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TOPIC: Roofing Styles

Too many choices!!

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I currently have individual metal embossed shingles that are approx. 95 years old and not in the best of shape. Luckily, a tornado came and blew half of them away, so the insurance company has agreed to re-roof the entire house. Now comes the hard part. I know I want a dark green color, but other than that, I can't tell what the differences are. I'm assuming my insurance co. isn't going to spring for the most expensive type out there, so I'm guessing the vertical sheets are the most likely choice. However, since they ARE doing the replacement, I figured I'd get as much out of it as possible, but don't even know what to ask for. I looked at the website, but still am confused. Is concealed fastener a more expensive choice? What about the materials that go UNDER the roof itself - is there a premium type product I should shoot for? I guess what I'm asking is that if your insurance co was writing the check, what would you try to get covered, and what type of products/installation would you be searching for in contractors? And finally, am I being naive in letting them replace the badly worn roof with a less expensive type of metal? I've heard the individual embossed shingles are very expensive, and I don't want to diminish the value of the house by putting on an inappropriate type of roof for the style and age of the home (1908 Victorian). Please help!!!
Guest User

7/24/2003
Your subject line, "Too many choices!" is pretty accurate. There are many things to consider. There are historical reproductions of your current product available. Most of these actually are not reproductions but are produced on old equipment and tooling, making them rather expensive. One MRA manufacturer, Classic Products, has a very similar product available called Chateau Slate. It is quite similar in shape and design to your existing products but it is produced on modern equipment. Manufacturers of the historical panels including Conklin Metals, Berridge Mfg, and WF Norman Corp. Unfortunately, none of these are MRA members. I do not know how your insurance company will handle things. I feel you have every right to request a product that is to your liking. If you visit the MRA member websites, you will find a wide variety of products. I would look for products which you feel have the right design for your home. The low end rung of metal roofing is, generally speaking, exposed fastener vertical "sheet" roofing -- various corrugated configurations and the like. Ultimately, you will need to make your own call as to whether that is appropriate for your home. As a trade association, we can only provide information and not make actual product recommendations. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/25/2003
I appreciate the fast response. I checked out the websites you mentioned and they all have a fairly plain metal shingle. Mine are made of tin and embossed with an elaborate fleur de lis type of pattern. They are individually mounted inside a raised rib frame. The outside is silver, and the side against the house is a reddish rust color. Any ideas? I don't necessarily even want this type of roofing, but I'd like to come up with a price for replacement so I can use it as a guide to present to the insurance company. One of the MRA contractors I requested info from for my area contacted me today, and I am real excited about some of the products - especially the shake style. Did this exist in 1908? If so, would it have been used on a victorian? Thanks again for your help, and I promise I won't keep bothering you!
Guest User

7/25/2003
Real wood shakes existed in 1908. Metal roofs that looked like wood shakes did not. Wood shakes and shingles were used frequently on Victorian homes for siding and roofing. I am familiar with the fleur de lis design. However, I am not aware of anyone making that product today. However, if you use any of the other products I referred to earlier for a price estimate, they will be as close as you can come to your product and,m if your product could still be found, it would be about that price too. I hope this helps. Godd Luck. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/28/2003