Roofing Answers Articles

Hot Attic Increases Energy Costs

November 10, 2010

A homeowner from Alabama, recently sent me the following question: Q: I live in southern Alabama in a home that was built in 1992, The inspector while inspecting this summer said my attic was running 150 – 180 degrees and suggested that something be done. Roof is original there are wind vents and soffit vents…. ( read more )

Does A Metal Roof Need To Be On Battens?

September 25, 2010

Q: I have removed all the old shingles from the roof boards (not plywood) the roof is in great shape and have installed an ice shield over the roof. Can I install the metal roof over the Ice shield or do I need the 1 X 4 battens every 2 feet as well, It’s a… ( read more )

Impact on a Metal Roof

September 19, 2010

Q: My home is adjacent to two horse chestnut trees. In the fall I hear the nuts falling and rolling off my current dimensional shake roof to the 1st floor roof below. I am considering a standing seam metal roof but wonder if it will look like it endured several hailstorms after a couple of… ( read more )

Low-Pitch Roofing

Q: We are re-roofing our Colorado mountain cabin. There is a large portion of the roof that is virtually flat and has, historically, been the source of much leakage. It was covered a year ago by new asphalt. We are now planning to install a metal roof. Is metal a good choice for this low-pitch… ( read more )

Will A Metal Roof Avoid Ice Dams?

February 11, 2010

I am often asked whether a metal roof can help someone avoid wintertime ice dams and the resulting damage to their roofs and homes. Generally, the answer to that question is “yes,” but there are several things to keep in mind. Six Tips for Avoiding Ice Dams with a Metal Roof  Any time you re-roof… ( read more )

Going Over Old Roofs (Roofing Weight)

December 15, 2009

Q: “I hear differing opinions on installing metal over old shingles. Can the metal be too much roofing weight on a home?” A: Most metal roofs weigh from 40 pounds per square (aluminum) up to maybe 145 (for stone coated steel). A square is 100 square feet. Asphalt shingles on the other hand weigh from… ( read more )