Metal roof makes a lot of noise when it rains.

Reality; You are probably thinking about that old cheap metal roof over the barn that used to sound like a machine gun burst when it is raining… Modern metal roofing is usually installed over a plywood, solid sheathing, or over your existing roof. It will make no more noise than a regular asphalt shingle roof. Oftentimes metal roof will be quieter than a non metal roof, and will shield the noise from rain and bad weather.

Myth 3: Metal roofing costs a lot of money.

Reality; It may seem like it does, but it really does not! You may be surprised, but metal roof will actually costs less than the asphalt shingle roof if you stay in your house long enough. Not only will it increase the value of your house, but it will also help you save money on cooling costs. Metal roofing can result in up to 50% savings in energy costs during summer months. And finally, metal roof may well be the last roof you will ever have to install on your house. Ever! Provided you get a quality installation from a qualified metal roofing contractor. Learn from this hypothetical example of the cost of metal roofing vs the asphalt shingle roof, from a homeowner’s stand point.

Myth 4: Metal Roof is susceptible to rust.

Reality; Modern metal roofing is built to last for decades. Steel metal roofing has a metal coating protection layer made with zinc or aluminum, which is bonded to the steel and then painted with a high quality paint designed to withstand the toughest abuse from bad weather, and provide the desirable color and looks that homeowners want.

Myth 5: Metal Roof is susceptible to dents.

Reality; Modern metal roofs are built to withstand years of abuse from severe weather such as hail, extreme winds, and snow. Hail will not dent a metal roof, and extremely high winds are not a threat either, as many modern metal roofing systems are rated for 120mph winds. In fact, metal roofs perform extremely well in the hurricane. It is not unusual to see the metal roof with no damage, next to naked regular roofs that have lost all its shingles and plywood in hurricane.

As I was writing these 5 metal roofing myths, yet another metal roof myth came to my mind! This one in a bonus! Please enjoy!

Bonus Myth: You cannot walk on metal roof without damaging it.

Reality; While you should definitely take all the necessary precautions before venturing out for a walk on your roof, metal roofs are completely walkable. I would recommend using running shoes such as Asics, because they will provide good traction for your feet when on the roof. Avoid walking on your roof when its raining as you could easily slip and fall. Rule of thumb is to stay of the roof whenever its surface is wet. Contact your roofing contractor for special techniques on how to walk on the metal roof they have installed.

I hope that you enjoyed reading my metal roofing tips, and that you have learned something new about metal roofing.

I would love to get your comments and feedback on this article, as well as your request for another metal roofing article. If you enjoyed reading this feel free to rank my article at the bottom of this page.

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