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TOPIC: Installation

2:12 slope question

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We are having a home constructed and desire to use metal roofing with shingles as the preferred product. One issue that has stumped the roofer is a low slope area of 2:12. The metal shingle manufacturer will only guarantee to a 3:12 slope, but will verbally state “it should work with no problem”. The roofer is uncomfortable with this unwritten recommendation. We understand that a standing seam roof will work with no problem but prefer the look of the metal shingle. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Attached is jpg of the area of concern.
Richard O'Brien

5/12/2013
Richard, in the picture you sent I do not see a low slope area. Am I missing it? However, absolutely positively metal shingles should not be used at a 2:12. Anyone who says they can work, I question either their experience or their integrity. Sorry. Folks will try to make them work and, based upon 30+ years of metal shingle experience, I hate to have to tell you that the roof system will fail prematurely no matter what you do. Send me photos pointing out the low slope area please. Can't something else be used just in that area? Many high end homes are mixing roofing material types. I think it can create a great look. I am working on a showcase home right now and the owners are mixing roofing materials. My email is [email protected] Also, on your roof, you need to ask / consider how your non 90-degree hips will be handled with metal shingles. It can be done without difficulty but there are multiple ways of doing it. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

5/12/2013
What metal shingle manufacturer are you using on the home? If the section of the home that you are concerned about is the porch turret, I am not certain that I have that big an issue with it as it is not over conditioned space. Todd is 100% correct though that most of the metal shingle systems are not designed to drain properly at such a low pitch. Please clarify the questions and location of the low slope. Covering the entirety of that area in a peal and stick membrane will help prevent any moisture that does not properly drain from getting into the structure. I would also say that if that turret is the only are of slow slope, that it could be retrofitted to have a 3:12 slope in it by just putting some purlins on it that are ripped to create the additional slope. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

5/12/2013
Hi, I have a similar problem. I have a 1:12 roof that originally had an asphalt coating. It is an addition to a house with a 7:4 shingle roof. I have done resurfacing with Ames Maximum Stretch (Ames Research); but I am having new leaks. I was planning on a DIY metal roof. From what you said, maybe that is not a good idea? Could you tell me about any other options? You mentioned Peel and Stick. My roof size is about 750 square feet (23x33'). Thanks. Kirk
Kirk Rensmeyer

6/21/2013
Kirk, the only metal roof that can be used at that pitch is a mechanically seamed standing seam. Peal and Stick is a waterproofing material that is used beneath a roof covering. It still doe snot allow a roofing material to be used at less than its required minimum pitch though. The transition area from one pitch to another must always be handled carefully. The other option for low pitch roofs would be a membrane of some sort. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

6/22/2013
At that pitch, you are going to need the standing seam roof that Todd referenced or some sort of membrane roof is going with a non-metal option. Ice/Water shield is not a cure-all for a poorly engineered roofing system and should not be relied upon to make the roof water tight. Do you have any pictures? Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

6/22/2013

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