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TOPIC: Metal Roofing Benefits

Exposed Fastener Metal Roof installed over existing shingles

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We have defective asphalt shingles that were installed 15 years ago on our commercial child care facility. We are considering installing metal over the shingles using furring strips or a nail strip system between the existing shingles and the metal. As a not for profit organization with limited funds we would like to avoid the tear off cost if possible. Is this advisable?
Cindy Trinkner-Peot

2/24/2014
This should be feasible. And, in fact, furring strips may not be necessary. In either event, I suggest a layer of underlayment over the existing shingles. Always check with the manufacturer of the roofing to ensure that what you're doing meets their approval. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

2/25/2014
+1 You may be able to skip the wood as Todd pointed out. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

2/25/2014
Hi i have a 60 square home and extra garage combined. This is a well built 42 yr. old home with 2 layers of shingles in pretty good shape can I some how put metal over the exiting shingles? I had some wind damage and have some ins. money
Guest User

8/4/2014
James, due to the low weight of metal, it would not be unusual for a metal roof to be installed over two layers. However, if you're in an area where a building code is in effect, you likely will not be able to install a third layer of roofing. If that is not an issue where you live, I'd suggest checking with individual manufacturers of products you like. Aluminum would be a lower weight option than even steel. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

8/4/2014
I have a stereotypical farm barn built around 1900 (40 ft x 80 ft) in southern Wisconsin that has what appears to be two layers of asphalt shingles on it, possibly one layer of cedar shakes, and then 10"-12" boards on top of rafter framing. I am going to install metal roofing sheets. I store quite a few bales of hay in the mow every year (4000 small bales), and have only a few hobby farm type animals (i.e couple pigs, chickens, ducks, 2 two horses) in the lowest level. The walls of the barn are wood, with plenty of gaps between the boards which promotes air-flow which is essential with fresh hay storage. I plan to have a contractor install the roofing. He has done many metal roofs, and intends to screw 2x4's on top of the existing asphalt shingles, making sure to hit the rafters. Then he will screw the metal down to the 2x4's. My questions....Should I be concerned about condensation in this instance? He had never installed a membrane on previous roofs unless he did a tear-off (is what I was told). Also, I plan to use a medium/dark gray tin color. Should I have a heightened level of concern with condensation due to the darker roof color? Most barns in my area have white metal roofs, with a few green. I have seen a couple gray, which I found to be appealing. Finally, I asked my contractor about installing a roll-out ridge vent (typical on residential structures) across the entire ridge of the barn to allow some of that heat to escape (especially in the summer months). He said that he had never done that before, but doesn't have a reason why he couldn't. What are your thoughts?
Joe Datka
farmerjoe

4/13/2015
If the space isn't heated or cooled, you should be fine. Sounds like there is plenty of air circulation and if you didn't have an issue before, you shouldn't now. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

4/13/2015

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