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ROOFING INSPECTION & REPAIR

AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING
ATTIC VENTILATION

BEST ROOFING PRACTICES
BUILT UP ROOFS

CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION
CEMWOOD ROOFING
CERTIFICATIONS for ROOFING CONTRACTORS
CHIMNEY FLASHING Mistakes & Leaks
COLD WEATHER ROOF TROUBLE

DECKS, ROOFTOP CONSTRUCTION

EPDM, RUBBER, PVC ROOFING
EXTRACTIVE BLEEDING on SHINGLES

FIRE RETARDANT PLYWOOD
FLASHING on BUILDINGS
FLAT ROOF MOISTURE & CONDENSATION

Green House or Solarium Roof Leaks

HEAT TAPES & CABLES on Roofs for Ice Dams

ICE DAM PREVENTION

MASONITE WOODRUF FIBERBOARD ROOFING

NOISE CONTROL for ROOFS

PLASTIC ROOFING TYPES
PVC, EPDM, RUBBER ROOFING

ROOF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - PHOTO GUIDE
ROOF CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS
ROOF COLOR RECOMMENDATIONS
ROOF INSPECTION SAFETY & LIMITS
ROOF LEAK DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
ROOF NOISE TRANSMISSION
ROOF REPLACEMENT SNAFUs
ROOFING FELT UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS
ROOFING MATERIALS, Age, Types

SADDLE CONSTRUCTION at CHIMNEYS
SNOW GUARDS & SNOW BRAKES
STANDARDS for ROOFING
STRESS SKIN INSULATED PANELS

TEST LABS - ROOF SHINGLE
TREES & SHRUBS, TRIM OFF BUILDING
TRUSSES, Floor & Roof

UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS on ROOFS

VENTILATION in BUILDINGS

WALK-ON ROOF SURFACES
WARRANTIES for ROOF SHINGLES
WORKMANSHIP & ROOF DAMAGE

More Information

Metal roofing examples (C) Daniel Friedman Galvanized Metal Roofing Types, Product Sources, Installation, Defects, Repairs
     

  • GALVANIZED STEEL ROOFS - Properties of galvanized metal roof materials
    • Properties of Galvalume® metal roofing
    • Galvanized Metal Roof Supply Sources & Manufacturers List
    • Galvanized metal roof inspection, installation, leak diagnosis, repair & metal roof maintenance
  • Questions & answers about galvanized steel roofs
  • CORRUGATED ROOFING - separate article
  • Questions & answers about galvanized metal roofs
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • ROOFING INSPECTION & REPAIR - home
  • AGE OF ROOFING
  • ALGAE, FUNGUS, LICHENS, MOSS on SHINGLES
  • BEST ROOFING PRACTICES
  • CHOOSING A ROOFING CONTRACTOR
  • DEBRIS STAINING on ROOFS
  • FELT UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS
  • FIRE RATINGS for ROOF SURFACES
  • FLASHING on BUILDINGS
  • FLASHING for METAL ROOFS
  • GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION
  • ICE DAM PREVENTION
  • LEAKY ROOF DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
  • METAL ROOFING - home
    • ALUMINUM ROOFING
    • Aluminized Steel Roofs
    • Barn Roofing, Metal
    • COPPER ROOFING
    • CORRUGATED ROOFING
    • Enameled steel roofing
    • Galvalume Metal Roofing
    • GALVANIZED STEEL ROOFS
    • LEAD in ROOFING, EFFECTS
    • LIFE EXPECTANCY of METAL ROOFS
    • METAL ROOF COATINGS & PAINTS
    • METAL ROOF EXPOSED FASTENER SYSTEM
    • METAL ROOF EXPOSED FASTENER FLASHING
    • Metal Shingle Roofs, Embossed, Antique
    • Metal Roofing Sources & Manufacturers
    • METALS USED IN ROOFING
    • MODULAR METAL ROOF SHINGLE SYSTEM
    • Soldered Flat Shingle and Flat Copper Metal Roofs
    • Stainless Steel Roofing
    • STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF INSTALLATION
    • TERNE METAL ROOFING
    • ZINC METAL ROOFING
  • NOISE TRANSMISSION in ROOFS
  • ROOF SLOPE DEFINITIONS
  • ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
  • SNOW GUARDS & SNOW BRAKES
  • STAIN DIAGNOSIS on ROOFS
  • UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS on ROOFS
  • WIND DAMAGE to ROOFS
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

This article describes galvanized metal roofing products and metals: metal roof choices, installation, inspection, metal roof defects, roofing repairs, and metal roof product sources.

Also see GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION and see METALS USED IN ROOFING and our metal roofing home page, METAL ROOFING.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

Galvanized Metal Roofing Materials, Choices, Costs, Life Expectancy, Characteristics

Galvanized metal roof, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (C) Daniel FriedmanGalvanized iron or steel roofing - according to the US NPS, "Iron or steel are galvanized by coating them with zinc.

Rather than producing the simple coating created by tinplating, a rust resistant alloy of the two metals forms on the surface.

In 1839, two years after galvanizing was patented in Europe, the material was used on the roof of the Merchants Exchange in Manhattan.

To protect against corrosion, the steel is bonded to a layer of zinc, which works as a sacrificial coating on the surface and also offers some protection to cut edges and nicks by flowing to these areas. The heavier the zinc coating, the longer the protection.

The Metal Roofing Alliance recommends G-90 galvanized steel for roofing, which has 90 ounces of zinc per square foot.

Our metal roof photo (above left) shows galvanized steel metal roofing used on both roof and the side of a small building in San Miguel de Allende.

Unpainted G-90 galvanized steel is typically warranted against corrosion for 20 years under normal conditions.

It often lasts longer, but it may show visible corrosion in as few five years under harsh conditions, such as salt spray, significant air pollution, or low-slope applications in wet climates. Field cuts made with an abrasive saw are prone to corrosion.

Though the sheet iron was hand dipped in the zinc, much as it was in tin, larger sheets were used (24 by 72 inches in the 1850s). This meant fewer joints, and when used as corrugated sheets, less supporting framing.

Even as the production of galvanized iron and steel roofing products increased, the price remained higher than that of other metals. The price differential did not shrink sufficiently for galvanized roofing to exceed tin and terneplate in popularity until the 20th century. "

Iron and steel roofing - according to the US NPS, "Both iron and steel without any plating were used for roofing. The Philadelphia home of the mill owner who rolled the first sheet iron in the United States was roofed in the material around 1794.

Iron replaced slate on the White House in 1804. Because it was available in large sheets, rather than the small sheets used for plated material, it required fewer joints. Some manufacturers produced factory painted material, but late19th century accounts indicate that paint was an inadequate defense against the corrosive effects of the atmosphere in industrial regions."

Galvalume®: Metal Roof Products Similar to Galvanized Roofing

Also see Aluminized Steel Roofs. Aluminized steel generally outlasts galvanized steel but has largely been replaced in the market by Galvalume®.

Also sold under the trade names Zincalume ® and Galval®, Galvalume® was developed in the early 1970s. The underlying steel is coated with a zinc aluminum alloy that combines the long-lasting protection of aluminum with the self-healing properties of zinc.

It also has the reflective qualities of aluminum, reducing attic temperatures and cooling loads. The most common application weight is AZ 55, which has about a 1-mil-thick coating on each side. Unpainted Galvalume® is warranted against corrosion for 20 years, but it has stood up well in weathering tests for 30 years and is projected to last up to 40 years under normal conditions.

Cut edges hold up very well, but cutting the material with an abrasive blade is discouraged as the filings will mar the surface. Galvalume® costs about 10% more than standard galvanized steel.

Steel metal roofing, including Galvalume Metal Roofing. Quoting from the Metal Roof Alliance:

Galvalume steel is an ideal roofing material because of its strength, extraordinary outdoor corrosion resistance and longevity. Steel roofing used in residential applications today is metallic coated with either Zinc (G90) or Zinc/Aluminum (AZ50) to provide the corrosion resistance homeowners desire. Steel roofing is strong and therefore gives higher wind uplift resistance and a broader range of application than other roofing materials.

As a result, an installed steel roof system has a broader range of price levels and products than many other kinds of metal roofing. Steel roofs have passed the UL 90 wind tests due to their strength and weight. For additional test results, visit www.fsec.ucf.edu to view the reports done at FL Solar Energy Center in their Flexible Roofing Facility.

Steel Roof ShingleToday's quality steel roofing offers excellent rust protection as well. Galvanized steel roofing is available painted, aggregate-coated, or with a mill or bare finish. Unlike conventional non-metallic roof systems, Galvalume steel roofs won't crack and peel when subjected to the sun and weather.

-- Adapted and expanded with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction. Also see METALS USED IN ROOFING.

Metal Roofing Sources, Products, & Manufacturers

Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction lists these producers and sources of metal roofing, metal roof fastening systems, and related metal roofing products

  • Classic Products, website: www.classicroof.com
    Modular metal shingle panels and standing seam panels
  • Decra Roofing Systems, website: www.decra.com
    Modular metal shingle, tile, and shake panels
  • Dura-Lok Roofing Systems, website: www.duraloc.com
    Modular metal roofing shingles with granular coating
  • Fabral, website: www.fabral.com
    Exposed fastener and concealed clip metal roofing panels
  • Follansbee Roofing, Follansbee WV 26037, Tel: 800-624-6906, website: www.follansbeeroofing.com - Terne II discussed at [1]
  • Gerard Roofing Technologies, website: www.gerardusa.com
    Modular metal shake and tile panels with granular coating
  • Met-Tile, website: www.met-tile.com
    Modular metal roof-tile panels
  • Atas International, website: www.atas.com
    Modular metal shingle, tile, and standing-seam panels
  • Custom-Bilt Metals, website: www.custombiltmetals.com
    Modular metal shakes and standing seam panels

-- Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about galvanized metal roofing systems, inspection, installation, leaks, coatings, maintenance, repair

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

  • "Choosing Roofing," Jefferson Kolle, January 1995, No. 92, Fine Homebuilding, Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., PO Box 5506, Newton CT 06470 - 800-888-8286 - see http://www.taunton.com/FineHomebuilding/ for the magazine's website and for subscription information.
  • [1] Follansbee Roofing, Follansbee WV 26037, Tel: 800-624-6906, website: www.follansbeeroofing.com and http://www.follansbeeroofing.com/products/TerneII.aspx Quoting Follansbee on TerneII properties:
    Follansbee Steel is the only manufacturer of a pre-painted or natural Terne roof and is a leading supplier of metal roofs for new and retrofit commercial, institutional, residential and historic preservation projects.

    Terne II - Classic Terne-Coated Steel ... is a new and improved version of historic Terne metal, ... Terne II has improved capability for resisting corrosion in all environments ... also has excellent formability, solderability, and affinity for paint ... without compromising mechanical characteristics. It can be used in flatlock, standing seam, vertical wall designs and virtually any other application in which original Terne has been used. It is strong and ductile, having high yield and tensile strengths as well as workability. This new material can easily be formed with conventional roofing tools.

    With Terne II roofing, it is advisable to paint the material as soon as conditions permit. Oxide formation is slower than with the original Terne and the wait for proper painting conditions provides substantially less risk. The new material is coated with Follansbee's new ZT® alloy, a combination of zinc and tin. This coating is designed not only as a barrier but also to be anodic to the steel substrate and reduce the potential for oxidation before painting.

    The traditional oil-based paints long required on original Terne are not recommended for application on Terne II. Follansbee's Rapidri paint with its faster drying time and ease of application is much superior to the old painting system. The Rapidri acrylic paints are aesthetically pleasing while offering enhanced durability and color retention. ...

  • Metal Roofing Alliance, E. 4142 Hwy 302, Belfair, WA 98528, Telephone:(360) 275-6164, Customer Support 410-534-6900, Email: support@metalroofing.com, Website: www.metalroofing.com. Quoting:
    The Metal Roofing Alliance was formed in 1998 by a small group of forward-thinking metal roofing manufacturers with the main goal of educating consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. Since our inception, we've shown millions of people just how beautiful, durable and money-saving metal roofing can be for them. Over the years, our membership has grown to include paint companies, material suppliers, industry publications and more. Be sure to take advantage of all of the great resources our members offer.
  • The Metal Initiative, 4700 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL 60025, P:847.375.4785 Website: www.themetalinitiative.com/, Email: Louise Ristau lristau@connect2amc.com Quoting:
    The Metal Initiative is a coalition of manufacturers, individuals and associations that have come together to provide information on the features and benefits of metal in construction. Carrying its message of metal primarily to the professional building owner community, The Metal Initiative seeks to gather and disseminate useful information for decision-makers.
  • Metal Roofing, an Illustrated Guide, R.A. Knowlton , [metal shingle roofs],
  • Problems in Roofing Design, B. Harrison McCampbell, Butterworth Heineman, 1991 ISBN 0-7506-9162-X (available used)
  • Grapevine Design Guidelines - Web Search 07/12/2010
  • "Copy on file as - /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals - ", Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
    http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/metals2.htm
  • "Copy on file as - /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS_3.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals-part II, Coated Ferrous Metals: Iron, Lead, Zinc, Tin, Terne, Galvanized, Enameled Roofs - ", Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
    http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/metals.htm
  • "On file as /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS_2.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals- Roofing Today - ", Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
    http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/roofingtoday.htm
  • "Copy on file as - /roof/Roofing_Historic_NPS.pdf">Roofing for Historic buildings - ", Sarah M. Sweetser, Preservation Brief 4, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
    http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief04.htm
  • "Copy on file as - /exterior/NPS_Preserv_Brief_16_Subs_Mtls.pdf">The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors - ", Sharon C. Park, AIA, Preservation Brief 16, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
    http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief16.htm
  • ARMA - Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer's Association - http://www.asphaltroofing.org/
    750 National Press Building, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20045, Tel: 202 / 207-0917
  • "Metal Roofing: 'Fixing' for Thermal Movement [ copy on file as /roof/Metal_Roof_Movement_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 72, NRCA
  • "Metal Roof Systems: Design Considerations for Snow and Ice [ copy on file as /roof/Metal_Roof_Snow_Ice_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 74, NRCA
  • "Steel [Roof] Decks: Issues for the 1990's [ copy on file as /roof/ Steel_Roof_Deck_Corrosion1_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 74, NRCA
  • "Steel [Roof] Deck Corrosion Bulletin, NRCA [ copy on file as /roof/Steel_Roof_Deck_Corrosion_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 58, NRCA
  • "The Many Aspects of Metal [Roof] Shingles [copy on file as Metal_shingles_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] NRCA
  • Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau, CSSB, U.S.: Sumas, WA 98295-1178, Tel: 604-820-7700, In Canada: Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau #2 - 7101 Horne Street, Mission, BC V2V 7A2 Tel: (604) 820-7700, E-mail: info@cedarbureau.com , website: http://www.cedarbureau.org/
  • Forest Products Laboratory, US FPL, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726, Tel: (608) 231-9200, Email: mailroom_forest_products_laboratory@fs.fed.us608-231-9200, website: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/
  • NRCA - National Roofing Contractors Association - http://www.nrca.net/, 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 600, Rosemont, IL 60018-5607, Tel: (847) 299-9070

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson DunlopThe Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

    Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
  • Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
  • Decks and Porches, the JLC Guide to, Best Practices for Outdoor Spaces, Steve Bliss (Editor), The Journal of Light Construction, Williston VT, 2010 ISBN 10: 1-928580-42-4, ISBN 13: 978-1-928580-42-3, available from Amazon.com
  • The Journal of Light Construction has generously given reprint permission to InspectAPedia.com for this article. All rights and contents are ©Journal of Light Construction and may not be reproduced in any form.
  • Asphalt Roofing Residential Manual,
  • Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention, Samuel Y. Harris, P.E., AIA, Esq., ISBN 0-471-33172-4, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 [General building science-DF] ISBN-10: 0471331724 ISBN-13: 978-0471331728
  • Building Pathology: Principles and Practice, David Watt, Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (March 7, 2008) ISBN-10: 1405161035 ISBN-13: 978-1405161039
  • Problems in Roofing Design, B. Harrison McCampbell, Butterworth Heineman, 1991 ISBN 0-7506-9162-X (available used)
  • Roofing The Right Way, Steven Bolt, McGraw-Hill Professional; 3rd Ed (1996), ISBN-10: 0070066507, ISBN-13: 978-0070066502
  • Smart Guide: Roofing: Step-by-Step Projects, Creative Homeowner (Ed), 2004, ISBN-10: 1580111491, ISBN-13: 978-1580111492
  • Tile Roofs of Alfred: A Clay Tradition in Alfred NY
  • "Weather-Resistive Barriers [copy on file as /interiors/Weather_Resistant_Barriers_DOE.pdf ] - ", how to select and install housewrap and other types of weather resistive barriers, U.S. DOE
  • Wood Shingle Roofs, Care and Maintenance of wood shingle and shake roofs (EC), Stanley S. Niemiec (out of print)
  • ...

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