Find a Contractor

New 24gauge metal roof

Back to Energy Efficiency
Back to Forum
benjamin pacheco
8/11/2014
I am planning on installing a new roof. The current roof has been in place for only 6 years and is a 30 year warranty! The current roof was improperly installed by a local contractor and is falling apart! I am thinking of installing new metal 24g over the existing singles. The new installer if we use him suggested placing 30 pound felt over the existing roof instead of perleans or 1x4 wood. Is installing the 30 pound felt acceptable. It is hard to do a visual of a metal roof instead of shingles makes one wish a software package could do it for me, this is making a decision hard to make.
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
8/11/2014
Several metal roofing manufacturers have imaging software for visualization. I would probably suggest a synthetic underlayment or else a slip sheet on top of the 30 pound of you go that way.
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!
8/12/2014
+1 I think synthetics are always preferred.
Guest User
8/15/2014
Okay, this sounds good but I am not aware of a synthetic underpayment or slip sheet, where do I find this information and how much will this add to the cost? I take it this is in addition to the 30 pound felt? I am sure my contractor will know what I am talking about but likewise I would also like to know. thanks again Ben Pacheco [email protected]
Dick Bus
8/15/2014
Ben, one brand to consider is manufactured by Interwrap. I have attached their link: .http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CIgBEBYwCQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestmaterials.com%2Fdetail.aspx%3FID%3D17898&ei=SoruU7LxGpHnsATGxYLYBQ&usg=AFQjCNFp7arJ9F5vlGsuar5kEy4jlCEt1A if your roof has failed after six years, I recommend that you have it removed. there is no telling what other problems may have occurred from a faulty installation. Also, I recommend that you select a product from a member on the Metal Roofing Alliance as all of us have agreed to a minimum product standard. As you have found out, do not select based on warranty. Make sure you thoroughly check out the contractor. ask for references that are similar to your type of project. Call those homeowners. if you can, visit with them. Make sure the contractor has the right licenses and proper insurance. One last thing, thanks for selecting a metal roof!
Guest User
8/15/2014
Okay, this sounds good but I am not aware of a synthetic underpayment or slip sheet, where do I find this information and how much will this add to the cost? I take it this is in addition to the 30 pound felt? I am sure my contractor will know what I am talking about but likewise I would also like to know. thanks again Ben Pacheco [email protected]
Guest User
8/15/2014
Dick, Thank you for your reply, I had Architectural 30 shingles installed, the reason for the failure was faulty workmanship, where the contractor did not have his equipment set correctly when he nailed, then he nailed high, low and sometime correctly. I had singles in sections just sliding off the underlayment wood, otherwise it is sound. I am still mixed about metal siding I tried to upload to a couple of sight for visualization but one did not work the other will take up to a week before they get back with me. I will attach a file of my home, thank you again
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!
8/16/2014
Beautiful home and it will look great with metal on it. Ben...did your metal contractor give you a number for removing the roof? I just wouldn't want shingles continuing to come off under the new metal roof.
Guest User
8/16/2014
No number for removing the roof other then it was calculated if we decided to go again with architectural shingles. One of the roofers went up and nailed down the shingles that were sliding off. Actually the contractor price for metal using 26 gauge was less expensive then the architectural shingles, in shingles it will require 57 squares, not sure how that calculates out in metal. With metal we will be using a tan colored 40 year warranty. He suggested using 30 pound felt over the existing architectural shingles, We talked about bubble wrap but was told if I have sufficient insulation in the attic, that it would be just an added expense, then I hear what Dick suggested makes it more confusing. Either way I need to get the roof fixed. If we go over the shingles with the felt on top, how that would affect the looks of the 26 gauge metal! again thanks for the feedback, hope you had a great weekend..
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!
8/17/2014
There is the possibility, if the shingles continue to fail and slide out, that one could come loose and create a bubble or distortion in the roof. If you attic is sufficiently insulated, the roof is correct in that the bubble wrap is not needed. A radiant barrier needs an airspace to work properly anyway so putting the roof directly on top will not accomplish anything. The total square footage should be about the same if the asphalt was measured properly. I don't see that being 57 squares based on the picture but then again, I can't see the back of the home. It is a large roof, just doesn't look near 60 square large. I would inquire about a price to strip the roof and to use a synthetic underlayment in lieu of 30lb felt.
Dick Bus
8/17/2014
Ben, I recommend that you get the term warranty out of your mind. What you really want to know is what is the long term performance of the installed product going to be. Kynar 500/Hylar5000 paint systems have been around since the '60s. These paint systems resist fade. I have seen projects that are 40 years old and look as pristine as the day it was installed. The next consideration is the type of metal; galvalume coated steel has been around since the '70s. Many of the early ones were not painted and are performing extremely well. A painted aluminum roof will never corrode (except in extreme coastal environments) and is easier for a contractor to cut. Fasteners should be stainless steel. if you are considering an exposed fastened panel the paint finish on the fasteners should be a high performance coating. I do not have the information with me, but type of closure tape and sealants is also important. Finally, the contractor's ability is the most important. Get referrals, go visit the referrals make sure you are comfortable with the installations. Make sure that the crew that will be doing your house is the same one that did the other quality installations. The Metal Roof Alliance should have a visualizer out soon. We are in the process of updating ours. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

2/20/2018

I have a newly installed standing seam metalroof. I'm in the Dallas area. I was recently told that with our summer heat that this roof is not energy efficient in this location. Is this true? I have a painted dark grey color metal.
Thanks
Amy
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
2/21/2018

Amy, metal roofs are frequently used in areas like Dallas for their energy efficiency. The fact that they dissipate any gained heat quickly back to the sky when the sun goes behind a cloud or a breeze blows is a real plus. However, beyond that, many metal roofs have reflective pigments in their coatings for energy efficiency. Others may also be installed with an integral thermal break for energy efficiency. Good attic ventilation is always a big help.

If you would like to reply to this thread, please log in. If you do not have an Ask the Experts forum user account, create one here.

Find a Contractor

Get Started Today

Take the first step to increasing the value of your home with a great looking, durable, fire resistant and energy efficient metal roof. Browse our list of qualified MRA Member Roofing Contractors in your area for a free consultation and estimate.

Search Now