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TOPIC: I Have An Existing Metal Roof and Have A Question

popping sounds from 2 yr old 26 ga.painted metal roof

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I had a new metal roof installed on battens over existing shingles. It makes popping sounds when it heats up. It sounds like someone is walking on the roof. I have contacted the contractor who said they don't know what is causing it. They were here once and agreed that it was making noise. The frequency and level of the popping seem to have increased from last summer. What could be causing this? The noise is annoying but my big concern that something is wrong and it will be a problem in the future.
Guest User

7/5/2015
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Paul, Pretty normal expansion and contraction. The roof is in the darker range of colors so it is going to get quite hot in the Florida sun. I should settle down with age but exposed fastener (i.e. screwed down) roofs don't accommodate movement as well as a hidden/clip style system. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

7/5/2015
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thank you for your response. Is the roof being damaged due to the expansion being restrained? Is it possible to replace the screws with the clips that you mention? I think that my biggest concern is that the contractor acts like he has never experienced this before. Maybe he has never put down a dark color panel? thanks again
Guest User

7/8/2015
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Thanks for your response. When you say settle down, does that mean that the screws will loosen over time to allow expansion and contraction? Does the fact that the roof cannot expand and contract properly cause damage, either to the roof components or to the underlying structure? Is it possible to retrofit the clips. I am really concerned that the contractor acts mystified about this and will not return calls.
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7/8/2015
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The exposed fasteners and the holes in the metal do bare the brunt of this expansion and contraction and are the eventual weak spot in that type of roof system. These panels can't be installed with clips. At some point the screws may need to be re-fastened or even replaced with larger screws. As the screws loosen a bit and the fastener holes open up a bit, the popping should diminish. I am curious a bit about the pitch transition and the ridge. I am wondering whether maybe there was no allowance left there for expansion and some of the noise could be from that. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/9/2015
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I know for a fact that the ridge was cut for a vent. The area of slope transition is another story. I will try to check it since the contractor is not answering calls. I get the impression that this is not uncommon. The contractor stated that he has never heard of it. Could the color be a big contributor to the amount of movement and he has never put down a dark roof?
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7/9/2015
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Hi Paul, You know ... it's so hard to gauge without being there. Is the popping noticeable from inside the house or primarily just when you're outside? Honestly, I do not think color is the culprit. Just my opinion. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/9/2015
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I have been watching and listening. The noise is about the same in the house and when standing on the roof. I have attached some pictures of the area where the slopes change. That is the area where the noise seems to be coming from. I think that area is the problem. The flashing panel is deformed in several places. Can you think of any possible solutions?
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7/18/2015
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another picture
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7/18/2015
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another picture
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7/18/2015
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this is a picture of "scuffing" on the roof panels that are on the flatter spot of the slope change. Does this reduce the life of the roof?
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7/18/2015
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Interesting. I'd say there is a good chance that, because the transition flashing is secured to the upper and lower panels, thermal movement is causing a lot of pulling at that flashing. I would have preferred to see Z Cleats placed between the predominate ribs on the lower panel, and the transition flashing locked over the Z Cleats rather than screwed to the panels. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/18/2015
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I have inquired with a local roofer about where to get these cleats. He says Z cleats won't work with the Galvalume sheets. Where can I get more info on the cleats you are talking about
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7/23/2015
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Because of the profile of panel you have, the Z Cleats would need to be custom formed on site. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/23/2015
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could you send me a sketch of the proposed detail and the Z clip.
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7/24/2015
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Sure, if you can, email me direct and I will send you something by return email. My email is [email protected] Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/24/2015
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I just sent you my email address
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7/27/2015
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