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TOPIC: Leaking

To tape or not to tape?

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I have a gamble roofed barn, using standard R panels, and during heavy rain I have water apparantly siphoning or seeping in along the seams - obvious streams of water being visible from the underside - especially on the flatter portion of the roof, and in numerous areas (not isolated). I suggested to my contractor that all the panels needed to be butyl taped on the ridged seams to prevent this, but he says he's built these for 30 years this way and has never had a problem (?) and he can show me a taped roof that leaks. He suggests it is just a few loose screws and that should fix it. (He hasn't yet looked at it). Do you think taping the ridge seams is what is needed? Also, I have a new house being roofed with Classic Rib panels, which have what I call little shoulders on both sides of the raised ridges where the seams overlap, and this contractor says this type of panel is not supposed to be taped, that any water siphoning in will just run out down the shoulder ridges. Your comments? Thanks for a great forum. Don
Don Travis

11/19/2003
Hi, I've looked for some info on this question, but have not seen it directly addressed. We have a metal roof installed over highly insulated attic space. The roof is not steep. The metal is screwed onto rafters, with sideways supports about every 3 feet. It has soffit and ridge vents, with gable vents as well, and styrofoam panels to allow air from the soffit. Recently we heard water dripping in the attic and found the metal dripping with water. Will a vapor barrier stapled to the bottom of the rafters help this? If so, which side should it face? Any other suggestions? Thanks very much!
Guest User

11/19/2003
Don, Exact installation details could vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. My company does not manufacturer an R Panel profile. However, from my limited experience, at least some manufacturers do require side lap sealant. Also, 1:12 is often the minimum required pitch. Classic Rib is a brand name for Metal Sales Manufacturing I believe. I believe it requires a 3:12 pitch and side lap sealant is not required. In all cases, manufacturer recommendations must be adhered to. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

11/20/2003
The situation you have should work, with the soffit to ridge airflow carrying out excessive moisture. However, my guess is that the gable vents are causing a problem. They are probably short circuiting the natural soffit to ridge airflow by providing intake equal to the ridge exhaust, meaning you're not getting air flow through the attic. I would try sealing them off. If you'd like to discuss this further, call me at 1-800-543-8938 ext 201 Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

11/21/2003