Choosing Roofing: A Poem

Yesterday I commented that metal roofing was like poetry.  That motivated me to write this poem...

We were in the market for some new roofing -

Our asphalt roof old, and not good looking.

Its edges were curled and its colors quite faded,

Our 20-year-old home prematurely outdated!

We made a list of what good roofing should be -

With the durability and colors we’d like to see.

Of course our wish list started quite strong -

We want color that lasts thirty years long!

We want our roofing to be energy efficient!

We want our roofing to be fire resistant!

We want a roof that’s the environment’s friend!

We want a roof that can handle high wind!

Could such a dream roof possibly exist?

We called a contractor to read him our list.

We expected a laugh, he instead said, “Okay.

Can we set an appointment for later today?”

He came to our house with samples galore,

Of colors and textures, and so much more!

“There’s only one roof that I suggest choosing,

The do it all roof – that’s metal roofing.”

We selected a color and a traditional style,

(Variety and selection beat asphalt by miles!).

As the work progressed, we were truly amazed

And stood there for hours and simply gazed.

Our home transformed from old to new,

From outdated and faded to a wonderful view.

Metal roofing is truly the new tried and true.

We’re so glad we chose it.  Metal roofing, thank you!

Metal Roofing Design Options

Perhaps the strongest sales tool for residential metal roofing are the many design options available. 
- Color:  the choices are virtually unlimited with hues and tones unavailable in other roofing choices
- Texture: Get rid of that "smooth" image.  Metal roofing can be patterned, shaped, molded - leading to:
- Enhancement - Metal roofing can be designed to look like almost any other roofing product available.  The main differences are the better durability, better warranty, and overall better performance of metal roofing.
- Poetry:  Huh?  What does poetry have to do with the design of metal roofing?  Because like poetry, metal roofing is timeless, is beautiful, is structured and flows, and makes a statement that the homeowner understands how to make the world a better place.

The day when all homes have a metal roof

It's almost inevitable.  The day will come when most new homes have a metal roof.  People will look back on the "old days" and wonder why asphalt was ever a consideration.  Sure there will be those who say that asphalt was less expensive, but the phrase "to install" will be quickly added.  Because asphalt is only less expensive for the short term. 
   Then the discussion will turn to design, durability, warranty, colors, weather protection, and environmental friendliness.  People will shake their heads and again wonder why asphalt was used.  Of course it made sense at the time, but that time is past.
   Yes, the day will come.

Rain and Metal Roofing

We are all conditioned to think of metal and water as a combination that leads to rust.  If the metal is unprotected, it will deteriorate; it will rust.  So when someone suggests roofing with metal, a major concern is how it will withstand the elements, especially rain. 

Here are two things to consider if that is a concern of yours.  First is durability.  Metal roofing today is coated with an aluminum-zinc alloy combination that protects the metal sheet edges and helps it resists corrosion. Metal roofing treated with the aluminum-zinc alloy dosen't crack or peel when exposed to rain.  The protected sheet is them painted with a protective paint, often Kynar.  Kynar paint protects and preserves the steel base; increases the roofs reflectivity; and helps preserve the original color for decade.

A second consideration is your roof's pitch.  Most homes have a roof slope of at least 3:12. This means that for each 12 inches of run (eave to ridge) the roof rises up at least 3 inches. With a 3:12 slope, rain runs off the roof and doesn't gather or pool. 

Ask your contractor if the panels he plans to use on your roof have been treated with the aluminum-zinc alloy coating, and if the coated sheets are painted with Kynar.

Energy Credit for 2011

A lot of people think the energy credits have run their course.  Not true.  There's a good summary overview of the program for metal roofing on the Fabral site at:
http://www.fabral.com/energystar.php
One of the major factors in receiving the credit is the roof's color.  Check out the parameters before you decide on your roof.

How To Install Metal Roofing (:09 second video)

There are many unique styles of standing seam metal roofing.  Often, it is how they are assembled on the roof that distinguishes one manufacturer from another.  If you search "metal roofing installation" on YouTube, you'll see hundreds of procedures.  Many of them depend on specific design characteristics.  There is one that I found interesting because it clearly explains the process in 9 seconds.  While the procedure is unique to the manufacturer, it does quickly explain (especially to the novice) how a standing seam metal roof might be assembled - specifically, how they might be attached to the roof, and how they might be attached to each other.

http://www.youtube.com/user/PetersenAluminum#p/a/u/1/cZQW-8G3JDM

Metal Roofing Colors

I Googled "metal roofing colors" to verify that choices were truly unlimited as so often claimed.  Sure enough - I clicked on "images" and found page after page of the metal roofing color charts from recognized manufacturers.  The choices and selection are incredible.  The chart at Petersen Aluminum is interactive by model and features.  They also have a visualizer to help see how the color looks on a particular style of building.  They happened to be the first one I clicked on.  I'm certain all of the major manufacturers have similar decision-helper features.  And yes, colors are unlimited!

4 Quick Metal Roofing Advantages on Commercial Buildings

1. Metal roofing provides many aesthetic advantages compared to other roofing materials. Primary among the advantages are color and design options.

2. Many architectural design challenges can only be accomplished with the flexibility of metal roofing.

3. Did you know copper and titanium metal roofing can last more than 50 years?  Modern metal roofing  has a life span of 30+ years - three times longer than many other roofing options.

4. Most metal roofing material has been recycled, and metal roofing itself is recyclable.

Steep Slope Metal Roofing

A steep slope roof has a slope greater than 3 inches of rise per one foot of horizontal distance. The steeper a slope is,  the more difficult the roofing installation is. However, there is an increasing amount of new commercial construction with steep slope roofing.  The reason is metal roofing.  Not only is metal roofing easier to install on a steep slope when compared to other materials, the effort is rewarded by the metal roof's extended life cycle.  That's one reason why modern building architects are showing a preference to the steep slope / metal roofing combination.  Other reasons include the complimentary aesthetics, seam and pattern options, an almost unlimited color palette, and confidence in durability based on a proven track record. 

Another Name for Metal Roofing

There is a VAST variety of metal roofing materials and colors to consider if you're planning to add a metal roof to your home, and it lasts MUCH longer than traditional roofing materials. Perhaps the only reason you're hesitating is the name: Metal Roofing.  It probably brings to mind long slabs of primary colored metal bolted to your roof.  No!  Get rid of that image.  Today's metal roofing is as far away from that as a Model-T is from a 2011 Indy Car.  First big change is color.  The rich, intense, deep, modern colors of metal roofing make it an enhancement to your home's architecture.  Then there's the material.  Just as modern cars don't rust like the Model-T did, neither do metal roofs.  They are the result of an engineered, researched process designed to combat the elements and time. 

So what's a good name for metal roofing?   Perhaps "Comprehensive Roofing."  After all, a metal roof brings all the best qualities of roofing to one place.  Or perhaps it would be better with a stylish French flair, a "Metalique Roof."  Or the Spanish for roof works well all by itself, "Techo."  Either way, the idea is that "Comprehensive Metalique Techos" are not simply metal roofing.  They're your best choice in roofing today.

Do I need special ceiling insulation to quiet a metal roof?

Residential metal roofing is not noisy.  The "noisy" metal roof is a misconception started with agricultural buildings.  In an ag building with a metal roof, the roof is usually all there is to the roofing system.  There is no under-layment, no insulation, no barriers.  The metal panels are screwed into the ag building's rafters - it's that simple.  And that's why they are noisy.  In fact, rain sounds worse in those kinds of ag buildings.  It's as if they act like a drum and amplify the sound.

That is NOT true with a residential metal roof.  Between the roof and the living space are several layers of material.  Each layer deadens the noise and the potential for amplification.  Once you're interested in metal roofing, you'll start to notice that many commercial buildings have them.  That would not be the case if they were noisy.

Are there "brand name" metal roofing manufacturers?

Yes.  Your installer should be able to to show you a full range of colors and custom options that are available.  This is something that is readily available from all of the top level metal roofing manufacturers.  If your choices are limited, it probably indicates that the installer is using an off-brand product.  Ask for manufacturer literature.  Your installer will be glad that you asked - he chose the product for specific reasons and he wants to share them with you.  Also check out the warranty.  All established manufacturers fully back their products for 30 or more years.  If you Google the term "metal roof" the industry's top manufacturers will show up on the first few pages.

Can the color of my roof save energy?

Here's the answer straight from those who know:

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/eng99/eng99323.htm
http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/coolroofs/
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/product_specs/program_reqs/roofs_prog_req.pdf
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/pdfs/cool_roof_fact_sheet.pdf

Fireworks damaged my metal roofing...

Q. There is now a burn mark on my metal roof after the 4th of July holiday.  Will I need to fix the area, repaint?

A.  There's a good chance the the spot on your roof may wash off.  If it hasn't yet rained in your area, either wait for rain.  Or if it's at a convenient height, try aiming the water from a garden house at the spot.  It may easily wash off.  If you can't each the spot, contact your installer.  They'll be able to wash it.  They'll also be able to better assess the potential damage.  If the paint has been burnt off in a spot, the panel may need to be replaced.