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TOPIC: Standing Seam roof

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I just finished reviewing the posting for the past year trying to find answers to my questions and have found some very good information. I am looking at a new standing seam metal roof and going through the process of educating myself so I can choose good products and contractors. I have had two contractors out so far to estimate the project. One uses the Easyroof product and swears by it as it's quicker and easier to use and will eliminate oil canning that is so prevalent, they claim, in on site formed, double crimp roof panels. They said most oil canning was due to substandard materials provided that can often be purchased much cheaper than first rate materials. The first contractor also said the double crimp does not allow for expansion and contraction as well as the Easyroof clip on style. As you can imagine, the other contractor has a different view of the world. He uses UnaClad material with on-site forming equipment and crimpers. He says the clip style roofing leaks and would need to have water and ice barrier under the whole thing. He says contractors like it because it's easy to install. He says the double crimp is proven as it has been around for so long. He says he uses a backer rod to help prevent the oil canning. He says he guarantees his roofs in writing past the manufacturers warranty for the lifetime of the structure. He says the clip style roof panels have a tendency to slide down as well. I wasn't really planning on getting a college eductaion in metal roof products and installation just so I could get a new roof installed. Everyone believes they have the best design and product. I would like an independent opinion. Any ideas you might have or reference material suggestions to help me earn my metal roofing degree? :-) Thanks in advance, John
Guest User

11/6/2004
Hi John, Thanks for your question. I understand your concern and your desire to make the right decision. I have several thoughts, First of all, neither Easyroof nor UnaClad is a member of the Metal Roofing Alliance. Members of the MRA do agree to produce products which meet certain levels of quality in regards to base metals and coatings. Next of all, I would not rule out that both options you're considering could lead to a good roof. My top advice is to check out past jobs done by these contractors and talk with past customers. Next, the Metal Construction Association has established a Certified Metal Roofing Panel program which establishes certain levels of quality for qualifying products. I would certainly check and see if either of these products meets the criteria established by this program. Easyroof makes a couple of styles of panels. One is a clip system and the other is a panel with a fastening hem. I assume that your contractor is suggesting the latter. I would never say that a fastening hem product cannot work well. However, a great deal of care must be taken in order to ensure that they are installed properly. Also, I would not install them with real long panel lengths. That is a personal preference on my part. Next, I want to stress sthat probably the number one cause of oilcanning is uneven roof decking. It has nothing to do with the panels themselves at all and it can happen with any panel. As far as warranties, most metal roof installations will carry a materials warranty from the metal panel (or coil) supplier and a workmanship warranty from the installer. Any warranty is only as good as the company that issues it. Also, you do not mention your roof pitch. Lower pitch roofs may need special underlayment or other precautions including possibly the use of a mechanically seamed roof system. If you wish, call me at my office and we can discuss things in more detail. 1-800-543-8938 ext 201 Todd Miller
Guest User

11/7/2004