AboutRon Haynes Expertise I can answer questions related to all types of steep slope and low-slope commercial and residential roofing, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, built-up roofing (tar and gravel), modified bitumen roofing, single ply roof systems, tile, and slate. Questions may relate to design, installation, problem resolution or repair of the roof system.
Experience I have over twenty years experience as a roof consultant dealing with various types of roof systems on commercial, industrial, residential and Government facilities. Experience includes new roof and reroof design, roof repair specification, roof construction, maintenance, failure investigations, performance analysis, inspections, moisture intrusion surveys and studies, and storm damage assessments. I am a registered professional engineer and a Registered Roof Consultant with the Roof Consultants Institute.
Organizations Roof Consultants Institute
Education/Credentials Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering
Registered Professional Engineer
Registered Roof Consultant, Roof Consultants Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer
Awards and Honors Award Winner, Large Roof Replacement Design Document Competition at the 1999 Roof Consultants Institute International Convention. Dept of Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal.
I have a metal flat roof (1 1/4" per foot slope). The metal looks like it 12" by 18 or 24" sections fastened together. Hard to tell from the number cover coatings painted onto it. The last several being that aluminum roof coating. I can see all the location of joints through the coating. Needs to be re roofed. Started leaking this winter and I sealed the areas with roof cement.
Also the previous owner, some 20 years ago, drywalled the ceiling after stuffing it with fiberglass insulation. No ventilation but no signs of moisture. The roof is on an 20' by 12' bedroom addition added 80 years ago.
I was told to just put roll roofing over the existing roof. I worry about moisture building and being trapped under the roll roofing. Any economical solution ideas? attached is a photo of the roof. You can see the metal sections throught the coatings and patches
Thank you.
Mike Anderson
Answer Mike,
I'm not going to dig too deep into this one without knowing alot more about the type and gauge of metal and the support structure underneath because I don't want to lead you to another problem.
That being said, you might consider an elastomeric waterproof roof coating system that incorporates a polyester fabric into a base coat then a waterproof finish coating. This will be a lightwight, relatively low cost potential solution that can be applied over the existing materials with some surface prep and priming work. The coating can be sprayed or rolled on. The availability of a specific coating varies by region but to mention a few that you can Google to learn more, then check with a local roofing materials supplier to see what's avaiable in your area:
HydroStop
Sealoflex
GAF TopCoat
RPM Geogard
Astec Coating
Andek
A clean, dry surface is crucial to the coating system's adhesion and overall success.
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