Every metal roof we install goes directly on the roof deck, never on strapping. It’s the one thing we won’t change, and it’s the biggest difference between our roofs and many others. Here’s what direct-to-deck metal roofing means, and why it matters on an Ontario home.

What is batten (strapping) installation?

Some metal roofs go on battens, also called strapping. Installers nail wood strips in rows across the roof deck, then fasten the metal to the strips instead of the deck. As a result, there’s open space between the metal and the wood underneath. In fact, many tile- and shake-style metal products only work on battens.

What goes wrong in the gap

That open space is where the problems start:

• Condensation. Ontario swings between hot and cold, so moisture forms in the gap, much like dew on a car on a fall morning. It sits against bare wood, and over time the wood rots. We’ve torn off many strapped roofs for exactly that reason.
• Critters. The gaps make a sheltered home for raccoons and other animals. Here’s what raccoons can do to a roof.
• Noise. Metal spanning open gaps drums in the rain. Here’s why our roofs stay quiet.
• Dents. Step between the strips, and the metal can bend.

What direct-to-deck means

We fasten a direct-to-deck roof straight to the plywood deck. Alternatively, it can go over one or two layers of existing shingles when the deck is sound. Here’s how a metal roof over shingles works. Standing seam, however, always goes on a bare deck. On a bare deck, we also cover the entire surface with ice and water protection before the metal goes on.

There’s still a small pocket of air at each shingle, where the top of one shingle locks into the next. However, the interlock closes that pocket in. It’s not an open channel running across the roof, so moisture has nowhere to collect and animals have no way in.

Panels that lock on all four sides

Each panel locks to its neighbours on all four sides. Because of that, it’s hard for wind to catch an edge, and there’s no open seam for water to follow.

Fasteners you never see

The fasteners sit under the panel above, out of the weather. In contrast, many batten and basic metal roofs use screws through the face of the panel, with a rubber washer under each screw head. Over the years, those washers dry out and crack, and the screws work loose. Eventually, someone has to replace them, or each one becomes a spot where a leak can start.

Homeowners who call us after getting a quote for a batten roof tell us almost no one mentioned this maintenance. Hidden fasteners don’t have that problem. That’s why we call our 4-way locking, hidden-fastener roofs maintenance-free.

Is batten roofing ever the right choice?

On barns, sheds and some farm or industrial buildings, panels on strapping can make sense. On a home you plan to live in for decades, though, we won’t install one.

The post Direct-to-Deck vs Batten (Strapping) Metal Roofing: Why We Never Use Battens appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

1. Is your roof in good shape underneath?

When we measure your roof, we also do a free attic check. We look at the roof deck, any sagging or soft spots, signs of past leaks and how the attic is vented. If something needs fixing, we’ll include it in your quote. That way, it’s handled before your new roof goes on. Here are the signs you need a new roof, not just a repair, and here’s why venting matters.

2. Tear it off, or go over the shingles?

If the deck is sound, our steel and aluminum shingles can often go over one or two layers of existing shingles. As a result, you save the cost and mess of a tear-off. Standing seam, however, always goes on a bare deck. Here’s how a metal roof over shingles works.

3. How will it be installed?

This is the biggest difference between metal roofs. We install directly on the deck, with panels that lock on all four sides and fasteners hidden out of the weather. In contrast, roofs on battens (strapping) leave gaps that collect moisture and critters, and their exposed screws need maintenance. Here’s more on direct-to-deck vs batten (strapping) roofs.

4. Steel or aluminum?

Armadura steel is our most popular roof, mostly because it’s the most budget-friendly. Aluminum is lighter and never rusts, which makes it a strong choice near water. Both lock on all four sides and use hidden fasteners. Here’s what to ask about the metal itself.

5. Which style suits your home?

Metal roofing isn’t just flat panels anymore. You can choose standing seam for clean, modern lines, a slate look, a cedar-shake look or a traditional shingle. In fact, heritage committees have approved our Rustic cedar-shake and Armadura slate-look profiles. Here’s how a metal roof changes your home’s curb appeal.

6. Where will the snow go?

A metal roof sheds snow. That’s good for your roof, but the snow has to land somewhere. If it could slide onto a door, walkway, driveway or deck, plan for snow guards. Here’s how snow guards work.

7. Will it be noisy or hot?

On a direct-to-deck roof, rain sounds much like it does on asphalt. Metal also reflects more of the sun’s heat than asphalt, so your attic stays cooler in summer. Read more on metal roof noise and keeping your home cooler.

8. How long will it last, and what’s covered?

In Ontario, we typically see asphalt shingles last 9 to 13 years. A metal roof lasts decades longer. Armadura carries a 50-year non-prorated warranty, standing seam a 40-year warranty and Classic Aluminum a lifetime limited warranty. On top of that, we give a 10-year workmanship warranty. Read more on how long a metal roof lasts and how metal roof warranties work.

9. What will it cost?

A metal roof costs more up front than asphalt. However, you won’t be replacing it every 9 to 13 years. When you compare quotes, compare what each one actually includes, not just the bottom line. Read more on what a metal roof costs in Southern Ontario and how to compare metal roofing quotes.

10. Will the company be around in 20 years?

Metal roofing companies come and go, and a workmanship warranty is only as good as the company behind it. We’ve been installing metal roofs in Ontario since 2004. Here’s what to do if your metal roof installer goes out of business.

The post 10 Things to Know Before Getting a Metal Roof appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.