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About Dan Merrill
Expertise
We are a "green" roofing company. We offer information and advice on metal and synthetic cedar, tile, and slate roofing products. We also address good, sound installation practices for lifetime and slate roof installations. Generally speaking, we are experienced with any materials that have 50 year or longer, expected lifespan, such as copper, terne coated steels, Kynar painted Steel, Aluminum, etc. We do extensive Infrared scans of homes with water leaks, moisture damage, air leakage, etc. So we have a good practical knowledge of what works and what does not work in the long term. We offer no advice on asphalt or fiberglass roofing products.

Experience
Was a hobbyist/home remodeler for over 30 years. Restored over 30 homes. After retiring from engineering (27 years), I studied materials and installation practices of high-end roofing materials. This information was tempered by my engineering experience. We have developed and sell roofing "kits" to roofing contractors who do not have the time to research rarely used roofing products. We ensure that they have all the required materials, tools and information to offer their customers a solid 50 year installation.

Organizations
National Association of Home Builders Fox Valley Builders Assoc. Illinois Association of Home Builders Remodelers Council of NAHB Metal Roofing Alliance EnergyStar provider U.S. Green Builder Council Better Business Bureau

Publications
Our websites www.ecowiseinc.com and www.chicagometalroofing.com, Fox Tails, publication of the Fox Valley Builders Association

Education/Credentials
Tech certificate in Mechanical Drafting, 1978. Self-taught Engineer. Many certificates held. Have achieved NAHB "Certified Graduate Remodeler" designation. Graduate of Green Builder College. Licensed, insured & Bonded Roofer in Illinois.

Awards and Honors
Holder of many Patents, Member of Mensa

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Roofing > New Roof

Roofing - New Roof

Expert: Dan Merrill - 10/13/2009

Question
I HAVE A BARN AND A HOUSE THAT NEEDS A NEW ROOF> I AM NOT SURE WHICH WAY TO GO_TO JUST PUT ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES OVER THE EXISTING SHINGLES OR TO REMOVE THE SHINGLES AND PUT ON NEW DECKING> SINCE YOU DEAL WITH METAL ROOFS< NONE OF THE CONTRACTORS I SPOKE TO TALKED ABOUT METAL ROOFS> WHAT IS THE COST DIFFERENCE AND DO THE SHINGLES HAVE TO BE REMOVED OR DOES THE METAL ROOF JUST GO RIGHT OVER THE SHINGLES? ANY IDEAS OR SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED> THANKS< ALAN

Answer
You can get your answers at metalroofing.com It is the website for the MRA or Metal Roofing Alliance.
There are many types of metal roofing.
You can get AG (Menard's for example# panels that are inexpensive and usually just a little more than asphalt.

There are many shingle type metal roofs that are intended to be installed over old asphalt roofs. KasselWood by Kassel %26 Irons, Oxford by Classic Products, Shake or Tile profiles by Gerard, there are many more to chose from. Sometime they are quite competitive when compared to removing an old asphalt roof, installing a plywood deck Vs a higher-end metal roof.

Most metal roofs have at least a 50 year warranty, but it is a REAL warranty. Many cover replacement materials #not prorated!) AND the labor to replace them.

What area do you live in? If you are in a heavy hail area or hurricane area the recommendations would be different than if you were in a northern area with heavy snow loads.

Good luck,

Dan

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