I’ve been watching the news and seen roofs collapsing all over the place, due to snow and ice accumulation. It’s kind of scary, but I’ve done my part, having my roof shoveled routinely. I’ve noticed metal roofs without the accumulated ice and snow cover and considered having a metal roof on my house, but I’m concerned that tearing my roof apart and prepping for new sheet metal roofing could possibly disturb my 300-year-old house. Your thoughts?
Signed,
Paula in Gorham
Dear Paula,
I’m glad that you’ve been proactive, keeping your roof clear throughout the winter. Clearing it from all that weight reduces the chance of a potential catastrophe to its occupants.
Indeed, there’s a delicate balance between disturbing the old structure while contemplating metal replacement. Seeking the advice of a reliable structural engineer or roofer who also considers the historical significance of your roof with an onsite examination would be a good start toward your decision.
If you’re worried about “opening up a can of worms” by aggressively stripping off the old roof, an idea you could propose to them would be the possibility of laying the metal over the existing shingles. Depending on how many layers of asphalt or cedar shingles are in place, it’s possible to place sheet metal directly over your existing roofing material. Ask if the weight distribution is acceptable to your type of construction, about the type of fasteners they would use and methods of closing fascia surfaces they would use.
Metal roofing is virtually maintenance free, typically comes with a longer warranty than asphalt or cedar shingles, and comes in a variety of colors, so matching it to your current color scheme shouldn’t be a problem.
Keep in mind some properties about metal roofing: The combination of smooth metal heating from the sun and the heat which escapes naturally through your roof, regardless of the ambient temperature, melts snow and ice quickly. I raise this point because there is some concern present when walking around the outside of the house during melting; the rate of melting is unpredictable, so you should be aware of potential masses of snow or ice cascading down the roof without warning. Ask about “snow brakes” as a preventive measure to this potential hazard.
Another option you may want to consider is the installation of roof heating devices, such as heat cables. Many homeowners and businesses in colder climates install these, reducing the possibility of accumulating too much weight on the roof. You control the amount of melting that occurs, simply by having them properly installed and having them turned on at a desired time.
I hope this helps with your final decision!
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine and appears locally on WCSH’s 207. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.