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TOPIC: Insulation Concerns

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Can you insulate under the metal roofing with sheet foam? Can you walk on metal roofing without denting or slipping? How does it stand up to Hail? How to you flash to a rough stone chimney? What are the dimensions for the panels? How are they held down? We have a cabin with 1"x12" pine board roof (currently covered with cedar shakes).
c Mccormick

7/8/2003
We live in an old farm house and part of our house has a metal roof. Currently it is silver (aluminum) in color and parts of it have rusted. We wanted to paint it and were wondering what we should use. We would prefer to paint it a color (dark green). Thank you.
Guest User

7/9/2003
Thanks foe being in the "metal mindset". First I would suggest that you visit our various mmber manufacturers listed here and choose a product as a number of the questions you asked are dependant on the product. Unlike an asphalt shingle, we have many differant metal roofing systems that proviode a broader range of applications and benefits. Yes you can insulate under most metal roofing systems however it serves little purpose on a vented attic but can be valuable on a vaulted ceiling assembly. Generally you will want to set the metal up off the ridgid insulation with strapping so that you can minimize heat transfer and provide psositive fastening. There is now a hail test called UL 2218 that takes materials through 4 classes of hail. Many meatla roofing manufaturers have had their products tested to the highest level at class 4 and the homeowners are then entitled to discounts on their insurance premiums in a number of markets. Flashing to a field stone chimney is difficult and dependant on products. Provided that the stones used were not porous, then we found the best method is to use a gum edge detail on the top of the flashing which allows a surface mount. As to panels, there are many styles from vertical rib sheets to individual panels and shingles that install horizontal. As well there are systems like some of our products that vhave been approved to install over existing wood shakes on spaced sheathing. You again need to choose product and contact the manufacturer. Good Luck.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

7/9/2003
You have a couple of options. One is to go to a quality name brand paint store and explain your situation and use their paint system which they suggest. The total repainting should ideally include cleaning, applying a primer, allowing it to dry, and then applying the top coat. Another option is to obtain an air-dry Kynar paint formulation. Air-dry Kynars can be purchased through many metal roofing manufacturers if you contact them direct. Expect to pay over $200 per gallon though. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/9/2003
dear mr black or mr miller or mr bus or mr reid: we are interested in putting a screen porch on top of our deck. we want to know if we can use your product as a roof for a screen porch built on a deck. we would like to make it 14 feet long by 10 feet wide. could you please let us know if your product would work for us with this application. thank you
Guest User

7/11/2003
Hi! The MRA is a coalition of metal roofing manufacturers. By going to the Metal Roofing Styles section of this website, you can link to various manufacturers who may or may not have products suitable for your application. One concern I have is roof pitch. Most residential metal roofs require a 3:12 roof pitch. A few vertical seam roofs can go a bit lower. A 3:12 pitch means that, for every 12' the roof goes back horizontally, it must rise at least 3'. Also, some metal roofs require solid decking (such as plywood) beneath them but some can be installed over lathe/purlins. If you wish, contact me with more information pertaining to your roof pitch and yourdecking situation, and I can make some product suggestions. Todd Miller [email protected] 1-800-543-8938 ext 201 Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/11/2003
what determines the gauge of metal, thickness? also, is the higher the number gauge, the better metal? Is 29 gauge a good metal?
Guest User

7/15/2003
what determines the gauge of metal, thickness? also, is the higher the number gauge, the better metal? Is 29 gauge a good metal?
Guest User

7/15/2003
I work primarily with aluminum because it's simpler -- always measured in thousandths. LOL Anyway, steel is confusing. The gauge does refer to the metal thickness. Actually, though, the higher the gauge, the thinner the metal. 29 gauge is typically within industry tolerance atabout .013" thick. Metal thickness is determined by product design. There are several metal roofs produced form 29 gauge steel though that is about the thinnest anyone uses. More heavily formed roofs typically can be produced from thinner metal. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/15/2003
Greetings. My questions are, 1. "how will a metal roof handle the Texas heat in August-will it reflect the heat away, or will it draw it in and cause higher temps in the attic; and 2. how well would it stand up to the hail storms of North Central Texas?" Thank you!
Guest User

7/21/2003
Metal roofs in light colors, as well as metal roofing panels which have an airgap between the metal and the roof deck, have been shown in many tests to be incredibly effective at reducing attic heat gain. For added benefit, some manufacturers are now also offering coatings which utilize the new infrared reflective pigment technology. Another key to efficiency though is attic ventilation. Especially if your prior roof was wood shingles on spaced sheathing, you will need to make sure you have plenty of good airflow through the new roof in order to keep that attic as cool as it was before. Good ventilation requires intake and exhaust. Metal roofing has a good track record in regards to hail. Many products have passed the Class IV hail impact resistance test which was developed for Texas a few years ago. Just the same, you folks can get whopper storms which no roof will survive. I do like the fact that metal roofing will resist hail the same in 20 years or more as it does when it is new. You cannot say that about other roofing materials. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/21/2003
Building at food plant.Tin need to be USDA approve.Putting inside walls and roof
Guest User

7/24/2003
We have a house built in 1905. I do not know if the roof is original or not. We took out an old fireplace and chimney, leaving about a 4x4 foot hole in the roof. We are not sure how to go about repairing this hole. I took a couple of pictures, but I do not know how to attach in this program. If you can send me an email address, I can send you the pictures. The roofing appears to have been flat metal which was then crimped to fit together. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. It is in strips that are about 2 feet wide and several feet long. Thanks, Diana
Guest User

12/29/2003
Please email direct to me at [email protected] and I will try to help you. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

12/29/2003
Currently have a flat cement tille roof. 2 story with several different sections and a standard to steep pitch. Can a metal roof be installed OVER the tile? A good share of the replacement expense is the removal of the cement tile.
Guest User

1/1/2004
I have put on 2x14 29guage, metal roofing, and would like to know if I should use 2 or 3 screws per 1' panel. The slope is only 4" for the 14' because the new roof is under a pole barn. thank you & God bless David
Guest User

1/1/2004
David, Thanks for your questions. It really is imperative that you obtain installation instructions form the roofing manufacturer. If the manufacturer cannot supply such a thing, find another manufacturer. Sorry to be so blunt but it is aggravating that companies are producing and distributing a complex product like metal roofing without even giving customers such basic information as fastener quantity and placement. Fastener quantity and placement will vary based upon the exact profile of roofing you're installing. There are countless profiles. It is not unusual for them to require three screws in every row of fasteners but, again, you really must have instructions form the manufacturer before proceeding. Thanks for choosing a metal roof. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

1/1/2004
would this metal roof be good for a house in Haleiwa Hawaii? why or why not?
Guest User

3/10/2004
All types of metal roofing are enjoying rapidly increasing use in Hawaii. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

3/11/2004
I want to replace 5 round top loovered dormers as part of a residential roofing project. The size of each dormer is 18"W x 30"H, on a 9:12" pitch roof. My options are copper (16oz minumum up to 20oz), pre-painted aluminum (.32 guage) , or paint grip galvanized steel (.26 guage) that would require painting by a 3rd party. Which of these options is the best in terms of relative strength and durability? Hail is my primary concern. In terms of maintenance, I am interested in the aluminum because the paint wil be a baked on finish. Surprisingly, copper is the least expensive option - but I don't know that aesthetically it's the best option for my house. Thank you for any feedback.
Guest User

3/11/2004