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Discussion Forum

metal roofs

| Posted in General Discussion on April 7, 2005 06:31am

my sisters cabin in the mountains, nc, lost a bunch of shingles to the wind the other day.

she’s thinking of going for a “galvalume” metal roof now.

Anybody work with this stuf or have any opinions on it?

Thanks,

st

Reply

Replies

  1. DavidxDoud | Apr 07, 2005 06:38am | #1

    a properly installed metal roof is a thing of joy -

    I like 'galvalume',  classic appearance and more durable than galvanized - 

    give details of the cabin (roof shape,  sheathing material,  # of layers of shingles,  etc) if you want specific suggestions for an installation strategy...

     

    "there's enough for everyone"
    1. User avater
      Sphere | Apr 07, 2005 04:46pm | #3

      From what I gather from GCu...the prices vary greatly, from quote to delivery it can really be unstable. Also, propietary flasshings and fasteners is a drawback.

      I like copper.  One can do ANYTHING, and it never needs maintanence or recoating after the company is long outta business. 

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      "Success, is not pleasing others, it is pleasing yourself"

      1. JohnT8 | Apr 07, 2005 05:26pm | #4

        I like copper.  One can do ANYTHING, and it never needs maintanence or recoating after the company is long outta business.

        You've been hanging around Green too much.  Or I should say, spoiled by having him nearby.  Not all of us have copper craftsman nearby. jt8

        Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -- Ann Landers

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Apr 07, 2005 05:33pm | #5

          I think getting the pans bent and installed is available nationwide. Not to take away GCus FINER talents, bending standing seam pans is not rocket surgeury.  And if I can install it satisfactorily, ANYONE can.

          Why would anyone chose a metal roof with exposed fasteners?  That is one of the weakest links.

          But, you are right, he has me spoiled...I love the stuff. 

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          "Success, is not pleasing others, it is pleasing yourself"

          1. brownbagg | Apr 07, 2005 06:23pm | #6

            Why would anyone chose a metal roof with exposed fasteners? you right but 1) not everybody can afford standing seam
            2) Hurricane code calls for screwed every two feet

          2. User avater
            Sphere | Apr 07, 2005 06:31pm | #7

            Standing seam is attached as often as you wish..we cleat it down 16 to 24"..so wwhats that mean?

            Standing seam CAN be less than typical painted/baked finishes by the time you get the ridge and flashings, and valley details and fastners. Labor goes quick. 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success, is not pleasing others, it is pleasing yourself"

      2. DavidxDoud | Apr 07, 2005 07:39pm | #8

        ...cabin in the mountains...

        perhaps I am reading too much into this phrase,  but I'm getting a picture of something not totally refined - -

        your points are well taken,  and I agree that greencu has spoiled you - - I wouldn't want to go to a seasonal cabin and find that the roof had been scavenged for scrap...

         

         "there's enough for everyone"

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Apr 07, 2005 07:47pm | #9

          yer right, no one would steal galva-lume..LOL. 

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          "Success, is not pleasing others, it is pleasing yourself"

          1. DaneB | Apr 08, 2005 03:23am | #14

            I have seen standing seam done on tin as well. 

            Two doors down from my house in Richmond,VA just had it done with a witches hat on top of it all.  Looks good.  Then it was painted.

            My house in Richmond has standing seam tin on it now and as far as any one knows it has had it for a very long time.  Long enough that nobody can remember when it was put on.  Needs replacing now and I intend to do it my self.  The guy that did the for mentioned house showed me how it is done and showed me the tools necessary to do it with.  I like the "no fastener"  look to it as well.  It will take a very long time before it will leak.

            BTW I am thinking of coming to your fiest.  Was trying to find out yesterday when it will be.  I will not be going to the one in Ohio.  So I can stay for more then just one day if need be.

            DaneI will always be a beginner as I am always learning.

          2. User avater
            Sphere | Apr 08, 2005 01:34pm | #16

            Cool.  My house has tern metal too..installed about 1900 as far as anyone knows locally.  Most is still in good shape, altho rusting for sure. I'll need to strip the silver paint applied some time ago and repaint to get another 15 or so yrs out of it.

            That tern metal is no longer made...maybe it was TOO good.  I fully intend to replace it with Cu when the day comes, in the mean time, if it aint leaking, I aint gonna worry about it.

            We'll see how thing work over the next few months getting the shop up...I don't want to rush it, but I also need to get it done enough that I can get the house up to speed too..

            There is a long thread about this house..ya seen it? I'll add the link....

              http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages/?msg=38593.0

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success, is not pleasing others, it is pleasing yourself"

            Edited 4/8/2005 6:35 am ET by SPHERE

          3. seeyou | Apr 08, 2005 02:17pm | #17

            The old terne (tin) metal was great stuff. Terne is a lead/tin alloy applied to sheet steel. About 10-15 years ago, the lead content was reduced and I started having material failures. About 6 years ago, the lead was replaced with zinc. The new 28 ga. Terne II is hard to solder and when you figure in the initial cost of painting (not to mention future upkeep) is about the same price as 16 oz. copper (which is about 24-25 ga.), if not more expensive.  Also, you have to use proprietary paint to keep the mostly useless warranty in effect.  

            Galvalume ( which I assume is a zinc/aluminum alloy - I've heard of it, but never handled it ) or any of the other coated steel products are not solderable to my knowledge, so caulk/sealants must be relied on in certain instances to keep the water out.  I would not recommend these type roofs for lower slopes or a roof with many penetrations/flashing details.

            If the budget allows, opt for a hidden fastener product, although, if the runs are relatively short and steep, an exposed fastener system would be acceptable to me. I see dumb people.

          4. Piffin | Apr 08, 2005 03:03pm | #18

            lead -My sheet metal guy just told me that lead coated copper has gotten hard for him to get and it is now almost three times as expensive as a year and a half ago. is that right? 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          5. seeyou | Apr 08, 2005 04:18pm | #19

            I'm paying nearly $130 for a 3x10 sheet of 16 oz. If I remember right, it was about $70 last summer. Those prices are full crate prices. By the sheet would be more. I've got some 3 lb lead coming next week. I'll give you a shout when I get the bill on that.I see dumb people.

          6. jrnbj | Apr 09, 2005 03:21pm | #24

            What's the lead coated copper?....all the copper roofs I've been around were just...copper....soldered with lead.....

          7. seeyou | Apr 09, 2005 04:17pm | #25

            What's the lead coated copper?....

             

            Copper that's been dipped in molten lead. It's often used with cedar roofs to protect the copper from reacting with the cedar tannins. Also, there's very little salvage value to copper that's been queered with lead, so it often gets used on buildings where longevity is desired, but theft is a potential or the color of lead is desired.  I see dumb people.

          8. jrnbj | Apr 10, 2005 04:07pm | #40

            Thanks re the lead coated copper...
            I guess if you are using Titanium felt you have to use Titanium caulk, too!
            Ain't marketing wonderful.....

          9. JohnT8 | Apr 11, 2005 05:55am | #41

            Thanks re the lead coated copper...I guess if you are using Titanium felt you have to use Titanium caulk, too!Ain't marketing wonderful.....

            Well shooooot, if you've gotta use their caulk, then you're probably going to pay 3 times as much for it as you would any other type.

            Kinda like the way that the speical EPDM adhesive costs about as much as the EPDM.jt8

            Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -- Ann Landers

          10. jrnbj | Apr 11, 2005 07:35am | #43

            not to mention Tyvek tape...much as it costs, there must be some titanium in it....

          11. CombatRescue | Apr 11, 2005 04:43pm | #44

            There isn't any special caulk you need to use with Titanium.  It goes down with capped nails just like felt.

          12. jrnbj | Apr 11, 2005 06:57pm | #45

            that was a joke, son......

          13. CombatRescue | Apr 11, 2005 09:45pm | #46

            Hehe.  Hard to tell when people are kidding on the internet, plus I'm a little slow sometimes!

          14. JohnT8 | Apr 12, 2005 12:59am | #47

            That's OK, you answered the question for anyone else who was curious.  Saved them the trouble of asking.

             jt8

            Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.  -- Leo Tolstoy

  2. cardiaceagle | Apr 07, 2005 07:34am | #2

    I like the "galvalume" also...

  3. cliffy | Apr 07, 2005 08:58pm | #10

    I did a few metal roofs.  Looks good sheds water well and the owners thought they were getting a great long lasting product.  However check the box that the rubber gasketed screws come in.  Mine were printed with the screws 10 year warranty!

    Have a good day

    Cliffy

    1. housedktr | Apr 08, 2005 01:12am | #12

      thanks to all,

      are the galvalume roofs screwed down with exposed screws - with gaskets mentioned, or is it availible with the locking type seams that have no exposed faseners?

       

      1. DavidxDoud | Apr 08, 2005 03:11am | #13

        screwed down is common,  standing seam is available -

         

         "there's enough for everyone"

        1. Piffin | Apr 08, 2005 03:36am | #15

          yah, galvalume is a material - it comes in several patterns and styles. 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  4. seeyou | Apr 08, 2005 01:10am | #11

    I may be biased toward copper, but I'm getting geared up to replace about 75 sq of kynar finished steel (about 5 years old ) that the finish is peeling off of.  I see this about once a year.  On the other hand, i'll also be installing the same type roof on a winery. lots of metal roof manufacturer's have come and gone in the last 10 years. get your materials from a company with a good history.

    I see dumb people.

  5. CombatRescue | Apr 08, 2005 05:39pm | #20

    I have some experience with galvalume roofs as they are fairly common here in Florida (A lot of people are replacing hurricane-damaged roofs with metal).

    The coating seems to last a pretty long time in this climate.  It starts out shiny, but quickly oxidizes to a dull, flat gray.  You can get either standing-seam or exposed-fastener styles.  The most popular here is the 5-v crimp style, which is quite common on key-west style buildings.  However, you are limited to a 3/12 pitch when using them.  I think standing seem you can go to 1/12.

    These roofs should be installed on purlins, but can be put directly on the roof deck if you use a non-asphalt underlayment (such as titanium).

    A third option (available down here at least) are individual stamped metal shingles.  They have hidden fasteners and interlock with eachother.  The last time I priced them they ran about $2.50 per shingle (each single was 6"X8").

    If you do use an exposed-fastener metal roof, I'd suggest using thicker than standard screws, as they sometimes have a tendency to work themselves out.  This hasn't been a major problem down here in Florida, but from reading other's posts on the subject, it does seem to be a common problem.  Maybe the temperature difference  for temperate climate areas has something to do with it.

    If high-wind is a problem in your area, pay attention to the fastening schedule, especially at the edges of the roof.  Most of the metal roofs that failed here during the hurricanes had inadequate fastening at the edges.

    1. User avater
      Sailfish | Apr 09, 2005 06:00am | #21

      "These roofs should be installed on purlins, but can be put directly on the roof deck if you use a non-asphalt underlayment (such as titanium)."

       

      This I was not aware of. Since we are redoing are roof this summer with the 5v I will have to factor this in.

      Some have said to go directly on top of the existing shingles with the metal.

       

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

      "Have you seen my baseball?"

       

       

      1. seeyou | Apr 09, 2005 02:46pm | #23

        Some have said to go directly on top of the existing shingles with the metal.

        There is the potential for the aggregate in the shingles to rub the finish off the back of the metal when it moves from expansion and contration. Also, there might be the same potential for a reaction as with felt. Different products have different installation procedures. Most metal roof manufacturers have their installation manuals available online. I see dumb people.

      2. CombatRescue | Apr 09, 2005 04:31pm | #26

        Yes, the asphaut can react with the metal and cause early failure and void the warranty.  It depends on the manufacturer though - some may allow it, but none in my area that I know of.

        In either case, Titanium is vastly superior to 30# felt, especially down here.  I was unable to get a project roofed before the first hurricane hit last summer, but I did get the titanium layed down.  I put in some extra button caps and prayed the whole building wouldn't go (we were expecting a cat 4 at the time - fortunately the storm weakened before it hit us).  After 7+ hours of sustained 80-90mph winds with gusts over 110, only 2 courses of the titanium blew off - those at the bottom of the roof on the windward side of the storm.

        By contrast, a friend had her entire roof on the windward side stripped down to the OSB - singles, felt, everything.  Water poured through the gaps in the OSB and ruined the interior.

        After those hurricanes, I'll never use felt on a roof again.

        Andy

        1. seeyou | Apr 09, 2005 05:07pm | #27

          I'm on board with the Titanium, also.I see dumb people.

          1. DavidxDoud | Apr 09, 2005 07:29pm | #28

            OK - 'Titanium' - - what is that?  a brand name for the ice and water shield high dollar alternative to felt? -

             

             "there's enough for everyone"

          2. CombatRescue | Apr 09, 2005 07:37pm | #29

            http://www.interwrap.com/titanium/

          3. User avater
            Sailfish | Apr 09, 2005 08:21pm | #30

            whats the cost offhand of  a 10 sq roll of titanium?-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

            "Have you seen my baseball?"

             

             

          4. seeyou | Apr 09, 2005 09:01pm | #31

            I think the last roll I bought was $129.00. #30 felt is running about $17.00 so that translates to $85.00 for 10 squares. Titanium takes about a 3rd less nails and goes on much quicker. I can carry one 10 sq roll of titanium up the ladder easier than one 2 sq roll of felt. If I'm paying to have the underlayment installed, it costs me less to use titanium and it'll stay on longer.I see dumb people.

          5. butch | Apr 09, 2005 09:30pm | #33

            Do you know what the recommended spacing are for purlins if your not using decking but 2x4's? It will be a new roof.I was thinking 16" o.c. but that was a guess.

          6. seeyou | Apr 10, 2005 12:12am | #34

            Do you know what the recommended spacing are for purlins if your not using decking

            but 2x4's? It will be a new roof. I was thinking 16" o.c. but that was a guess.

            Check with the manufacturer. All brands and systems vary and have proprietary instructions.

             I see dumb people.

          7. CombatRescue | Apr 10, 2005 02:05am | #37

            In my area of Florida, a roll is running $135.00.

  6. User avater
    Dinosaur | Apr 09, 2005 07:19am | #22

    I have installed more exposed-fastener metal roofing than I ever wanted to; my opinion of this stuff is not high although the functional results seem to be satisfactory. The main problem is dealing with non-parallel joints and through-roof fittings. There is no satisfactory way of making these cuts neatly unless you have a slicer and the factory jigs on site; you wind up relying on lots of gook to get a good seal and to a craftsman, that's the turds.

    If this is a simple 5:12 or steeper gable roof with no or very few penetrations, it could work out okay mechanically. I can't speak about the finish durability of galvalume as the metal roofing I have worked with is all painted steel. You should use a bead of butyl sealant in the joint between each sheet, unless there are chemical interaction issues with butyl and the galvanized aluminum that I'm not aware of. The supplier should know this. Exposed caulking is done with a thermoplastic caulk such as Mulco Supra.

    Dinosaur

    'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?

     

  7. UBuildIt | Apr 09, 2005 09:09pm | #32

    We put a galvalume roof on Mom's house. Of course, we've got the plain zinc coating kind on the barns, so working with galvalume was a joy - aluminum/zinc alloy. It's goes on easy but you will growl every time you put in one of those fasteners....they are proprietary and a little spendy. The metal roof is beautiful when you are done, but don't even think about putting it on a roof that doesn't have good pitch.

    The sound of a metal roof in the rain is a beautiful, relaxing sound.

     

    Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ~ Rumi

    1. JohnT8 | Apr 10, 2005 01:46am | #35

      The sound of a metal roof in the rain is a beautiful, relaxing sound.

      hmm.. kinda like sitting in a 50 gallon drum while someone pours 5 gallons of BB's on it?  ;)

       jt8

      Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -- Ann Landers

      1. UBuildIt | Apr 10, 2005 01:51am | #36

        Yeah! Alot like that....ain't it great! ;) 

        Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ~ Rumi

        1. JohnT8 | Apr 10, 2005 02:10am | #38

          Yeah! Alot like that....ain't it great! ;)

          Gawd, that was a quick reply!  Shouldn't you be out enjoying this wonderful weather instead of being cooped up inside?  Oh wait a minute... that could probably apply to me as well.  Nevermind.

           jt8

          Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -- Ann Landers

          1. UBuildIt | Apr 10, 2005 02:57am | #39

            It's worse than that..........I'm at work!

            Mental note: get a life.

            -c 

            Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ~ Rumi

          2. JohnT8 | Apr 11, 2005 05:58am | #42

            It's worse than that..........I'm at work!

            In some parts of the country, Saturday is considered a substantial part of something referred to as "the weekend".   It has been shown to improve morale when worker bees are allowed to not make the trip in to work on 'the weekend'  ;)

            Sad thing is, I'm sitting here bemoaning the fact that 'the weekend' is about to turn into 'the Monday'.  Blech!

             jt8

            Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -- Ann Landers

  8. durangokid | Apr 18, 2005 02:32pm | #48

    make sure she is aware of the danger that falling chunks of snow around children can pose. it can very easily injure a small child or pet. shingle roofs tend to shed snow in smaller chunks or just melt off.

    1. housedktr | Apr 20, 2005 06:14am | #49

      thanks,

      good point, I will pass it along.

       

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