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Guest User
8/7/2004
We had a metal roof put on our home specifically so that we would no longer have to shovel snow off the roof. Our contractor (his first experience), placed the metal roof panels placed directly on top of the roof decking. Well, the snow did NOT slide off the roof and we had ice buildup that was 2 feet thick on the roof, and water damage in the house where the snow was covering the vents. When Spring came, and that ice came off - as you can imagine - it was quite a mess - smashed decks, etc. 1) Venting question - Our roof was placed directly on top of the roof decking when it should have been lifted up for ventalation. Does one use 2x2's or 2x4's and just how far apart (spacing) should they be? 1 foot, 16", 18", etc.? 2) Repair - can you put a metal roof over another metal roof? Our contractor has agreed to come back and fix the roof by taking up all of the panels, putting down 2x4's and then relaying the panels - can there be an easier way? Can the existing roof be left alone, but the lumber on top of that, and put another layer of panels on that? Any assistance you can give will be much appreciated as we have so many questions and want to make sure that we don't have this mess again and to give our contractor some assistance. Sincerely, Kay Frase
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
8/7/2004
Hi! Don't jump to the conclusion that your roof should be up on battens. First of all, not all metal roofs are designed to even be installed that way as an option, You will have to go back to the roofing manufacturer to check on this and to also, if it can be done, get load tables for batten spacing and fastening details. Next, if you raise the roof on battens, you will have a perimeter trim issue to deal with. As far as going over an existing metal roof, it's not out of the question but again depends upon the panel involved. The manufacturer should be consulted. There is a metal batten system called RoofHugger which is designed to go over an existing metal roof. Now, as to avoiding having to raise the roof, do you have good attic ventilation now and good insulation on your ceilings? Good attic ventilation requires intake (soffit vents) and exhaust (ridge vent works well). This helps keep the entire bottom side of the roof deck cooler. I hope this helps with some ideas. Don't hesitate to write back.
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