Got a job with an old metal roof? Chances are good that you do, given the more than 77 billion square feet of metal roofing covering commercial U.S buildings today. With the average life cycle of a metal roof somewhere between 20 and 40 years, metal roofs across the country are rapidly deteriorating.
Retrofit metal roofing is an economical and efficient way to deal with deteriorating metal roofs. However, too many contractors and installers are still wary of the retrofit option simply because they don’t understand the process and its benefits. Once roofing professionals complete their first metal retrofit job, most have an “a-ha!” moment and wonder why they waited so long to add metal-over-metal retrofit to their repertoire.
Retrofit basics
Retrofit metal roofing allows a contractor to install a new and improved roof right over a building’s existing roof structure. Subframe overlay members are punched to the existing roof profile and attached directly to the existing roof purlins. New metal roof panels are in turn installed atop that subframe. Various retrofit roof systems exist in the industry, and some can actually strengthen the existing structure. Retrofit metal roof systems are typically compatible with most existing and new metal roof panels, including corrugated, transite/FRP and low-profile ribbed panels.
Retrofit benefits everyone
A metal-over-metal retrofit brings valuable long-term benefits to contractors, installers and building owners alike. Educate yourself on these benefits so you can share them with your next customer. Think outside shingles, membranes, coatings and spray foam … you might just find that a retrofit is the best option for everyone! Benefits of a retrofit include:
1. Cost savings
Retrofitting that deteriorating metal roof will save money in several ways that can add up to substantial savings. No demolition means no demolition costs and continued building operations. Even labor costs are low, with up to 30 percent out-of-pocket savings versus a traditional roof tear-off. The energy-efficient aspects of metal roof retrofit can save money up-front by qualifying users for valuable tax credits. A metal retrofit also offers a great return on investment by equating to lower utility expenses for decades.
2. Simplified construction
In a word, a metal roof retrofit is just easier. Imagine a new metal roof with no tear-off or demolition. The building stays intact, meaning operations can continue uninterrupted. The existing roof serves as an instant work platform for the retrofit, which is safe and frustration-free. Simply align the retrofit subframe member with existing purlins and fasten. Whether the building has an existing garden-variety metal roof or a one-of-a-kind profile, chances are there is a retrofit roof option for your project.
3. Energy efficiency
A metal-over-metal retrofit can green up a building by dramatically increasing energy efficiency. The retrofit roof subframe elevates the new roof cover and creates a cavity, providing a space for insulating materials and new energy efficient technologies. If the building owner selects a retrofit metal roof system that strengthens the existing structure, the increased load may even enable modern rooftop HVAC and/or solar equipment to be installed without the expense or inconvenience of interior reinforcing. The addition of these energy-efficient systems may qualify the project for federal and state tax credits, yet another perk for owners.
4. Minimal business interruption Building owners are often horrified at losing even a month, let alone several months, to a traditional reroof. Moving valuable equipment to protect it from the elements, interrupting the workspace and workflow of employees, jeopardizing the ability to efficiently meet the needs of clients … unthinkable! A metal roof retrofit minimizes business interruption by providing a platform for the new roof and eliminating the need for building access. Even the most time and access critical industries, like post offices and aircraft hangars, have successfully continued operations in the midst of a metal roof retrofit. This can be a critical selling point for your next metal roofing job!
5. Enhancements to strength and code compliance.
Retrofit metal roofing can make a building stronger, even in the face of heavy snows and strong winds. Recent revisions to the International Building Code now treat wind loads the same as gravity and snow loads. With this change, millions of square feet of metal roofs nationwide do not meet the current code and contractors considering complete roof replacement may be required to reinforce the structure from the inside of the building. This solution could be costly and time consuming. Retrofit metal roofing may present a code-conforming, roof-strengthening alternative. But a word to the wise: not all systems provide the same strength enhancements. Do your homework and review engineering test results. With any retrofit, consult with a registered engineer. Subframe overlay systems are intended to be installed as part of an engineered system.
Why mess with success?
Chances are that the existing metal roof on your job lasted for a long, long, long time! Why mess with success? Owners get a brand new metal roof without demolition, with countless perks and value-adds, through a metal-over-metal retrofit. And contractors and installers get an easier sale and an easier job!
Tim Lane is president of TopHat Framing Systems, Painesville, Ohio. To learn more, visit www.tophatframing.com.
