EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS Retrofi t Metal Roofi ng 101
Add retrofi t to your repertoire
Got a job with an old metal roof? Chances are good that you do, given the more than 77 billion square feet of metal roofi ng covering com- mercial 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. Retrofi t metal roofi ng is an economical and
effi cient way to deal with deteriorating metal roofs. However, too many contractors and install- ers are still wary of the retrofi t option simply because they don’t understand the process and its benefi ts. Once roofi ng professionals complete their fi rst metal retrofi t job, most have an “a-ha!” moment and wonder why they waited so long to add metal-over-metal retrofi t to their repertoire.
Retrofi t basics Retrofi t metal roofi ng allows a contractor to install a new and improved roof right over a build- ing’s existing roof structure. Subframe overlay members are punched to the existing roof profi le and attached directly to the existing roof purlins. New metal roof panels are in turn installed atop that subframe. Various retrofi t roof systems exist in the industry, and some can actually strengthen the existing structure. Retrofi t metal roof sys- tems are typically compatible with most existing and new metal roof panels, including corrugated, transite/FRP and low-profi le ribbed panels.
Retrofi t benefi ts everyone A metal-over-metal retrofi t brings valuable long-term benefi ts to contractors, installers and building owners alike. Educate yourself on these benefi ts so you can share them with your next customer. Think outside shingles, membranes, coatings and spray foam … you might just fi nd that a retrofi t is the best option for everyone! Benefi ts of a retrofi t include:
1
Cost savings. Retrofi tting that deteriorat- ing metal roof will save money in several
ways that can add up to substantial savings. No demolition means no demolition costs and con- tinued building operations. Even labor costs are low, with up to 30 percent out-of-pocket savings versus a traditional roof tear-off. The energy- effi cient aspects of metal roof retrofi t can save money up-front by qualifying users for valuable
tax credits. A metal retrofi t also offers a great return on investment by equating to lower utility expenses for decades.
2
Simplifi ed construction. In a word, a metal roof retrofi t is just easier. Imagine
a new metal roof with no tear-off or demoli- tion. The building stays intact, meaning opera- tions can continue uninterrupted. The existing roof serves as an instant work platform for the retrofi t, which is safe and frustration-free. Simply align the retrofi t subframe member with existing purlins and fasten. Whether the building has an existing garden-variety metal roof or a one-of-a- kind profi le, chances are there is a retrofi t roof option for your project.
3
Energy effi ciency. A metal-over-metal retrofi t can green up a building by dramati-
cally increasing energy effi ciency. The retrofi t roof subframe elevates the new roof cover and creates a cavity, providing a space for insulating materials and new energy effi cient technologies. If the building owner selects a retrofi t 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-effi cient systems may qualify the project for federal and state tax credits, yet another perk for owners.
4
Minimal business interruption. Build- ing 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, jeopar- dizing 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 con- tinued 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. Retrofi t metal roofi ng can
make a building stronger, even in the face of heavy snows and strong winds. Recent revi- sions 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 cur- rent 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 consum- ing. Retrofi t metal roofi ng may present a code- conforming, roof-strengthening alternative. But a word to the wise: not all systems provide the same strength enhancements. Do your home- work and review engineering test results. With any retrofi t, 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 ret- rofi t. And contractors and installers get an easier sale and an easier job!
Retrofi t metal roofi ng is an economical and effi cient solution. Install a new and improved roof right over the old one to achieve lower labor costs, minimal business interruption and energy effi ciency.
Tim Lane is president of TopHat Framing Systems, Painesville, Ohio. To learn more, visit
www.tophatframing.com.
By Tim Lane
28 METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS January 2013
www.metalconstructionnews.com
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