The Red Letter, Vol 3
Recently, we added an amazing, screened porch to the back of our home. As we worked through the planning process, we had to make big decisions about what type of roofing material to use. Did we want to match the house, with its architectural shingles, or channel some “farmhouse” energy and add metal roofing?
Since our home is, technically a farmhouse, we decided metal roofing would give us the look we wanted and add value. Maneuvering through the metal roofing universe can be overwhelming. If you have questions about metal roofing, here are a few options you might consider:
5V metal – This is named after the five v-shaped grooves bent into the metal – two on each side and one in the center. These bends make it strong and wind-resistant. While this is a popular panel in agricultural buildings, through-fasteners can shift and loosen over time. 5V metal panels are often used on roofs with higher slope.
Flat-lock metal panels – These panels are used on flat or low-slope roofs. Clips are installed to hold tiles and seams are soldered in place. Flat-lock metal panels are often used on historical buildings and for an architectural look.
Multi-rib metal roofing – Metal panels are fastened through using screws and neoprene washers. Although multi-rib is a popular choice for many homeowners, there are some potential issues. Panels can shift and expand/contract based on the temperature and push screws out over time. Neoprene washers can also deteriorate and fail, resulting in leakage.
Standing seam metal roofing – Metal panels that are fastened to the roof under covered seams, meaning no exposed fasteners. These panels are engineered to move as the roof moves. While they may require a larger initial investment, standing seam metal roofing is virtually maintenance free.
It is also important to consider the material and finish on your panels. Copper, stainless steel and zinc can last 50 or more years. If you prefer a color, Kynar-based finishes last longer than siliconized polyester-based finishes and won’t fade nearly as quickly and can carry a warranty of 35 or more years from fading or chipping!
Metal thickness, or gauge, is extremely important, too. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker and stronger metal. While thinner gauge metals are less expensive, thicker gauge metals will offer more protection from hail and wind damage.
Finally, it is important to consider where your home is located. Beach homes will require stainless steel fasteners and higher gauge aluminum that will resist corrosion caused by storms and salty air.
After considering these options, we decided to install 24 gauge standing seam snap-lock panels with a kynar-based finish on our screened porch. We are extremely happy with how it turned out!
No matter which metal roofing option you choose, the most important thing is that is installed correctly. You want an experienced roofing company that understands metal roofing and works with integrity. Give us a call at Red Letter Roofing to take care of all your metal roofing needs!
Best,
Shannon Burns
The Roofer’s Wife