Metal Roofs Are Not Just A Novelty
Once, metal roofing was found only on high-end, architect-designed homes. That’s no longer true. Metal roofing is increasingly found in conventional houses, thanks to increasing availability and improved manufacturing processes. According to industry statistics published in 2017, market share for metal roofing increased at a rate of roughly 3 percent each year for a few years and about 15 percent of all roofing installations used metal roofing materials. At the same time, the market share for asphalt shingle roofing fell, and accounted for about 59 percent of the total roofing installed.
Purchase All Of Your Materials And Tools
After youve measured your roof, the next step is to purchase all the materials and tools youll need for installation. Again, refer to our list of tools and materials above, but now you will know more accurately how many materials youll need to purchase based on your roofs measurements.
Metal Roofing Sheets: These are usually available in three lengths and can be purchased in either the sheet form or in pre-cut lengths.
Metal Roofing Shingles: They come with a variety of widths and have an option for round shapes used on steep pitches.
Galvanized Steel Frames: These frames are available in different sizes and are installed first to support the metal panels.
How To Install A Metal Roof On A House
How To Install A Metal Roof On A House Covering your existing asphalt shingles with metal roofing might be worth the expense. Here are some pros and cons.
Can you put steel roofing over asphalt?
Can you avoid tearing off your old asphalt shingle roof by putting a steel roof over it? Maybe. Most codes now allow no more than two layers of roofing before requiring a complete tear-off.
So, if your roof has two layers, it may require a complete tear-off, even though steel is lighter than asphalt. Codes vary, so call your local building department to know how to install metal roofing over shingles properly, code-wise.
How Do I Install a Metal Roof on My House
How Do You Install a Metal Roof on a House
How to Install a Metal Roof on a Double Wide Mobile Home
A steel roof is a lifetime investment, lasting 50 years or more if its a good one. Asphalt roofs typically last 20 to 30 years, depending on the installation and shingle quality. So, the investment might be worth it, but the range of choices makes shopping for a steel roofing system more complicated than you might think.
If you want to install steel over asphalt, your best choice is to use a steel shingle system like the one shown instead of the more common standing seam steel. In a standing seam roof, long, single panels run vertically all the way from the eave to the ridge. In contrast, steel shingles are small panels installed in horizontal rows much like other shingles.
How to Install a Metal Roof on a House Video
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Drive Screws Just Right
- Fastening the panels just right is the key to a watertight roof. Here is what you should know:
- At the eave, place screws on both sides of every rib and lined up to go through the foam closure strip.
- Each row should be spaced no more than 24 inches with one screw at each rib on the overlapping side.
- Start at the bottom, fastening across the panel in rows, working toward the ridge.
- Drive screws to seat flat on the roof a crooked screw wont seal.
- Dont over-tighten or under-tighten. Tighten just enough to compress the rubber gasket to the edge of the screw head, not past it.
- Clean up any metal shavings or burrs right away. They will rust.
Metal Roofing Prices In Canada By Product Type
Now that we have covered the kinds of factors that will affect metal roofing prices, lets look at what to expect in terms of pricing for each type or class of metal roofing product. Note: Metal roofing price estimates are based on price of material per square foot of roof space plus installation cost, referred to as installed price. In big box home improvement stores it is important to note list prices are for panels of roofing material only. The following price ranges reflect the factors listed above but do not include stripping and disposal. The prices by product will give you an idea of what you can expect to get or be giving up based on your budget. Included are re-roofing cycles so you can see how many roof replacements you might need to do over 50 years.
Economy Metal Roofing: example of a batten mounted steel roof with exposed fasteners.
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What Is The Advantage Of A Metal Roof Over Shingles
There are a couple of advantages when it comes to installing metal over shingles. The first is that it helps you save the labor costs of removing the shingles and prevents them from being thrown into landfills. The second is that the shingles provide an extra layer over your home, which helps insulate it further. Metal roofs over shingles also present a number of problems. Contact your local roofing company to learn more.
High Initial Costyes But
Okay, youve landed on the biggest drawback of metal roofing: initial cost. Metal roofing costs about the same as other premium materialsfrom about $150 to $600 per square .
For the sake of comparison, here is a list of typical price ranges for metal roofing and other common roofing materials for an average size home:
- Metal roofing $5000 to $13,000
- Metal roofing $10,000 to $25,000+
- Asphalt-fiberglass shingles $4000 to $7000
- Wood shingles and shakes $10,000 to $20,000
- Concrete tile $8000 to $23,000
- Clay tile $12,000 to $30,000+
- Synthetic slate $12,000 to $30,000
- Natural slate $18,000 to $60,000+
Because of the materials long-term durability, the trick is that you ultimately save the difference if you stay in the house for a long time and you save on seasonal maintenance. Then again, if you plan to move in a couple of years, you probably wont get a reasonable return on your investment unless your future buyer recognizes the long-term value of the roof.
Add up all materials and labor and divide this sum by the number of years the roofing is expected to last to estimate your roofs cost per year.
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Metal Panels Can Go On Low
Most metal roofing materials can be installed on gently pitched roofs without leaking. Minimum roof pitch for metal shingles is typically 3-in-12this means the roof rises 3 inches for each horizontal foot. Some standing-seam roofing can be used on 2-in-12 roof pitch or, in some cases, even as low as 1-in-12.
In comparison, most asphalt or roof shingles cant be used on a roof with a lower pitch than 3-in-12 and materials such as tile require a slope that is 4-in-12 or steeper.
Prevent The Splash Of The Rain Let The Air Flow
The ultimate goal of installing a patio roof is to protect you from the rain and the glare of the sunlight. Unfortunately, it requires you to block the air flow sometimes.
To prevent the splash of the rain, but let the air flow, you need to place the patio sheeting over the top of the roof about 300 millimeters so that it can perform shield from the rain without blocking the airflow.
It is your best bet especially if you have a fully-covered patio which do not have much airflow.
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Metal Roofs Are More Energy
Industry studies show that metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent. In climates where cooling costs are higher than heating costs, coating a metal roof with a shiny or granular coating can maximize the reflective capacity of the roof and improve energy savings.
Metal Roof Paint Finish Quality
After you pick the color, then you need to decide on the finish.
The paint finish quality on the metal roof that you choose will help your roof stand up to the elements and look great through major weather events, so making that choice is an important part of the metal roof replacement process.
Accordingly, different types of paint finishes offer varying levels of durability, resale value, initial costs, and subjective aesthetic appeal.
There are two different types of paint finishes typically used on metal roofing: PVDF and polyester.
PVDF or polyvinylidene fluoride is usually referred to commercially as Kynar or Hylar, which are popular due to their ability to resist UV rays and the subsequent fading and associated problems.
Polyester is not rated as well in regard to its ability to withstand the suns impact or other weather-related issues, so PVDF is becoming an increasingly popular choice for property owners.
The paint finish quality of your metal roof also affects the longevity of the roof, since paint fading and therefore reducing the efficiency of UV protection of your metal roof can reduce the value.
Keep in mind that it may be possible to repaint or refinish the roof in the future, depending on the base roofing material.
Your roofing contractor will be able to advise as to what colors would work best for your property as well as the finishes and type of paint that should be used for the best results.
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Pros And Cons Of Metal Roofs For Your Home
Whether you’re buying a home with one or thinking of installing, here’s what to know.
Whether you’re putting a roof on a new home, or your existing roof requires a total makeover, there are many materials available. But no matter what roof style you have, metal roofs can be an attractive option because of their longevity, minimal maintenance and energy efficiency. Material choices include steel , aluminum, copper, zinc and tin. Product types are vertical seam, pre-formed panels and granular coated panels. Style choices allow you to have the look of shingles, slate, tile, shakes or vertical panels. Make sure your metal roofing product is tested, labeled and listed with a testing organization such as UL, FM Approvals or Intertek to meet rigorous wind, fire and impact resistance rating requirements. Please also remember that installation can vary from geographic location, manufacturer guidelines and as a result of local building code requirements.
Factors To Consider When Installing A Metal Roof Over Shingles
- What we said above about installing metal over shingles is true in the majority of cases. But its always best to check with your local building and zoning departments to make sure they approve metal-over-shingle installations.
- If your shingle roof has leaks, youll need to inspect for rotting rafters or sheeting. These problems should be fixed before installing the new roof.
- If the current roofs weight has caused structural problems like buckled trusses or decking that is sagging, these issues need to be addressed before new installation begins.
- Its usually a good idea to consider adding some type of underlayment on top of the shingles to prevent their granules from contacting the metal and leading to corrosion. Your metal roofing contractor will tell you about options for this.
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Step : Lay Down Roofing Felt Over The Entire Roof
Your goal with the roofing felt is to make sure everything is as straight and as square as possible. To do this, you might need to put wood strips in place as well.
Also, keep in mind that flashing will need to be installed for dormers, chimneys or any possible seam where you are especially concerned about water. The key here is that you are aiming for a very square, symmetrical look without the risk of water damage later.
Aluminum Shingle And Shake:
An aluminum roof designed for residential use will have concealed fasteners, interlocking panels and PVDF coatings. Accessories and trims will be factory-formed for quality and consistency. When reflective pigments are used in the paint formula, it is the most energy efficient option and classified as a cool roof. A cool roof quickly releases heat in summer and deflects the suns rays. The energy savings on a cool aluminum roof will help offset the premium you will be paying up front for the better product. With the highest strength to weight ratio of a roofing product, aluminum can be installed over the existing roof. Roofing over asphalt eliminates costs associated with tear down and disposal as well as decreasing landfill burden. Ideal for coastal or marine environments. If you live on the East or West Coast, look for products that are covered by warranty at any proximity to the ocean.
Maintenance required: NoneRe-Roofing Cycles Over 50 Year Period: None Expect to Pay: $14.00 $22.00 CAD per square foot installed.
Example of a standing seam metal roof with concealed fasteners.
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A Metal Roof Stands Up To Tornadoes & Hurricanes
Many metal roofing systems have been tested and proven to withstand winds in excess of 140 miles an hour, which is the equivalent to an F2 tornado and provide protection against impact damage from debris. says Todd Miller, Vice Chairman of the Metal Roofing Alliance.
According to the Palm Beach Post, metal roofs proved to be the most hurricane-resistant. If the roofers used the correct attachment method, either screws or clips, the wind will have a difficult time getting underneath metal roof panels.
Average Cost Of Metal Roof Installation
Once you have the materials, then you need to actually install your roof or more accurately, have it installed by a team of professional roofers.
The costs of installing your metal roof will vary depending on your location, your property, and the type of roof that you are installing, but installation costs are important to account for since they will affect the total price of your new metal roof.
Metal roofing tends to be more expensive to install than asphalt or wood shingles since it is not simply nailed to the top of the roof but rather built on top of a breathable synthetic underlayer, prefabricated trim, fashioning, and requires the installation or customization of pipe boots and roof vents.
This of course increases the overall cost of materials as well as the expertise necessary to do the job roofers in your area or metal roof contractors who can handle metal roofing with the appropriate skill tend to be on the higher end, cost-wise.
Also, keep in mind that smaller orders of metal roofing material tend to cost a bit more per square foot than larger orders.
Ordering through your roofing contractor can be one way to save on your new roof since they likely have the connections to buy at a bulk rate or can get an industry discount.
Plus, metal roofing can often be the most energy-efficient selection, saving you money on heating during the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
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Metal Roofing Does Not Attract Lightning
You might think that a metal roof will attract lightning, but this is not borne out by facts or statistics. According to a technical bulletin from the Metal Construction Association, “Metal roofing does not in any way increase the risk of a lightning strike.” Not only that but if metal roofing does happen to get struck by lightning, it is less combustible than conventional roofing materials such as wood shakes or shingles.
As the bulletin asserts, “Because metal roofing is both an electrical conductor and a noncombustible material, the risks associated with its use and behavior during a lightning event make it the most desirable construction available.”
The reason that metal roofs do not attract lighting is simple: lighting seeks a path to ground, which is why trees, telephone poles, and other such structures tend to attract lightning. Metal roofs are isolated structural components, with no direct path to ground inherent in their design. Hence, there is no scientific reason for lighting to strike a metal roof any more often than it strikes an asphalt shingle roof.
Metal Roof Over Shingles Condensation
Metal roofs must be laid flat on a vapor barrier because steel will condensate if theres any air space underneath it. It doesnt matter if the air space is a half-inch or six inches because the condensation factor will remain the same. Put the steel down directly on a vapor barrier. You can either leave the shingles on or put down felt paper during new construction.
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Can You Install Metal Roofing Over A Shingle Roof
In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity their installation doesnt require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.
Metal, although super-strong, is very light, weighing less than a pound per square foot compared with as much as four pounds per square foot for asphalt shingles. Adding a metal roof over existing shingles doesnt significantly increase the overall load for the home structure to bear.
Along with saving the cost of completely removing the existing roof, installing a new metal roof over a current roof also brings the benefit of additional insulation above your home to prevent heat and cool from escaping.
And since we mentioned insulation, we should also mention that metal roofs are heat-blockers they reflect heat away from their surfaces rather than absorb it. This means the extra insulation from your shingle roof will not act as a heat trap for heat emanating through your metal roof.
