barn roofing

We have a very large barn with a metal roof that leaks terribly. I've given up on the temporary solution of patching with various types of goop and want to replace the roof. I've seen some ads for roofing materials other than metal and wondered if anyone has had any experience installing these roofs or have opinions about their longevity and usefullness. I could just reinstall metal roofing. There is not wood underlayment to the metal roof, so I don't want to go to the expense of using shingles which would require wood be put up. thanks

 

What are the other materials you reviewing? If you want to stay with a metal roof you can go with the seamless metal product. By seamless I mean seamless from top to bottom.

 

I'm also curious as to what other type of roofing you are looking at.

You probably have the v-crimp galvanized metal. This [and corrugated] is the cheapest type of roofing metal. They come in 8',10' and 12' lengths [occasionally you can find 6' and 14'] What is available today is probably a lighter gauge than what you presently have.

The seamless metal that primereef speaks of usually comes with a factory finish that shouldn't need painting for atleast 20 yrs. They come in various gauges with the thinner being cheaper.

btw - welcome to the diy forums

 

You say you just have nail strips there .So Id say you have to stay or go with just the galvanized metal corrugated sheets. You cant walk on any of the flatter kind if you just have nail strips.

 

Thanks everyone for your responses. Yes, I have galvanized corrigated metal sheets on this barn which over the past 20 years or so ,have come apart at the seams, nails have popped out and a few bullets have landed upon. the barn is large--about 100 feet by 60. I have seen materials of some kind of composite available at Menards but would have to go to the store to find the material it is. I am thinking metal would be the way to go. this is a horse barn, hay barn, vehicle storage area and a lot of empty space but I would like for everything to be dry. There are a few fiberglass skylights in one area that also have seen better days but are usefull over animal stalls. JanL

 

I would recommend if you can afford it is to go with the commercial grade msealmess metal roof system. You can do a search for seamless metal roof systems. If you want to install it yourself they may run it out for you.

 

Make sure supporting slat spacing is adequate. Closer spacing will allow for more nails which will hold more securely. If too far apart, wind will vibrate metal and nails will work loose. Good luck with yor project.

 

Jan - I am at the tail end of finishing my barn with a metal roof - mine is 100ft x 50ft. I bought all my stuff from Home Depot and the supplier was called fabral http://www.fabral.com - it is decent stuff and I used the grand ribbed type.. finishing the ends is a 'ahem' real sod - for me a handyman anyway.. but I can give you details on cost, how and what to avoid (including don't work on it in the middle of a hot day as you will fry like an egg :-)

Just send me a pm and I can tell you all I know - you may want to look at a.b.martin too - but these guys are in MD area.. I think fabral is nationwide

your spacing for fixing the roofing down should be 2ft on center for your purlins ruunning lengthways.. but you also need one about 2inches before the center ridge line and one at the bottom of the roof for the eave.. panles require more fastners (prefer screws with a rubber seal and metal washer) at the eave - one either side of rib.. lots of screwing on that barn and none your wife will yell at you for either :-) unless of course you take too long to do it and she is waiting to go shopping :-)

 

Thanks for all the responses...they helped me make a good decision for getting a new roof. I contracted with an Amish family and they put a new metal roof on which looks fabulous and is tight as a drum. They were excellant workers and knew how to fix the little problems that always come up when one has a big job to do. I had to pick them up and drive them home everyday and sometimes communication was challenging but I would use them again in a minute......Now for the roofer who said I had a steel roof and he would remove it for free.......The Amish said, "no way"....it's aluminum and we'll arrange for a truck to come...we'll all go together to the scrap dealer and make some money.....About $1200 worth!.....lesson learned here.

 

I was very interested in your notes; I have a 1300 sf barn in Eastern Long Island and I I need to replace the roof. Not great time in this economy. I am looking into a metal roof.
I am having difficulty finding local vendors that have the product and the expertise. I'm thinking of maybe contacting some people in Pennsylvania and asking them to come out to us. What do you think or does anyone have any suggestions?

 

Very interested in your notes. I need to replace a barn roof in Eastern Long Island. Any suggestions? Cannot find a local vendor. Home Depot in Riverhead LI said "What?'".

 

Welcome to the forums kattymcb!

Have you done an internet search for a metal roofing supplier in your area? If you can find a supplier, they should be able to help you find an installer.

Our local HD and Lowes carry metal roofing but I'd bet that your local big box carries items that aren't sold at ours.