Upgrade building roofs and walls without removing metal panels
Aside from the business of installing metal roofs and walls in new construction, there is an entirely separate and lucrative market available to metal contractors that complements their core business: metalto- metal retrofitting. When you think about it, you’ll realize that there are literally hundreds of thousands of buildings that are now old enough to require replacement of their roofs and walls.
Often building owners are faced with leaking roofs at the end of their service life and unattractive or outdated walls that need replacing. It is sometimes assumed that the only solution is to remove the original system and install a new one, which can be an extensive and expensive process. However, in many cases there is a quicker and less costly way to upgrade both the roof and walls of a building without removing the existing panels.
Many benefits
There are several benefits of selecting metal-tometal retrofitting over re-roofing or re-siding. A key benefit is not having to remove and dispose of the old materials. Secondly, by eliminating the process of removing the old roof or siding, the safety risks are reduced for construction workers and those working inside the building. Additionally, if the building is commercial, the client saves the cost of not closing the business due to construction.
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If a building owner desires a low-cost reroof, a metal panel such as Houston-based MBCI’s Retro- R can be used, which allows the existing R panel to be left in place. These types of panels can be installed over heavily rusted existing R panel roofs without worrying about the rust transferring to the bottom of the new panel as it has a protective membrane on the bottom side. Even though this is a low-cost solution, the new roof can be expected to last 30 years or longer.
In some cases, local code may require that a building’s roof be brought up to current code requirements when reroofing. Generally, old buildings had a 5-foot purlin spacing everywhere. As codes have become more stringent, edge and corner zones were developed requiring roofs to have greater uplift resistance in these areas. As a result, when reroofing, contractors often have to tear the existing roof off to add additional purlins in these areas.
When this situation occurs, a trapezoidal standing seam roof
(SSR) may provide the needed solution. By using a tall clip, the SSR panel will span over the top of the high ribs of the R panel. If additional panel clips are required in the edge and corner zones, special structural angles can be installed on top of the R panel to provide for the clip attachment in these areas.
Options and aesthetics
In addition, these SSR systems offer ventilation and insulation options. Because the SSR sits above the existing roof panel, a ventilation cavity is available to reduce heat gain into the building by adding a vented eave and vented ridge. If preferred, additional insulation can be added between the panels. Depending upon how high the clip holds the SSR above the existing roof, up to 4 inches of fiberglass insulation can be added. Both options increase the building’s energy efficiency and expand the product’s purpose; therefore, appealing to a wider customer base.
In addition to metal panels requiring replacement due to wear and tear, some building owners also want their building walls replaced for aesthetic purposes. For instance, an owner can update a building with faded and dented exposed fastening wall panels by installing a concealed fastening wall panel system over the existing one.
The concealed fastener panels create a clean, uninterrupted look on a building, like the one featured here. Installing the new wall panels around existing door and window openings is a relatively simple process. The new trim is discretely riveted to the existing trim, making the installation easier and the design application more flexible.
By only bidding on new constructions, contractors potentially stifle their business opportunities. With metal-to-metal retrofitting, however, contractors have the option of approaching clients with existing structures and uncovering a new market new market.
Ken Buchinger is the vice president of business development and research and development for MBCI, Houston. He has been instrumental in developing weathertightness warranties, erector training programs and research and development certifications. To learn more, visit www.mbci.com.
