AboutDan 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
Question I am looking to replace my three-tab asphalt shingles with a metal roof. In particular, I'm looking at a product that is a sandwich of 26 ga metal on the bottom, 2 to 4 inches of polyiso, and 24 ga Kynar 500 painted steel on the top. Would it make sense to tear off my shingles down the existing 7/16" OSB deck (excellent condition) and put this insulated metal roof panel right over the deck? I live in North Texas, so want hail resistance and hot summer sun resistance. I'd like to have a good chance of getting at least 30 years out of this roof.
Answer The IRC code does not require a tear off of a single layer of Asphalt shingles if you are installing a metal roof.
But please check with your local code enforcement office to verify. Some building departments are supposed to follow the IRC but pick and choose which codes they will follow and which ones they will not.
If the asphalt is laying flat, there is no reason to remove it. In this case we would remove hip & ridge shingles, cut back all edges, then cover the whole roof with a synthetic underlayment. The underlayment helps prevent any chemical reactions between incompatible materials, this is money well spent.
A steel or Aluminum metal roof panel with a 70% concentration of Kynar or Hylar paint should easily last 50 years or more. The newest versions with EnergyStar rated "Cool Roof" pigments should last even longer.
