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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."

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  • Todd Miller

    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).

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  • Dick Bus

    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.

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  • Ken Buchinger

    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.

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  • David Stermer

    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.

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  • Melissa Dolak-Keller

    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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If you have a metal roofing question, please post it below and a member of our panel of contributors will provide a response. Answers provided by contributors are based on the limited information posted and, therefore, may not provide a complete or accurate answer under all of the relevant facts and circumstances. No advice or information obtained through the forum or this website shall create any warranty by MRA or its contributors whatsoever and all warranties are disclaimed. MRA and its contributors disclaim any liability of any kind arising out of or relating to use of the answers or information provided hereunder, and by using the forum, you agree to waive any claims against MRA and its contributors and hold them harmless from any liability or damages of any kind arising out of or relating to the forum. For a detailed description of the terms and conditions of use of the Forum and this website, including a more detailed description of disclaimers of warranties and limitations of liability, please see the Terms and Conditions section of this website. MRA does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, or services. The views and opinions of contributors to this Forum do not necessarily state or reflect those of MRA or its members, and they may not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

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Ask-The-Experts >

Metal roofing that looks like shingles
I'm looking for metal roofing that looks more like classic shingles or tile roofing - but installs in larger pieces like classic metal roofing and that doesn't require sheathing or underlayment. This is for a barn. Does such a product exist?
There are very few types of shingle looking metal shingles that will work, as most either come in small sections, and/or have to go on solid decking.

There are at least two types of metal tile roofing that come in long sections and can be installed over open framing:

Sapphire:
http://www.dmlusa.com/?page=metal&sub=metal2
http://www.bestbuymetals.com/sapphire-metal-spanish-clay-tile.html

Bratex USA:
http://www.bratexusa.com/

There may be other systems that I'm not aware of as well.
As I read the International Residential Code, all roofs should have underlayment.
Has anyone in this forum had any dealings or reports with Bratex USA? I am concerned about the validity of the company. They are 4 weeks overdue on the delivery of my metal and will not answer the phone or return my calls or e-mails.
Several notes:

It looks like their website is down:
www.bratexusa.com

Noone answers their phone, although they do have an answering system:
732-845-1482

They have one BBB complaint, which they didn't respond to:
http://www.bbb.org/new-jersey/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/bratexusa-in-manalapan-nj-90088239

I would say you have reason to be concerned.
Do Not deal with Bratex USA. They are a scam company. They send samples and estimates but never deliver their product. I have contacted two other people who paid a deposit and never got their roof material. I am trying to deal with Bratex Poland to see if they will honor the estimates and deposit I have out to Bratex USA. It's 5 months from order date and still no product. They don't answer calls except to take orders and deposits. Beware of their scamming.
I contracted with GGI Bratex Usa over a year and a half ago he left me with an uncompleted job. Leaking gutters, unfinished penetrations, poor flashing etc. He also did my stucco which is also another disaster. I have filed a BBB complaint but there has been no recourse I am now proceeding to file a complaint with consumer affairs. Janus Swider is a scam artest he has been paid in full for an incomplete job and continues to suck people in. Please follow in suit this guy needs to have his home contracting liscense taken away. If anyone has any info on this guys whereabouts please forward to my email landcarver@aol.com he needs to be arrested for consumer fraud.

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