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TOPIC: Estimate Questions

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Hi! I am very interested in a metal roof and find there are a variety of different styles. I know you cannot give quotes, but overall which style the least expensive(vertical panel, shingle, shake.etc...)? Are they all about the same? Also I have black olive trees in my yard that make a huge mess certain times of the year and alot of it ends up on the roof. Is there a special way to clean metal roofs and is it worse if the roof is white...meaning the debris from the black olive tree will discolor the white roof very obviously and be difficult to remove? All input is appreciated. Thanks! LK
L Kelly

6/23/2004
One other question...is there anything bad about roofing over an existing shingle roof? Thanks. LK
L Kelly

6/23/2004
The cost of the metal system is typically based on the quality of the finish, quality of the substrate and quantity of material required , be it thick/thin or flat/bold. Staining from trees is always an issue with any surface, especially the sap. I have not seen residue from an olive tree but as it can produce oils like walnut trees it is probably tough. The titanic acid is the one that cuts into the finish and this is worse with oak trees. In your situation, you should be looking at the better finishes of natural materials which unfortunately do not fall into the least expensive catagory. As to keeping the roof clean, there are things to do which basically is like washing and waxing your car. There are a number of fine, garden hose applicated touchless type wash/waxers such as "hose it clean" that can be applied generally without getting on the roof and then rinsed off. Doing this just ahead of and during the shedding period, will go a long way to keeping the roof clean. Buying the highest quality finish as I said is also on the list. Hope this helps.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

6/25/2004
Certain precautions must be taken and prep work must be done in some cases. This could include checking for rotten decking, sweeping the roof, cutting back at the eaves to install new lumber, etc. However, when these things are done properly, I have been involved with re-roofing with metal over shingles for 20 some odd years and I have never seen a job where I later regretted that the old roof was not removed. Final judgment on this should be made by an experienced contractor though.
Guest User

6/25/2004