Need Roof Input

[Surfrider]

We need a new roof on our house. It has three layers on it now so the whole thing has to be torn off down to the plywood and re-done. An expensive project to be sure.

Our last "20 year roof" has lasted about 10-11 years.

The main problem seems to be the pitch of the roof is low and we live in the woods so leaves, moss, etc build up on it. Rain doesn't wash it off.

Don't know if a metal roof is the answer, or maybe there's a shingle that is smoother and won't "grab" the leaves and crap from the trees.

I'm 62, so I think I'll be in the house at least 10 more years, maybe more.

We're looking at a low interest loan from our coumty, but that means we still have to pay for the roof, so a $20,00- is out of the question.

It's a single story, 2000 sq ft home.

Anyone have any experience with roofs?

[nwyaker]

Leaves, needles = metal.

[OWC Jamie]

moss will grow on vertical surfaces so pitch isn't the problem
leaves will unfortunately pool up with wind eddies on many roofs, especially in any valleys


I just did a 1080 sq ft roof myself and I'm not so sure I'd do it again


You'll need a 30 yard dumpster for three layers of 2000 sq ft
I had a 20 and only filled it half way with shingles ( cleaned out a garage to fill the rest )

[Filliam H. Muffman]

How old is the house? If you have 3 layers of shingles on it, don't expect there to be plywood on the bottom unless you can see it from inside the attic. I am tempted to say metal or tile, but metal has to be done right or they can mess up the galvanized coating and it will rust. I have seen quality asphalt shingles last 40 years. Anything less than 15 years is surprisingly low.

I would guess a quality asphalt shingle roof will be less than the cheapest metal option. Have you gotten any estimates?

[macphanatic]

There are also synthethic slate materials now. They hold up well, don't dent like metal, don't crack or weigh like slate.

A good quality metal roof will last a long time, probably much longer than you will need it to.

[OWC Jamie]

A "20 year" roof only lasting 10 years doesn't sound right.

If the pitch is so low ( 2/12, 3/12 ) that a curled shingle holds and dams water you might be better off with metal or sheet roofing than asphalt shingles.

[cbelt3]

Lots of transition to metals. Modern anti-rust coatings and powder coatings make for a robust roof with a 50 year warranty. The era of rust stained tin roofs is long gone.

[mikebw]

Sounds like metal is the answer, more expensive than shingle up front but the long term will make it worthwhile.

[cbelt3]

Solar Roof ?
http://www.solarcity.com/residential/

My 77 year old mother just installed an array of panels at the farm. Of course she used a bunch of cash from Warren Buffet's purchase of one of her stocks, but...

[Speedy]

Agreed. The paint on a metal roof is pressed into the steel and will last indefinitely. Be sure to buy your nails from the steel supplier.

cbelt3 wrote:
Lots of transition to metals. Modern anti-rust coatings and powder coatings make for a robust roof with a 50 year warranty. The era of rust stained tin roofs is long gone.