FACT
Some roofs are designed with odd angles, inconveniently placed protrusions, and awkward structural additions that can test installation practices and installers’ skills. Because metal roofing is a premium item and lasts a lifetime, it attracts many higher valued homes and commercial buildings. These same structures are also generally the most likely candidates for difficult roof situations. Roof installation around these “Hot Spots” requires skill and planning. Well-trained and experienced installers are huge assets on roofs of this nature. The use of special products and techniques is usually necessary for proper installation of these “hot spots”.
PROBLEM
Architects, framers, plumbers, and siding installers can add numerous large and small complexities to the installation of any roof. Because metal roofing is not as flexible as some other roofing materials, and thus difficult to form and cut, roofs that have plumbing stacks and/or chimneys in the center of a valley take extreme care in order to ensure water tightness. Other areas of concern are dead valleys, crickets, flat areas, mismatched pitches at the hips and valleys, siding fastened adjacent to the roof, open soffit areas, masonry walls and chimneys made of field stone, roof eyebrows, dormers with windows right to the roofline, flared gables, stacked skylights, roofs with stress skin panels, heavy snow load areas, heavy rain areas, areas with high potential for debris such as leaves and pine needles, re-roofing over some existing roofing materials, warped rafters, bell shaped roofs, rotted substrates, etc.
SOLUTION
When dealing with these problem areas, it is always beneficial to contact the roofing system’s manufacturer. A technician will be able to aid installers by giving suggestions and sometimes step-by-step installation methods. The manufacturer may have photos or technical bulletins and be able to get you in touch with another installer who tackled a similar situation. Salespeople must be aware that there will be circumstances when a product is just not right for the structure. Also, the proper, specialized materials need to be planned out in advance and ordered though the manufacturer to effectively handle “hot spot” situations. Teamwork between all parties will save time and frustration.
