When I included ‘metal roof’ in my design development specs, I wasn’t prepared for the wide range of proposals from general contractors. I was thinking the Midwest Manufacturing (Menards)-type of steel roof that I’m seeing pop up on midwest farmhouses. They seem like a good value for the money, but a few general contractors (two that otherwise have good bids) submitted custom standing seam roofs at 2 or 3 times the money. When I asked if they could go the Menard’s ‘pre-cut’ route, both said their subs would only do the higher cost metal (and both pitched going to 50 or 100-yr shingles instead). Both also said the ‘Menards’ was for DIY-ers and subs who don’t have the equipment for ‘better’ roofs. What bothers me though, is that they could not tell me what advantages the more expensive roofs had over the cheaper version (other than they’d be working with their ‘trusted’ sub. Are the higher end metal roofs worth double the cost? And here in the northern illlinois, is there any reason to spec aluminum over steel? Thanks.
Jeff
Replies
Thickness of the metal and the finish are the two big variables. Seam types and widths vary, as well. The more expensive systems have hidden fasteners, a thicker gauge (24ga vs 26ga or 29 ga) and Kynar finish (40 yr warrenty vs polyester finish with 10 -2o yr warranty). I've seen lots of polyester finish failure. 24ga (or 032 aluminum) will withstand hail better than the thinner gauges. I'd find someplace else to buy my materials if they don't know the answers to your fairly basic questions.
Jeff, Grant knows his stuff. More experience you won't find.
Hey Grant, I'm back to installing copper with pedal seamers (stompers). Had a large oak hit my lumber shed. Insurance company is paying me to install copper. Expensive, right? Everything's relative. I lost 10 of those Kalwall translucent panels. Copper is a LOT cheaper, the adjuster is paying for Kalwall and happy to see copper. If this happens again, the repair won't cost the company so much.
The retired roofer I borrow the tools from was tickled to have a buyer for a 600 lb. coil of hard roofing copper. He got stuck with it somehow, color from sitting around didn't make any difference to me. If I'd known I was going to be removing that 10 yr old copper I never would have attached it so well. PITA But it's all off now.
Here's how my shop roof came out. Thanks again for explaining how to deal with the change in roof pitch. I actually had two guys delighted to haul off my 20 yr old Onduline. One paid me! I was happy I didn't have to dispose of it, all copper up here now. Except for my house obviously, green is better. And no, I'm not mowing down my large trees. That's why we pay for insurance. The one that did the damage got milled into oak rafters, copper needs more rafters than those translucent panels.
Having fun.