Q:
What
are the advantages of metal over other types
of roofing?
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| A:
Prefinished metal roofing is offered in a
broad palette of attractive colors with
long-life coatings that do not support the
growth of moss, mildew or fungus. Metal
panels are lightweight, yet strong enough to
withstand severe weather—snow easily
slides off the roof. Finally, metal roofing
lasts longer, conserves energy, and requires
virtually no maintenance.
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|
Q:
Can
I install metal panels directly over my old,
worn-out shingles?
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| A:
Since metal weighs only 1/3 as much as
shingles, you can often attach metal panels
without tearing off your existing shingle
roof. This eliminates the cost and problems
of disposing of the old shingles. The best
way to do this is to attach 1" x
4" or 2" x 4"
furring strips at 24" o/c parallel to
the eave and ridge. Check local codes to
determine if tearing off shingles is
required in your area.
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|
Q:
How
do I attach metal panels?
|
| A:
You may use either screws or nails—both
color matched to the color of your roof.
Screw fasteners are preferred over nails for
superior pullout resistance and
weathertightness. Screw fasteners are
designed to go into the flat part of the
panel. Nails MUST GO in the high rib of the
panel. Fasteners are typically spaced
24" o/c.
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|
Q:
Can
I add insulation under the metal panels?
|
| A:
Yes. Among the types
of insulation that can be used are fan-fold
foam insulation or foil-faced plastic bubble
insulation. You can save utility costs by
making your roof more energy efficient.
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|
Q:
Is
metal roofing noisy when it rains?
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| A:
No more noisier than the soothing patter
that you hear now. The metal roof panels are
installed over felt paper and plywood on the
outside, with a layer of sound-deadening
insulation and your drywall ceiling on the
inside. These materials help deaden the
sound.
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|
Q:
How
long will a metal roof last?
|
| A:
This could very well by the last roof you
will ever put on your home, barn, shed or
hobby shop—with life expectancies that can
easily exceed 30 years. Corrosion resistant
substrates and long-life finishes ensure
long-term performance, minimal maintenance
and life-cycle cost savings.
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|
Q:
Are
any special tools required?
|
| A:
Metal roofing and
siding can be easily installed using
standard hand tools such as a screw gun,
hammer, metal snips, caulk gun, pliers,
chalk line and tape measure. Cutting metal
panels is best accomplished with an electric
metal shear; however, panels may be easily
cut with a circular saw with a metal-cutting
abrasive blade. Standing seam roof systems
require hand or mechanical seaming tools
available from Fabral. See our installation
instructions for complete details.
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|
Q:
What
is the best material to use along the ocean?
|
| A:
The salt spray from the ocean is very
corrosive to most steel panels; therefore,
the best solution would be to use a painted
aluminum panel in these areas.
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|
Q:
Do
I need a rubber membrane underlayment under
metal roofing panels?
|
| A:
A rubber membrane underlayment is always a
good idea as an additional barrier against
water infiltration. You should always use
one under a valley condition or any other
detail that is likely to be difficult to
seal. A rubber underlayment is also
recommended at the eave and up to at least
24" past the exterior wall in a
northern climate to help prevent water from
entering the roof due to ice damming. It
should also be used on very low slopes and
when the metal panels are not sealed at
their side laps.
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|
Q:
Why
does your installation manual show the metal
wall panels held so high above the ground?
Can't I run the panels all the way down to
the ground?
|
| A:
We show the panels held up above the ground
level to make sure the bottom of the panels
are not in constant contact with moisture,
which would accelerate corrosion. To avoid
contact with moisture, the panels should not
be in constant contact with the ground or
vegetation.
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|
Q:
Will
a metal roof make my house or building more
susceptible to a lightning strike?
|
| A:
No. A metal roof will not make a building
more susceptible to a lightning strike.
Lightning will tend to strike the highest
object in a given area, regardless of what
that object is made of. A metal roof can
actually be beneficial in the event of a
lightning strike due to being a
non-combustible material.
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|
Q:
Can
I use a lead pencil to mark on my metal
panels?
|
| A:
No. Standard lead pencils, or those made
with graphite, will accelerate the corrosion
of the metal near the mark. You can use
masking tape and mark on the tape to prevent
corrosion -- plus, masking tape is easier to
see.
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