Below is a forum for exchanging information concerning residential metal roofing, including general material and metal roofing installation questions. Should you have questions or concerns that deal with specific branded metal roof products please contact the manufacturer directly.
Expert Panel
Tom Black
Tom has been in the metal roofing industry for the past twenty years, serving in product and business development, marketing, as an industry consultant, and in his current position as Executive Director of the MRA. Tom writes, "I'm not an 'expert' installer -- but I know enough to be dangerous! I've installed small metal roofing projects and organized installation training seminars. And I know when I need more expert help to answer your questions. So when you get an answer from me, you know there's expertise behind it."
Todd has served as President of Classic Products, Inc., one of the country's leading metal roofing manufacturers, since 1996. Before that, he served for 15 years in various marketing-related roles at the company. Under Todd's leadership, Classic Products has taken an active role in educating homeowners across North America about the many advantages of metal roofing. Todd participates in various metal roofing industry associations, and is a Board Member of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and Metal Construction Association (MCA).
Mr. Bus has over twenty years experience in the metal roofing and siding industry. Dick is President of ATAS International, Inc., a family owned manufacturer of architectural and residential metal roofing and siding. ATAS manufactures profiles in aluminum and steel for the residential and architectural roofing market. Panels are manufactured with high performance coatings. Dick was Chairman of the Residential Roofing Council for the Metal Construction Association (MCA). He Chaired the committee to write the Minimum Performance Guideline for Residential Metal Roofing. He is now the 2nd Vice President of the MCA, which is part of the Board of Directors and he is also, President of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), a consumer awareness campaign.
Ken Buchinger is Vice President of Corporate Warranties and Certifications for Houston based NCI Building Systems. He has been with the company for 18 years. He is responsible for product testing, improvements, and development. In addition, he is in charge of the company's Erector Certification Program, which trains erectors in the proper installation techniques of the company's metal roofing systems. And, he also is in charge of inspection and review of projects for weathertightness warranties. Ken has written numerous articles for various trade magazines and gives presentations for various organizations. Prior to joining the company in 1988, Ken erected metal buildings, architectural roofing systems and structural steel for 13 years.
David Stermer is the Director of Engineering for Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation based in Louisville, Kentucky. He has been in his current position since 2005. David is responsible for product testing, product approval, product development, documentation and project design. Prior to joining Metal Sales, David worked for a major metal building manufacturer for 15 years in various roles, including Design Engineer and Engineering Manager. David is a Professional Engineer, has a Master of Sciences degree in Structural Engineering and is currently serving on the ASCE 7-16 Wind Load Subcommittee.
Melissa is the Territory Manager for the Northeast and Texas for Umicore Building Products, manufacturers of VM Zinc. She has been with the company for five years in a variety of roles and is now responsible for meeting with architects and installers, giving presentations on metal roofing and reviewing details. She is not an installer by trade, but has taken part in installation training sessions and understands the mechanics of metal roof systems.
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Metal roof is what I want, but I am somewhat confused with the bids I got and have no one to ask so I turn to you. How does one compare apples to apples when the materials are so different: I have a bid for through fastened 29 gauge panels and 24 gauge standing seam roofing. Which gauge is better? I presumed standing seam to be much more expensive than the through fastened panels, but these bids differ by only $300. Is standing seam much superior to through fastened panels or can through fastened panels be just as good? The warranties seem equal. Oh, and another thing: are gutters always installed with/part of metal roofing? It is a big investment, so I would like to be able to make a more educated decision hoping I get my money's worth. I would appreciate any advice you can give me.
Posted On: 4/03/03 11:18PM
Todd Miller 4435 Posts "Classic Products, Inc."
Hi Jane, Thanks for your questions! These are all great questions. You are a wise consumer, I can tell.
I cannot address the price issue directly as it would be against the Metal Roofing Alliance's antitrust guidelines. However, I will help you as much as I can.
29 gauge metal is approx .013" thick. 24 gauge is approximately .024" thick. You can probably pretty easily make your own call as to which metal you feel will ultimately be the most durable and lasting.
Granted, though, it goes beyond just the thickness of the metal. You also wnat a good paint finish. Kynar / Hylar paint finishes are generally respected as the top of the line. (There are other types of very good finishes also being used on shingle-style products but not on vertical seam products.)
Also, the base metal is either galvalume or galvanized. Both materials are steel. Galvalume has a predominately aluminum coating on the steel and galvanized has a predominately zinc coating on the steel. If it is galvanized, Metal Construction Association standards say it should be a minimum G90 grade of galvanized. If it is galvalume, it should be minimum AZ50 (assuming it is painted on top of that).
I would really suggest specifying a product manufactured by an MRA member as we all agree to produce products meeting certain quality guidelines.
As far as standing seam versus through-fastened -- the primary difference would be that, with through-fastened, the fasteners are exposed to the weather. They typically are a screw with a neoprene washer for protection against water infiltration but they are exposed nonetheless. Also, most (but not all) standing seam system install using fastening clips which also are helpful in terms of allowing the metal roofing panels to expand and contract with temperature changes without fastener fatigue or wallowing out the fastener holes.
Above and beyond materials, make sure that you are using an experienced and qualified installer. Look at past jobs they have done, talk to past customers. Inqiure with the roofing manufacturer about the installer.
Good luck. Feel free to contact us again if we can be of further help!
Replied On: 4/04/03 7:21AM
Jane
Thank you so much! You were extremely helpful.
Replied On: 4/04/03 10:33AM
Fred
My metal roof is about 60 years old (5V type). If I replace with new 29 guage, am I replacing with thinner metal than I have now? How long does the paint generally last on ordinary galvaume painted with the least expensive paint?
Replied On: 5/23/03 12:01AM
Rob
Galvanized or Galvalume? Why not Aluminum?
Replied On: 6/16/03 1:30PM
Todd Miller 4435 Posts "Classic Products, Inc."
Aluminum is a fine option as well. The original email asked for a comparison of various gauges. Because steel is referred to in gauge and aluminum in decimal format, I addressed only the two types of steel in my response. Thanks for the reminder!
Replied On: 6/16/03 10:10PM
Todd Miller 4435 Posts "Classic Products, Inc."
29 gauge is approximately .013" thick. I do not know what the thickness of your old roof metal might be. Sorry. I also do not know what the base metal might have been in comparison to today's steel with galvanized or galvalume coatings.
Paint performance is based largely on weather exposure and will vary based upon the roof location. The hugh UV at southern climates and upper altitudes dishes out some tough stuff for paint finishes.
Paint ages in a variety of ways. It will always have some fade and chalk. Typically, less expensive paint formulations are more prone to these things. Paint adhesion is another issue which can be related to paint system quality but also to proper paint application.
A lower grade paint finish could last from 5 to 20 years depending upon its exact formulation (including color), its exposure to UV, and how "picky" the owner wants to be about aesthetics as it ages.
Most manufacturers will be glad to discuss the attributes and weathering characteristics of their paint finishes.
Replied On: 6/16/03 10:15PM
Sharon K 2 Posts
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Replied On: 12/30/09 6:51AM
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