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TOPIC: Wind concerns

Metal Roof Nightmare?

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We built a timber frame home on the coast of Nova Scotia. As they say, this isn't the end of the world, but you can see it from here. The roof is steep (12:12). The 6x9 timber rafters are 36"o.c., then covered with 2x6 tg pine, then poly vapor barrier, then 4" foam, seams taped, then strapped with 1x4 pine running horizonatally, spiked through to the rafters with gutter spikes, then metal roofing. 3 main problems: the roof leaks, it is LOUD in any significant wind (which is most of the time in Nova Scotia), and it is drafty. The installer blames the leaks on the fact that the roof is strapped and not sheathed. I think it's more a of a matter of sloppy work. One major leak is in a valley, where they apparently didn't strap, so there is nothing to screw to. Is there a solution? As for the banging in the wind, I think the screws aren't close enough. The roofer doesn't seem to understand that the strapping didn't limit the horizontal spacing of the screws, just the vertical one. He is coming back to add more screws. Question: I noticed that every roof I saw in Captiva, Florida, hsa the screws on the peak of the v's, not on the flat. Mine are sort of arbitrary. I'm going to ask him to put them on the v's. Am I right? Question: The roof has been flapping in the wind for three years since intallation. Will the metal be worn/cracked by the movement around the the screw holes? And on the drafts, I have heard of a roof in florida where they strapped over existing shingles, then strapped, then metal, then blew foam between the strapping. I'm tempted to try it, but doesn't this defeat the purpose of the airspace? help. please.
Dave Adler

1/24/2007
The building code calls for a minimum of 1.5" vented vertical air space for vaulted ceilings. The roof does not have this and it should have had an underlayment between the insulation and the roof covering to deal with condensation. Ice and water shield should be used up the valleys. As to the screws, you need to ask the manufacturer but generally they can be either. I am concerned on the movement which would indicate that it is fastened too far apart. They should use a W valley metal to stop water from one roof running under the other in the valley. Hope this helps.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

1/25/2007