Metal vs Asphalt roof

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Vector Newman - 16 Jul 2003 15:14 GMT

I am in the process of adding a major new addition ( 56x34 Ft ) to our old
farmhouse. A lot of houses in our area have standard metal roofs. I do like
them somewhat but, also like the look of asphalt shingles.

I have heard 2 different opinions about metal roofing. Specifically standing
seam vs screw down. I hear some say screw down panels are nothing but
trouble down the road due to the thousands of nails used in the roof. I have
heard standing seam is the solution to that. I have heard standing seam is
junk and over priced.

Considering that the cost is equal between asphalt and screw down roofing, I
am inclined to stick with asphalt. We live in an area with typical ( heavy )
northeast US winters and the asphalt roof we have now along with the strong
timber frame structure has worked fine. The roof pitch will be the same as
the roof we have now.

Any thoughts on this?

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Vector Newman

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Dan - 16 Jul 2003 17:42 GMT

> I have heard 2 different opinions about metal roofing. Specifically standing
> seam vs screw down. I hear some say screw down panels are nothing but
> trouble down the road due to the thousands of nails used in the roof.

Reality is, some of the screws (nailing is out) will eventually leak. 1
year? 5? 10? Rather an unknown due to many variables such as installation
and weather conditions. 'Should' be inspected annually but is usually
ignored until a leak occurs.

>I have
> heard standing seam is the solution to that. I have heard standing seam is
> junk and over priced.

Standing Seams Roofs=(SSR) are the norm for most applications anymore as
they are less likely to leak. Less chances as there are less exposed
fasteners thru the skin. Many types of SSR are used but the best, IMHO, are
the type that undergo a rolled seam by mechanical means after installation.
"Butler or Varco-Pruden type seaming" Snap-lock SSRs' are not bad, but
they're not the best method in my experience. The greatest part of change to
SSR roofing is their ability to expand & contract in hot & cold weather and
reduce the wearing/chafing around the fasteners. Typically, exposed
fasteners are only at the peaks & eaves. (trim pieces are not counted here)
The eave fasteners 'should' be the only exposed fasteners that are attached
to the framing underneath.

Dan

> Considering that the cost is equal between asphalt and screw down roofing, I
> am inclined to stick with asphalt. We live in an area with typical ( heavy )
> northeast US winters and the asphalt roof we have now along with the strong
> timber frame structure has worked fine. The roof pitch will be the same as
> the roof we have now.

> Any thoughts on this?

> Vector Newman

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Homeowner Forum / Construction / July 2003

Metal vs Asphalt roof