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TOPIC: Product Selection

Mechanically Seam Metal vs. TPO?

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Hello- We are having a house built, and the plans call for a 1:12 pitch on the four roof lines. We've gone back and forth on metal vs. TPO, and I was wondering what your opinion would be for this type of climate. The builder believes mechanically seamed, ice shield, etc. will do it, but I keep 2nd guessing metal instead of TPO. Does TPO have its own set of issues? The roof lines will be high enough that they will hardly be seen as well. Thoughts? Thanks
Chris Wise

6/7/2012
I would expect metal to far outlast TPO. Both must be properly installed. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

6/7/2012
Thanks, Todd. The valley in between the two 'wing' sections seems to be the biggest concern. Would you do Duralast on this?
Guest User

6/7/2012
1:12 is a very low pitch. If you use a membrane in that area, and I am not saying it's a bad idea, but make sure it extends well up onto the surrounding steeper roofs and goes underneath the underlayment on those steeper portions. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

6/7/2012
Todd- Can I email a pdf of this project to you to take a look at?
Guest User

6/7/2012
Sure! My email is [email protected] Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

6/7/2012
I'm trying to email, but it keeps coming back undeliverable...?
Guest User

6/7/2012
+1 Metal, metal, metal. All the way. You also need not worry about the ice and water if the metal is done properly. Ice and water will not spare you a leak if the metal is not done properly and if you use the ice and water, be sure to use non-granulated versions to protect the back side of the metal. What does you insulation schedule on those roofs look like? That is just as important as you don't want to under performing roof once you get it down. It should be a permanent install so get the insulation details spot on as well. Rigid foams are your friend in this case and will help thermally uncouple the framing from the interior. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

6/8/2012
Chris, I received the drawings you sent. That is a beautiful and unique home. I definitely think it is deserving of metal and anything else would be under-serving the house and its integrity. As I mentioned, too, zinc would look great on your new home, and also if you're in upper Michigan or the UP, you may want to consider an ice protection system such as Sol-Ice. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

6/8/2012
If you are building the home, a super insulated and air tight shell should not ice dam. Sun melting of the snow can lead to a small ice dam, but most damaging ones are a function of poor envelope and insulation. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

6/8/2012
Thanks guys, really appreciate the help. Sounds like metal is the way to go. Should I be concerned that the roofer will only guarantee the installation for 2 years??? I would think this would be much longer. He's using a Berridge product? If you're familiar with them, do they have low-slope specific systems for something like this?
Guest User

6/8/2012
2 years is a bit on the lean side. The benefit of metal is that if it does not leak in the first rainstorm, it should never leak. Metal roofs are not usually dependent on glue or sealant to make their seal and waterproofing unlike asphalt roofs. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

6/9/2012

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