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TOPIC: Roof Pitch

Very low pitch with no ventilation

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I have a 12x26 patio room that has corrugated fiberglass panels that are now leaking. The room was eventally enclosed into a very usefull rumpus room. Rolled insulation was placed between the 2x6 joists. Now the panels leak and I am looking for a solution that would involve a lightweight roof in replacing the fiberglass panels. The room was butted up against the exterior wall so there is no existing ventilation. Any suggestions?
Guest User

10/15/2002
One of the primary criteria to all of this is your roof pitch. Most metal roofs require at least a 3:12 pitch and others require a 2:12. Going below that pretty much requires a roof that would be seamed on the job -- similar to what is used on very low pitch industrial roofs. Because of the equipment involved, this would not be a DIY project. You'd have to contact a large comemrcial roofing contractor. Whether or not they would be interested in your job, I do not know. One thing I am thinking of is using panels that involve metal laminated to foam. These are very commonly used on sunrooms (patio rooms) and there is probably a company in your area who manufactures them. The only problem is that they are fairly thick (4 - 6" typically) and that might interfere with the tie-in to the existing roof. Other than that, you might consider a PVC sheet (aka "rubber") roof which would be put down over decking. I am not sure if there is decking under the fiberglass panels or if you would have to install decking after removing the panels. Also, have you ever had any troubles with condensation in this room? I am curious, particularly if you are in a humid climate and you're keeping this rumpus room heated in cool weather, whether it wouldn't be wise to try to work some ventilation in about the insulation. Good luck. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

10/16/2002
I have a low pitch roof, slightly less than 2:12. The existing roof is asphalt shingle. The city won't let me re-roof with asphalt shingles because of the slope. The roof faces the front of the house and I am interested in finding something more attractive than tar and gravel or rolled roofing. The underside of the decking is the ceiling and there is currently no insulation or ventilation. I was told that Z-clips or fasteners could be used to increase the pitch of my roof and that I could insulate between my roof and a new metal roof. Is this correct? By how much could I increase the pitch? Is it possible to instal a metal roof that looks like shingles or has a texture on low slope roofs like mine? I would appreciate any suggestions/opinions on metal roofs or other options that might work for my house. Thanks
Guest User

1/4/2003
There are a number of metal roof products that look similar to asphalt shingles hoewever like shingles they are a hydrokinetic system and require more slope. There are some of these systems tested down this low with a high quality underlayment. It is easy to isulate with styrofoam under a metal roof system that attaches to strapping. I would contact some of our member manufacturers and ask them if they have a product.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

1/7/2003