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TOPIC: Is A Metal Roof Right For My House

Panelized Construction Hot Roof under Metal Roofing

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Back in 2000, we built a panelized engineered home with the assistance of CT Light & Power's Energy Crafted Home Program. We've enjoyed low cost heating/cooling since that time.

Two Issues:

  1. back in 2000 it became an issue of how to cover this roof. ELK asphalt shingles stepped up and certified the performance over a 'hot roof' with a 35 year life expectancy. Never did I expect to see the full 35 year performance. But, 22 years on...things seem to be holding up and performing well enough.

  2. the upstairs in my home consists of two vaulted rooms... with the majority of ceiling over an open floor plan 'lower level' - so most of the roof/ceiling is two stories above the useable living space. However, in the two rooms that are upstairs, I can feel an appreciable amount of heat radiating 'down' on a full-sun day. I'm sure this 'costs' me in cooling AND heating as there must be some level of heat transfer. But, as I've said - efficient HVAC - cheap utility.

So the reason for the post: Rather than wait for shingle degradation and failure, I'm looking for options. Metal roofing is one. Several 'salesman' insist their product is the 'best'... seamed sheeting... interlocking panels.... steel....aluminum.... the list goes on.

My question is: does a metal roof over a panelized deck make sense? is it applied directly to the decking? Assuming the current shingles get removed? Ice/Water barrier the whole deck? or, as some have suggested/insisted... add furring strips in a grid to get an air gap under the metal? Proponents say extreme efficiency and metal roof longevity. Opponents say ridiculous money that only provides access and intrusion of bees/insects/small woodland creatures...

As I say, no end of 'salesman' insisting they've got this... but no real clue what a 'hot roof' even is... I guess a 40 year steel (or whatever) roof will be someone else's problem... but near-term energy efficiency and long term roof sustainability are a concern...

your thoughts? thanks for taking the time.... TPM

Tom Miller

9/2/2022
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I do think metal makes sense for this application. One thing to think about though is that the metal roof will drop the temperature of the roof deck ... if the panels are not well sealed and moisture is migrating into them from the living space, this could encourage condensation.

If there is a concern of that, then putting the metal over battens or an entangled mesh product to create a thermal break between the metal and the decking can be helpful. Leaving the old shingles can also be helpful. (A new layer of underlayment should be installed over them.)

Also, metal shingles create their own thermal break of sorts compared to vertical panel metal roofs.

I hope this helps but I do encourage you to call me (800-543-8938 ext 201) or email me ([email protected]) if you'd like to discuss things further.

Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

9/8/2022
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