Metal Retrofit Roofing System

Old metal roofs have some inherent problems and systemic weaknesses. Over time, a closer look at a failing metal roof will reveal the problem:

  • Rust and Corrosion
  • Failing screw and fasteners are mainly due to the continued expansion and contraction
  • Chronic leaking internal gutters
  • Cracks and splits around the penetrations through the deck
  • Interior drips due to condensation
  • Issues relating to internal drains
  • Improper drainage
  • Ice build-up, especially on the edges
  • Flashing issues

There are several solutions to the problems caused by aging metal roofs, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Sealing, coatings and spray foam.

At first, this option might seem the least expensive by resealing exposed seams or applying a waterproof coating. More often, these are only a temporary cure. That’s because your roof continues to expand and contract, eventually rupturing the new seals and the coating. Coating systems also require proper service preparation and are only as good as the surface to which they are being applied. Most coating systems are difficult to apply in humid or damp conditions. Most coating systems must be applied with special protective equipment and produces noxious fumes. There is a risk overspray for most applications.

Roof replacement

Another more costly option is to completely replace the roof with new insulation and new steel. This option involves the use of heavy equipment that is disruptive to a building’s normal operations because it requires exposing the building’s contents to the elements while work is performed. In many areas, the use of metal over a metal roofing system requires engineering. This also reduces the original design snow load capacity. More often, less expensive, thinner-gauge metal is used, then the cycle just begins all over again, at a faster rate.

The Cost-Effective Solution:

The Duro-Last Roofing System, installed by Umbrella Roofing Systems, Inc., is a customized, perfect retro-fit to your existing metal roof because it’s a real roof - NOT a coating.

  • There is no need for an expensive tear-off
  • Duro-Last will not rust or corrode over time
  • There are NO glues, coatings, or adhesives to fail (All seams are heat-welded)
  • A Duro-Last membrane is lightweight, and highly reflective throughout its lifespan, resulting in significant energy savings
  • Designed to be virtually maintenance free
  • It is durable, resistant to chemicals, grease, high winds and punctures
  • The layer of insulation added in the installation increases the R-Value
  • Our installation is backed by the best warranties in the industry

How The Duro-Last Duro-Shield System Works:

The Duro-Shield roofing system is applied directly over your existing metal deck. (NO expensive tear-off is required.) Insulation is placed to fill in the flutes to ensure a flat surface and to increase the R-value. Then, the Duro-Last prefabricated membrane is mechanically fastened to the deck over the insulation.

Prefabricated flashing for stacks and penetrations are heat welded to the membrane to create a monolithic covering to ensure a leak-proof seal. The roof is terminated over the edge using a galvanized C-channel and termination bar.

Leaking Internal Gutter Solution

Where they exist, internal gutters are one of the most troublesome areas on a metal roof. In the summer months, they often drip on the inside, due to condensation. As the cooler water vapor in the building comes in contact with the warmer gutter, condensation occurs. Most internal gutters are uninsulated and designed to let inside warmer air heat them so that they will not freeze. However, more often than not, they still freeze in the winter. They then fill with ice and snow. After a warm-up, water melting from the snow can’t drain properly. This can create an ice dam. The water level may rise high enough to infiltrate in to the building between the gutter and the metal roof. The closer strips, which are made of foam, and are not designed to be water-proof.

To remedy this internal gutter problem, we first line the existing internal gutter with a low R-value insulation layer. We then install a Duro-Last membrane in to the gutter. This gutter liner is heat-welded to both the wall flashing and the prefabricated Duro-Last membrane deck sheets to form one continuous membrane on the roof, into the gutter and up the wall. This solution eliminates any possibility of water penetrating in to the building at the internal gutter and wall. This entire installation is covered under warranty.

Get under the umbrella. Request a quote.

It’s important to select the right roofing company with the best roofing system that will fit a client’s needs. Umbrella Roofing Systems, Inc. can get you “Under the umbrella” by installing “The World’s Best Roof” and end the bucket brigade.

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Pennsylvania Ohio West Virginia
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