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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Our local school is contemplating replacing our shingle roof next summer with a metal roof. It has been suggested that we use an exposed fastener metal roof with an ice and snow membrane adhered to the roof deck with wood strapping to create an air space and then the metal roof material. This all sounds great for the prevention of ice dams which have been a problem, but we are getting push back from our local roofers. What do the experts say?
Posted On: 10/31/11 11:40AM
| Geographical Location: VT
Todd Miller 4454 Posts "Classic Products, Inc."
There are many factors to consider. If you can call me at 1 800 543 8938 ext 201 , I will be happy to talk this through.
Replied On: 11/03/11 7:46PM
Gail
we are considering natural metal roofing and wonder what product choices fall into this category? We can't find a list anywhere. Obviously, copper is one. Thank you.
Replied On: 11/20/11 8:45AM
Todd Miller 4454 Posts "Classic Products, Inc."
Copper and zinc would be the most common. Galvanized steel is another and there are some exotic products available like stainless steel and titanium. Another option would be something like copper or aluminum clad stainess steel.
Replied On: 11/20/11 8:50AM
Patrick Burton 2 Posts
I am building a Bali style home in Panama, it will be around 10,000 Sq/ft of roofing, open inside i.e. cathedral, and I have several questions I would like to put forward to you:
I will be using a white metal roof, with high solar reflectance and low emmisity characteristics, which seem hard to find.
1) What can I expect to pay for this option in materials only, prices look expensive to me at around $350 a square, is there an other cheaper option, other than say the ATAS product?
I intend to use the foil coated sheathing with a sound barrier felt on top. The home will be passively cooled, maybe aircon in the bedrooms only.
1) Will I need any other insulation below it? (There is controversy regarding the requirement in tropical zones using passive cooling) 2) Will I need to ventilate the roof? (Assuming no aircon I dont expect any condensation and the cooling affect will be minimal based on what I have read.
Your comments are much appreciated.
Attachments:
Replied On: 2/14/12 4:03AM
Todd Miller 4454 Posts "Classic Products, Inc."
These are good questions. And thank you for considering metal roofing.
Painted surfaces have high emissivity. It is a property of the coating. Most folks consider high emissivity to be good in terms of efficiency of a cool roof system. Here are some resources which address this:
Metal roofing is a higher investment than some temporary roofing materials. ATAS is a great and very proven manufacturer and one of the founders of this organization as well as a true industry leader. At the end of the day, because all manufacturers deal with similar costs for metals and coatings, as well as similar labor, you will not find any huge price differences.
Will you need insulation? In my opinion, yes, it will be helpful. That said, I understand it is often not used in your area and, if you are not using it, the roof system you are assembling is giving you the best possible option when no insulation is used.
I assume you will be installing the roof on solid decking and underlayment. That's right -- you mentioned that. Will the foil face the living space? Foil like that needs to face an airspace to be effective.
As far as ventilation ... condensation occurs when warm moist air hits a cool surface. I like to see vapor barriers in any assembly to prevent moisture from inside the building from reaching anything, I also find that ventilation helps keep the building naturally cooler as well.
In thinking it through, I think you could get by without ventilation but ideally I'd prefer to see some. Let;s see what others say -- others may be more familiar than I with roofing in tropical regions.
I hope I have been able to help a little.
All Best.
Replied On: 2/14/12 5:07AM
Dick Bus 65 Posts
Patrick, thanks for using us as the standard.
Todd, thanks for the kind words.
I concur with Todd, that you need to design for ventilation in the roof assembly to minimize condensation. One method is to provide an airspace above the sheating using either wood battens, raised clips, Delta Sheet or Enkamat from Colbond. The latter two were designed in Europe to be used under zinc roof panels to prevent condensation. Make sure that the design includes an inlet as well as exhuast for the air to move.
As far as the price is concerned we offer systems (note I said systems) that can be less as well as more. It all depends what is included and what is not. What guage and material type is being quoted. As Todd pointed out our input costs are not much different than other manufacturers. At the end of the day we have to be competitive to make the sale.
I am not sure which part of Panama you are building but with the complex roof geometry that you are building I would recommend using aluminum as it is easier for the contractor to cut and handle. You will also have less problems with corrosion over the long term. If you are in high wind zone it should be an .040 aluminum panel. Also clip spacing is particularly important around the perimeter.
If you do not use ATAS make sure that you select a manufacturing member of the Metal Roofing Alliance as we have all pledge to sell quality materials. Feel free to contact any of us. Thanks for contacting us.
Replied On: 2/14/12 8:10AM
Patrick Burton 2 Posts
Thank you for the speedy response. The location of build is close to the Costa Rican border at an elevation of 350 Meters or so. The winds are generally around 7 mph - 10 mph max as location is surrounded by hills, although I have a great view of the Pacific in the distance. At that altitude the nominal temperature is 2.4 'C less than at sea level, so around 20 - 29' C (Night - day)
As you say the roofing is quite complex and right now I only have conceptual drawings, I intend to use round section rafters, 6", planed on the top side and smaller diameter purlings across them. I will use the local Mangly (Mangrove) as its plentyful and cheap. The OSB with Radiant Foil will lay on the top facing into the roof space. As you said it may be benificial to use some form of insulation but as its a "hot" roof design I am not sure I will have room to install any considering that I need a 1" space between the foil and the insulation. I dont particularly want to cover over the wood.
The drawing of the roof I posted does not show that only some 3,000 sq/ft is enclosed living space, the rest is breezeways and open bohios so insulation may not be required at these open locations. Having said that, the idea of venting the roof between tiles and sheathing might help the cooling somewhat. Although its not the norm to install guttering in Panama, I will incorporate them to prevent washout around the property. I guess I will need 7" for such a large roof.
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"Classic Products, Inc."
