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TOPIC: Installation

Replacing Cabin Metal Roof

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Hello experts, I have a tiny 10x12 off-grid cabin in the mountains outside of Seattle. It typically several feet of snow a year and lots and lots of rain. The cabin has an old corrugated metal roof that needs replacing. I believe the previous owner simply nailed the corrugated panels directly to OSB sheathing. Beneath that is R-12 insulation and then plywood that acts as wall paneling. There is no vapor barrier. My plan to replace the roof is to remove the old corrugated panels, put down a synthetic ice and water shield onto the existing OSB sheathing, run furring strips over the underlayment, and then attach the new panels to the furring strips. Is this a good idea or should I avoid the furring strips? Thanks for your help!
Patrick Hutchison

8/31/2017
As long as the panel you install is approved for installation over furring strips, and you space and install the furring as instructed, I like your plan. You might consider running vertical furring and then your horizontal, allowing you to ventilate the resulting chamber. This would help avoid winter ice dams and also reduce summer heat gain. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

9/1/2017
Panel is approved for furring strips. Wouldn't there be ventilation with just horizontal strips? What does the extra set of furring strips add? Thanks for your help!
Patrick Hutchison

9/1/2017
The cross battening would allow you to actively ventilate the area. You can take advantage of convective air flow by bringing air in at the bottom, letting it travel up the roof between the vertical battens, and then exhaust out through a ridge vent. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

9/1/2017

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