Tin roofing blog

Metal roof condensation

2012-01-01T09:56:00.000-05:00

Metal roof condensation is a fall/ winter subject many tin roof owners seek information. Here is my webpage with suggestions to control moisture inside the home:
Metal roof condensation in vintage structures.

Grey is grey, or is it?

2011-11-07T12:47:00.000-05:00

In Mt. Holly, NJ, we applied a grey acrylic to this home in 2010. Now one year later, we revisited for minor touchup work.

As you can see the grey coating looks different, but the grey coating IS THE SAME.

Over the last year or so, coating and painting manufacturers have been required to change certain solvents and glycols in their formulas in order to meet EPA (Enviromental Protection Agency) standards to reduce VOCs (Volatile Organic Compound levels). Due to these alterations, manufacturers are encountering difficulties in duplicating the exact color of certain popular choices.

Think of this example: You bake a cake from scratch using whole milk. To reduce calories, you substitute the whole milk with skim milk. The result would be different.

Contractors, like me, just have to be careful to work closely with the manufacturers about color.

Metal porch roof restoration in progress

2011-11-01T11:43:00.000-04:00

Photo shows a porch roof with vintage metal panels. At this stage, the project has received primer and the foundation of the fully reinforced system (coating/mesh/coating).

Note the following:
1) metal roof panels are still due one more coating of rusty red acrylic
2) drainage area is awaiting a rust red version of a coating that will withstand the ponding water that usually occurs in these old standing seam gutters.

Stamped metal shingle -- an old, old style

2011-10-19T15:58:00.000-04:00

A rare sight: 1. medium and small size metal shingles.
2. 1870 style, only seen twice by me in 15 years.

This Carolina home is in the process of renovation. The determine owner is preserving its historical features, such as the roof with the "witch's hat."

Pricing for metal roof painting

2011-10-16T13:48:00.001-04:00

Do you keep the existing metal roof? Or replace with new metal panels? Or install asphalt shingles?

Pricing for new metal panels or asphalt shingles is readily available from local roofers.

For a maintenance coating (means few leaks or extra repairs), $4.50 per square foot is a planning figure. For a truly worn tin roof, (means double material and work), $8.50 per square foot.

For pricing and other FAQ, check this page .

Here's a quick method to estimate roof area--take the width and length of your house, then add 50%. Not a perfect method, but should offer an idea

Metal roof green coating

2011-10-08T09:35:00.000-04:00

From 2010 onward we have been applying a green top coating that resists any chalking action.

This roof on a home near Philadelphia illustrates the appearance of this chalk-resistant green coating. To understand "chalking", see this entry of my blog.

The coating formula meets customer concerns about long-term attractiveness of a green roof. On the other hand, my crew hates it. The coating smells during application. They have to mix three elements exactly. Then they have to apply immediately, or the mixture hardens. And there are other temperature and weather challenges to using this product correctly.

BUT the green tint in this formula will outlast any acrylic tinted green. So we grumble quietly about this unpleasant application, knowing we are leaving the customer with a better roof than an easier application with acrylic.

A seven year old green roof

2011-10-07T08:53:00.000-04:00

Since the 1990s green acrylic (elastomeric) has tended to chalk before the reds, blacks and pastel tints. The reason is that the liquid tint used for green interacts with the required zinc in acrylic formulas (Zinc prevents moss, mold, etc., from growing in the acrylic). The powdered red and black tints resist chalking more effectively.

By year seven, a green acrylic roof may look like this photo taken on a rainy day at our 2004 customer's home.

Is the acrylic now "bad"? Not at all. The acrylic is still adhering without flaking to the metal panels. The acrylic has not worn away. The only thing "wrong" is......the appearance is unattractive.

A simple coating of acrylic will freshen the appearance.

Patina: one of the popular choices for tin roofs

2011-10-04T23:20:00.001-04:00

In Mt. Holly, NJ, the owner requested a patina tint on her roof.....last year. Her roof leaked, flaked, and looked cheap. In addition to the roof's concerns, her first grandchild was arriving...so money was limited.

In 2010, we cleaned, primed, repaired and applied an acrylic with the patina color.

In 2011, we returned to apply Wearcoat 44, in the patina color. The reason for deciding against the acrylic formula for the topcoat is the tendency of green tinted acrylic to chalk, thereby causing the roof to appear old.

Bloody roof for Halloween in Mount Holly, NJ

2011-09-30T21:13:00.000-04:00

Just in time for Halloween. The GhostHunter store on Church St in scenic Mt. Holly, NJ, is open to the predators of spirits, goblins and ghosts. On other vintage metal stores, this roof coating is called "rusty red". Not here.....bloody red is a truer description. Even the banner over the #16 street entrance is dripping blood!

Winter Metal Roof Restoration project completed

2011-07-18T18:00:00.001-04:00

During December and January, we applied the foundation of the fully reinforced portion of the reroofing project. The owners were dry by mid-January. We top coated the roofing panels during the summertime.

Five military family members recognized

2011-07-09T13:38:00.003-04:00

Near St. Michaels, MD, on a renovated site, five military men from the same family were recently honored. The tribute area is surrounded by farm-style structures. We were pleased to coat older roofs to match newer green painted structures.

Maryland green roof

2011-05-20T13:39:00.001-04:00

Upon entering St. Michaels in Maryland, along the main road, this long-time resident hired us to refresh his green roof. On this 2010 project we applied the newer finish that will avoid the chalking identified with acrylic applications.

Their home is constructed on "ballast bricks". Ballast bricks, used on nearly empty ships, the bricks were unloaded and replaced with fine goods for other destinations. Some bricks became part of original construction of colonial homes on the Eastern seaboard.

Early design of the embossed tin shingle

2011-05-16T14:47:00.001-04:00

This 1878 tin shingle roof with an early designed has been treated with primer and a single coat of light grey acrylic. A second coat will be applied.

This style of shingle is rare. On this home in Newton, NC, the new owners are taking steps to preserve the historical features of the structure. Their selection of light grey is a traditional choice.

Two long-time neighbors have commented that the roof has never "looked so good"

Green tin roofs

2011-04-26T13:59:00.003-04:00

Green tints have been a challenge to manufacturers since the 1990s.
Recently, materials have come available to resolve the early chalking that characterizes acrylic green coatings.

The application is tricky--certainly not recommended for the do-it-yourselfer.

The photos illustrate the messy mixing required and the finished green panels:

Historical Pennsylvania tin roofing

2011-04-25T09:46:00.000-04:00

In Addison, PA, on the old National Highway through the Laurel Highlands, a new owner is saving this traditional structure. She started with the roof and chimney in 2008.

First, a local expert rebuilt her chimney. Then we addressed her oversize embossed tin shingles with bronze acrylic from Preservation Products.

Notice along the bottom right corner. Extra work was completed to repair damaged shingles, resulting in a tolerable straight line and appearance. Photo was taken in April 2011.

What are they?

2011-04-18T11:16:00.000-04:00

Snow jax
Snow birds
Snow angels
Ice angels
Snow guards
Ice guards

These metal roof addons are known by many names.

A sloppy job

2011-04-11T18:41:00.000-04:00

My crew did not apply the mesh in the photo.

The wrinkles in the mesh illustrates a sloppy application by a newcomer to metal roof restoration. In addition to the newcomer failing to apply fabric properly, he/she skimped with the white acrylic coating, leaving bare areas.

My crew chief and his men are experts in working with mesh. Seeing a roof job like this one reminds me how fortunate I am to work with a talented team.

Leaking metal panels

2011-04-11T18:14:00.000-04:00

An example of a winter repair on metal panels with the red top coatings applied several months later.

Rare embossed tin roof shingle design

2011-04-03T11:28:00.000-04:00

Built in 1878, this early design of embossed tin shingles illustrates a more elaborate design compared to the stamped shingles of the turn of the century.

The owners have advised us we will be restoring this gem in Newton, NC, sometime this spring. In keeping with tradition, they have selected a light grey tint, an coating similar to the original shingle.

Although my recollection may be faulty, this project represents the earliest embossed tin shingle roof we have restored.

Pennsylvania rural homestead

2011-03-14T15:42:00.000-04:00

At first glance, this metal roof just south of Harrisburg, PA, appears clean and ready for applying a roof coating. The lack of flaking,and rust might lure some roofers to begin painting without any prepping.

Big mistake.

A simple test determined that there is a layer of organic debris on most of the panels. If a coating had been applied, flaking would occur within several years.

One of our solutions is a scrubbing of outdoor, enviormentally-safe clorox.

Trim on New Jersey metal roof

2011-03-14T08:57:00.000-04:00

Almost my first words to this couple were, "You have visited Cape May!" Initially, they had decorated their facade with seven different colors, Now they are in the process of freshening all of the colors.

Our role was the roof in the traditional red tint. Usually owners ask us to coat the trim with the same material as the roof. Not here. The aging blue painted trim will be retained.....a rare decision by a homeowner.

When the painting work is completed, the house could fit into any street in lovely Cape May. And on this street in Pennsauken, outside Philadlephia, their home will be the eye-catching beauty midst asphalt shingles and standard-looking facades.

Tin roof colors

2011-03-10T11:41:00.000-05:00

Color is the most important decision in preserving a vintage metal roof. After the bill is paid and the leaks are halted, everyday you will see the tint you selected.

March weather project in New Jersey

2011-03-09T09:05:00.001-05:00

March--a challenging time to perform work on a metal roof with waterbased materials. Nighttime temperatures may be too cold and rain appears from nowhere. A waterbased coating may freeze off the roof surface or, in the case of rain, wash away.

On this project in Pennsauken, NJ, we used a winter formulation as a substitute for the base coat. The winter coating material is more expensive, stronger and difficult to apply. But for a contractor, like me, we can work on a 32 degree day.

Note the different color of the roof on the upper left side. Prep work had revealed a series of unexpected breaks in the tin. Our primer dripped into the attic area. With the owner's approval, we applied the fully reinforced approach just on this weak area. The photo below illustrates the repair.

All that remains is a top coat of the traditional red acrylic....to be applied on a warm, sunny spring day

Old House Fair in Philly

2011-02-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

Check out my booth on March 26th at the Germantown Friends School on Coultier St.

See the Old House Fair link for more information

Winter work on a vintage metal roof

2011-01-14T14:20:00.002-05:00

Temperatures can be in the 30s, wind can be blowing, snow can be falling in 30 minutes.....still a leaking, rusty metal/tin roof can be leak-proofed.

Certain coating materials can be substituted for the standard coatings applied in spring/summer/fall. On this project, all that is left to perform on the 7000 sq ft roof are two top coatings of the owners' tint preference.

The roof does not leak and the attractive acrylic tint will be applied on a lovely spring day.

http://www.roofmenders.com/Winter_Metal_Roof_Restoration.htm

Asphalt shingles coated

2010-11-05T13:23:00.001-04:00

On this corner residence in Annapolis, MD, the owners have redone their color scheme for the outside of their home. The copper front porch roof is a special touch.

The upper standing seam roof, originally a light green tint, has been changed to a rusty red crown that oversees their newly designed landscaping work.

The roofing project that we performed included a small addition with asphalt shingles. The asphalt shingles were coated with a light grey coating that does not distract the visitor's eye from the more attactive features of the residence.

Witch's Hat

2010-11-01T13:08:00.000-04:00

An example of a "Witch's hat" with the original embossed tin shingles. There are other names, but my crew insists that the title "Witch's hat" is appropriate. The restoration of the shingles on this section of a roof is usually the most time-consuming.

For sale in rural southern VA

2010-10-18T09:13:00.000-04:00

The children of their WWII vet father are in the process of preparing to place their 7 acre homestead on the market.

Our role is to resolve several troublesome leaks, something we do quite well.

A true gem for a future old house owner.

Copper roof repair

2010-10-08T08:45:00.001-04:00

On this copper roof, the repair material.....which does not require primer....was tinted in patina green. Note the "shiny" patina located in the inside corner--that area is the repair.
The purpose of this repair is to stop a leak while allowing the owner time to decide on restoring this roof or replacing.

Green metal roof and cherry trees

2010-09-18T17:17:00.000-04:00

When I emailed this Washington DC owner that her restored roof is hidden from view by overgrown tree limbs, she emailed back,

"The weeping trees are babies of one of the original Japanese cherry trees that were sent in 1912. The owner of the house back then was a landscape architect, and he worked at the Dept. of Agriculture. I don't know how he came into possession of the tree......"

Colors for tin roofing

2010-07-28T12:16:00.001-04:00

This New Jersey home changed from a dark green to a lighter tint called Fernwood. Reasons: less stress on the tin panels, better view of home against the trees plus the upper floor is cooler on hot days.

Copper roof restored

2010-07-09T08:35:00.000-04:00

A copper roof is available, without paying for expensive copper sheets.

As the project on this web page illustrates, old, leaky copper or metal roofing can be repaired.

The result is either a shiny copper roof (with a clearcoat that blocks aging) or a copper roof that ages to bronze.

Silver toned metal shingles

2010-06-29T10:48:00.000-04:00

The roof on the left are embossed tin shingles where the manufacturing finish failed to contain the rust after just a few years.

The treatment for this situation for those owners who desire a bright shiny silver apperance is a combination of several products of Andek Corp.

Tin roof contractor for restoration work

2010-06-14T15:30:00.001-04:00

If you are seeking a tin roof contractor in the mid-Atlantic states, my crew and I are seeking owners of tin roofs who want to restore their existing metal roofs.

Asphalt shingle coating

2010-05-28T09:34:00.002-04:00

Asphalt shingle roof owners sometimes use the tinted acrylics from tin roofing repair. There are two reasons:

1. Extend the life of the asphalt shingles.
2. Reduce energy costs by changing dark colored shingles to a lighter color.
The roof to the left illustrates an energy savings project.
Rarely does a homeowner select a solid white tint because the appearance becomes dirty with tree droppings, etc. But light grey, light tan and other lighter variations do help lower interior temperatures during warm days. See painting asphalt shingles for more information....including "how to" and "where to buy the acrylic".

Village with tin roofs

2010-05-10T13:52:00.000-04:00

Near Durham, NC, is Glencoe Mill Village. The homes of the former mill workers are being renovated, maintaining as much historic flavor as possible. And all the homes have tin roofs.

For more information about this picturesque village, click this link

Decorative tin shingle roof edge

2010-05-06T16:26:00.000-04:00

On this decorative tin shingle roof, the edges required capping . The grey is primer, the red is repair work.

Mesh for tin roofing

2010-04-26T09:13:00.000-04:00

When performing the fully reinforced system over a leaky metal roof, we choose between five versions of mesh.

In the photo, the mesh to the right is the standard version, noted for elasticity in all directions to improve contouring to the roof profile.

The mesh on the left is used on metal panels where appearance and smoothness is most important, such as a roof outside a window. Rarely is this version used for "lumpy" areas, inside gutter work or other situations where elasticity is truly needed.

For more on "matters of mesh", see "the battle of the thin red line" article.

Rusty tin roof

2010-04-21T16:35:00.001-04:00

Ten years ago the owner had this roof primed and coated with acrylic.
Unfortunately the owner waited too long for a simple recoating of acrylic.....the primer has failed in some areas.
The owner faces two choices:
1) Take a chance to"spot prime", then recoat with acrylic....risky that all rusty areas will be covered.
2) Reprime and recoat, as done ten years previous.

I was surprised that the acrylic was so worn, unless the original work consisted of one heavy coat of green acrylic

New Jersey blueberries and "rusty red" vintage roofing

2010-04-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

Historic Whitesbog Village, located in New Jersey, is the birthplace of the cultivated blueberry. We just completed our second project in the village. After we left, our supervisors (four circling hawks), probably marked our work as their own.

Adia, son of crew chief Lester, admires his work.

A momento of your tin roofed home

2010-04-05T09:39:00.002-04:00

At the recent Old House Fair in Philadelphia, Jane Choc demonstrated her talent for painting a keepsake for owners of vintage homes.

For those seeking a personalized remembrance of their home, just click Jane's website

Rusty tin shingles

2010-03-24T14:58:00.002-04:00

These shingles are less than 20 years old. The pattern of rust strongly suggests that there was a manufacturing problem of some of the shingles.

In my experience, this problem is rare.

The solution is to insure you use a primer that will control this level of rust. The "paint", or coating, protects the high quality primer plus provide a pleasing, long-term, non-flaking appearance.

Even with the 50 years of experience my crew chief and I share, my manufacturer and I compared notes for the recommendation we presented to the owners of this idyllic homestead. See this webpage for a similar project completed some years ago. See the 6/29 post for the after shot

A project five years later

2010-03-17T10:19:00.000-04:00

Five years ago, this home near Philadelphia received our usual primer and two coats plus a couple of extras: For example, the inside gutters had been hacked off by a previous owner. Our work included edging the upper roof attractively so that the damage is barely noticeable. For example, crew chief Lester performed a sleight-of-hand repair on a visible lower small roof.

Annual Old House Fair in Philadelphia

2010-03-17T08:23:00.001-04:00

In Philadelphia at 31 West Coulter Street (Germantown Friends School) on Saturday, April 3rd 9AM to 5PM Stop by our booth for information about tin roofing. See ttp://www.preservationalliance.com for details

Patina Tin Shingles

2010-03-11T11:28:00.002-05:00

The front tin shingles on this brick home in Herndon, VA, are new from Berridge Mfg; the back tin shingles are the 93-year-old tin shingles primed and coated with a patina tinted acrylic called "Covehouse", made to the owners specifications. Both the owners and the historical society are satisfied.

Old style gutters for metal roofing

2010-03-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

At Vale Schoolhouse in Oakton, VA, one can see an old style gutter system.....river stones along the base of the structure. This detail illustrates the thoughtful level of care for this landmark

Warwick, NY, Train Master's Residence

2010-01-25T19:02:00.001-05:00

This 2004 project is the subject of my webpage on tin roof shingles. The article on this page addresses a limited budget approach, asphalt covered shingles and the green tint.

The photo shows one coating of green acrylic over red primer on the sunny side of the Train Master's Residence.

Looks like it is time to apply the final coverage of roof coating!!

Because we used a high calibar primer called Polaprime 21, we will be able to apply Wearcoat 44. This formula will retain the richness of green color for a longer period.

I won't be surprised to hear that the owner may ask us to freshen the white trim around the dormer.

Underside of vintage metal roofing

2010-01-10T21:28:00.000-05:00

Older embossed tin shingles and standing seam panels were installed over slats that sit on beams. Sometimes there is only an inch or two between slats, or in this case, 6 or 7 inches.

The finish on the underside is the original application, and is usually in good shape, thereby protecting the underside of the shingles/panels from rust.

This 100+ roof still is free of leaks, and "looks good"-- only requiring a periodic maintenance coating on the top side of the shingles

Tin roof color choices

2010-01-06T15:29:00.000-05:00

Soft, rose-tinted bricks--old metal roof with white siding on the addition. What to do about color?

Just spending a few minutes in a photo software program might start to eliminate what you do not like.

On all three examples above, the ugly addition is blended into the home by coating the wood siding with the same color as the rose-tinted bricks. Roof colors illustrated here are off-red, dark grey and dark green.

In almost every call to a homeowner of a metal roof, I invariably say, "After the leaks are stopped and the bill paid, the most important thing is the color--you will see that color every day."

Roof paint flakes.

2009-11-25T09:57:00.000-05:00

Why does the coating flake?

There are several reasons, but the most common reason is that the coating/paint cannot stretch with the movement of the metal panels. Metal panels expand and contract with changes in outside temperature. Simple test is take a chip of the roof coating: if the chip snaps when you bend it, then the coating is a stiff paint and the material will flake.

When was this roof coated?

2009-11-15T21:27:00.001-05:00

Lately, I have begun to revisit projects that were completed some years ago. The purpose is to view the weathering of the tints.

If you are driving through Columbus, NJ, just take a look at this home on the north side of the main street. The roofing panels may look like a recent coating project with rusty red acrylic, but actually work was completed in 2004.

Frequently asked questions about tin roofing work

2009-10-29T10:12:00.000-04:00

How much?? What colors? and other frequent questions about restoring metal standing seam and embossed shingle roofing can be found on this link:

Frequently asked questions about tin roofing

Tin roofing colors - terracotta

2009-10-14T10:04:00.000-04:00

In the Virginia and Carolina mountain areas, this regional shingle design survives due to the care of owners who want to preserve vintage metal roofing.

On this home near Lake Lure, the owner selected terracotta tinted acrylic. Her choice blended well with the type of brick foundation and the beige-like siding.

In the past fifteen years, I have seen this design only four times, resulting in three projects.

2009-10-10T09:22:00.002-04:00

Before this Mullica Hill, NJ, owner made changes, this home disappeared into the large, tree-filled lot, thereby obscuring the residence from view. Reason: the roof was dominated by the trees.

With a Barn Red roof, her place now dominates the site instead of disappearing into the woods. As an added touch, she completed her decor makeover with a front door, porch railing and window trim (above and below) painted in the same roof tint.

The Lineup

2009-10-08T17:32:00.001-04:00

ATTENTION.
LEFT FACE.
FIRST, PRIMER
MOVE, BASE COAT
KEEP UP, TOP COAT
hup, two, three, four.

Approx materials for 1400 sq ft tin shingle roof

Shingles or painting old metal panels

2009-10-06T17:24:00.003-04:00

This Richmond, VA, roof to left illustrates what happens sometimes when shingles are installed directly over the metal panels. The roofer tried to hammer down the standing seams.

There is an excellent chance that the price this owner paid for these shingles would have been equal to the application of the preserving system for old metal panels.

Crooked house in Shepherdstown

2009-09-30T12:31:00.001-04:00

The Crooked House is well known in the college setting of Shepherdstown. The owner rents this landmark out to tenants who can appreciate its unique charm.

We were pleased to preserve its roofing panels with Barn Red acrylic. See more about this Shepherdstown rental here.

Selling old tin shingles

2009-09-22T10:18:00.004-04:00

Cynthia emailed to ask, "I am wondering if you know anyone that would be interested in the old tin shingles on my house. We are putting on a new roof and I would love to see them recycled."
------------
The tin shingles are not really worth much and do not work well reinstalled on another roof due to tearoff damage. Nor do they work in combination with new shingles due to metal conflicts.

Suggest you consider selling them to someone who wants to create a tin ceiling, or decorative wall or trim. The shingles could be coated with primer/acrylic or copper liquid coating or gold coating. See my article on copper ceiling

I am using some to decorate the wall above my kitchen counter. If you check forums on restoration sites, there are places that specialize in old items.
------------
Thanks those are great ideas!
Cynthia's email is cynrazz@gmail.com.

Traditional versus modern

2009-09-20T14:57:00.005-04:00

Roof lip, or edge, to left is vintage; Roof lip to right is modern.

Primer for tin roof, or not

2009-09-14T21:44:00.002-04:00

Sometimes a favorite primer develops bubbles.

There are several reasons this result may occur--trapped moisture, for example.

Not in this case: under the primer are old roof coatings, containing trapped gaseous particles that expand in the sunlight.

There is no one magic primer that will work on every tin roof.

England's rainy weather product

2009-09-04T18:31:00.002-04:00

For those who prefer to work on the roof in rainy weather--Rubberkote 1047!!! Check the photos of someone repairing a roof problem located in a puddle.

Regardless of how wet the roof surface is, or how soon the rain starts, this product will cure and stop leaks.

Church roof converted to white metal

2009-08-28T14:24:00.003-04:00

The members of this New Jersey church wanted a white roofing surface to keep the sanctuary as cool as possible during the summer months.

For more photos, click this white metal roof link

Installing metal roofs that look too new

2009-08-08T14:45:00.003-04:00

In Fayetteville, NC, this roof is new, replacing another new metal roof.

Reason: The first new roof did not look old.

For the story, see my article on an unusual happy ending for installing this metal roof.

Tin roof repair

2009-08-06T18:07:00.004-04:00

This old metal roof in Glen Ridge, NJ, is quite sound, except a zillion holes.

Using the fully reinforced system, the holes can be repaired with a ten year warranty against leaks.

Cool roof over old metal surface

2009-07-30T09:07:00.003-04:00

The owner of this turn-of-the-previous-century home located outside NYC has converted their vintage metal surface to a cool roof. According to the NY Times article on 7/30 they will save over 20% during the summer months plus contribute to the movement to save our planet.

As a contractor for cool roofing and vintage tin restoration work, we have performed two projects like this one thus far this year

Installing new metal shingles on embossed tin roof

2009-07-29T22:11:00.004-04:00

The new and old shingles are quite distinct in this photo of a church in Mt. Harmony, MD. But from a distance, the roof's appearance is quite compatible.

On three projects, mixing old and new shingles taught us "mucho."

Main tip: Avoid placing new shingles directly next to the vintage versions.

Embossed tin shingles

2009-07-22T08:21:00.002-04:00

After the Civil War to before World War II, a roofing style called "embossed tin shingles" evolved. Sometimes called stamped shingles, many owners of residences with this unique roofing style want to keep them.

My crew and I specialize in preserving these old roofs.

For general information about them, check out my article entitled Embossed Tin Shingles

Tin roof in old Virginia

2009-07-20T12:20:00.006-04:00

These photos illustrate the finished work at Stribling Orchards in Virginia, as noted on June 6th blog entry

White metal roof

2009-07-12T22:16:00.002-04:00

This vintage metal roof, is now protected under a ten year warranty against leakage with a fully reinforced cool roofing system To see the "Before" image, just check the June 17th blog entry. More about this project to come.

Roofing projects on haunted houses

2009-07-12T22:04:00.003-04:00

If you work on old houses, one has to be prepared for the project in a haunted house. Thus far, we have worked in two structures with ghostly reputations.

See my article on both experiences

Copper roofing appearance

2009-06-26T21:05:00.003-04:00

This copper roof in Fredericksburg, VA, has been repaired with new panels. The copper aging process is decades apart. One alternative is to apply copper liquid paint to improve appearance. Just a suggestion.

Acrylic in commercial settings

2009-06-18T05:46:00.004-04:00

The acrylic/elastomeric applied to tin roofing restoration projects--by us--is exactly the same formulation used by NASA to protect the metal parts of their engines. The material cures to a tough finish with extrodinary elasticity to move with the metal during the changes in temperatures.

Acrylics have been used in the commercial field since the 1970s. In the 1990s, several private manufacturers tinted the formulation and encouraged its use in the residential field. This Old House TV show was one of its first exhibitors of the acrylics/elastomerics

Residential tin roofing hiding under shingles

2009-06-17T18:59:00.000-04:00

Under this shingle roof hides a sturdy metal roof. With the fully reinforced system, the residential tin roofing owner will enjoy a restored piece of history.

2009-06-16T19:12:00.003-04:00

Working in Virginia means encountering our history up close--such as this pre-Civil War structure for the workers on this plantation near the Shanandoah Valley. We cleaned, primed and coated the old panels with black acrylic.

The only reason the "after photo" is missing is that when I picked up the left-over pails of material, the day was rainy and foggy. I predict I will have an "after photo" by the end of summer. NOTE: See July 20th entry of this blog

Eastern Shore tin roof photo

2009-05-30T22:38:00.003-04:00

On the Eastern Shore, these owners found an old photo of their home on Federal Street in Snow Hill, MD. On this link to Eastern Shore tin roofs, take a look at the modern restoration the recent owners have accomplished.

Black tin roof color

2009-05-26T22:13:00.003-04:00

Tin roof color black appears quite frequently in Virginia.

For a story of how an owner in Ashland decided on a black metal roof, with an eye toward using the advantages of her property, check out this tin roof color

story.

Metal Roof in light grey

2009-05-26T22:04:00.005-04:00

A metal roof in light grey, sometimes called Colonial Grey, is a popular choice for those owners who are seeking the "traditional" tint that exhibits some energy savings for those hot summer days. This traditional tin roof is located in Chesapeake City, MD, home of the third busiest canal in the world.

Copper roofing coating

2009-05-13T07:49:00.004-04:00

A caller asked about coating 3000 sq ft of barn roofing with copper liquid coating. He wanted to save some money by coating the metal roof first with an aluminum paint, then top coat with copper liquid. The penny saving approach might be problematic.

One of the most common complaints about roof paint is flaking. If the aluminum paint cannot move with the metal, then any top coating of copper liquid would flake. The reason is coatings can only bond to what is under it.

If you are coating a roof yourself, be sure the paints move with the metal.

Front Porch Tin Shingle Solutions

2009-05-02T08:13:00.002-04:00

Tin shingle porch roofs are commonly in worse condition compared to upper roofs. The reasons are simple--more traffic by workmen, children, window cleaners and elopers. Over the years, customers have used four approaches to improving appearances and eliminating leaks. See this page entitled Front porch tin shingles for photos of these solutions.

Patina tint

2009-04-17T13:41:00.004-04:00

"Patina" is a difficult color to work with. Copper liquid and copper sheets take a decade or more before the patina starts to appear. If you push the aging process along with an acidic wash, then the result depends on the composition of the acidic wash, the humidity in the air--in short, the result is difficult to predict.

Trying to mimic a coppery patina into a water-based formulation is also problematic. The result is a flat, matted appearance versus the truly coppery patina that changes definition according to sunlight and angle.

With all the above being said, on the tin roof color page, a lovely wheat-tinted siding blends well with the water based patina.

Tin Roof Repair lingo

2009-04-09T20:58:00.003-04:00

In every trade, shorten phrases evolve that are understood only by a few people. For example, Lester, the crew chief who has performed all the field work on this blog and website, rarely refers to the last coating of a project as "final coat" or "top coat".

His involvement in ministerial work undoubtedly has influenced him to say, "coating on high", instead of the more secular phrases.

Cortright Metal Roofing ad

2009-04-07T09:23:00.004-04:00

Ad and illustration dated 1902 from Cortright Metal Roofing, located in Philadelphia and Chicago: ...designed to avoid the heaviness, the expense and fragility of slate roofs; to avoid the lack of wearing qualities in the wood shingle, and provide a substitute for the "buckling", rattling and expensive economy of the tin roof and to increase the beauty of a roof."

Condensation or roof leak??

2009-04-06T09:23:00.003-04:00

To control condensation drips, the roof is not an issue!

Condensation control is usually a learning curve experience for most metal roof owners. Springtime is usually the end of the season; October is the start of the worst period for condensation drips.
For basic information, check this page on condensation in metal buildings.

Residential tin roofing quiz

2009-04-01T09:11:00.002-04:00

Which roof still has the original panels? Which roof is made of plywood and fake standing seams? Some customers ask for our creativity in resolving problems.

Rain on a tin roof

2009-03-31T10:59:00.004-04:00

Jean emailed after reading my article: Your Tin Roof: Four Reasons to Preserve this Heritage

The “sound of rain on a tin roof” should be moved to number 1 on your list of 4.

This spring at Jean's place in West Chester, PA, we will be applying a special color of acrylic called "clary sage", a name derived from a medieval ointment for the eyes and the word ancestor for modern claret wine.

Tin metal roofing--save or replace??

2009-03-26T08:13:00.002-04:00

Any roofing work is expensive. If you are evaluating whether to keep your existing metal roof or replace, this article notes four reasons to save your metal panels.

Replace New Metal Roof?

2009-03-23T16:00:00.004-04:00

This roof was installed in 1992. Within five years, heavy rust was breaking through due to a glitch at the manufacturing company. To insure the long term life of the roof, the fully reinforced system resolves the pre-mature rusting with a 10 year warranty against leakage.

Colored Metal Roof with a sheen

2009-03-20T09:33:00.002-04:00

Colored metal roofs can come with a sheen....and a caveat. Any shiny finish highlights a metal roof's imperfections whereas acrylic (with its matted finish) tends to mute irregularities.

Some vintage tin roofs have been well maintained, therefore owners can consider a coating with a sheen. The above photo and this link to more colored metal roofs with a shine illustrate the pros and cons of this selection.

We, of course, bow to the customer's preference.

Tin Roof Contractor

2009-03-13T18:31:00.003-04:00

If you are seeking a tin roof contractor in the mid-Atlantic states, my crew and I are seeking owners of tin roofs who want to restore their existing metal roofs.

Virginia tin roofing

2009-03-11T18:38:00.004-04:00

In 1821, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "..it is the lightest, and most durable cover in the world. We know that it will last 100 years, and how much more we do not know"
For photos of homes that have benefited from his legacy, check out the Virginia tin roofing page on my website.

Tin roofing: the early years

2009-03-10T20:50:00.002-04:00

The earliest tin roofing came in sections of approximately 10" x 14". By the 1830s, the length of the sections had increased about twofold. As the years passed, the section lengths continued to lengthen--improved transportation, such as train service, influenced this trend.

Today, these "horizontal seams" are missing from modern metal panel installations.

Tin roof color before 1850

2009-03-09T17:56:00.004-04:00

Tin roof colors before the Civil War were usually a mixture of iron oxide and linseed oil. The appearance of the soldered panels was a rusty red, thereby any rust spots were muted. Every few years, the roofs were repainted with the same mixture.
A minority of owners (the "yuppies" of that age) of these home metal roofs tried to mimic copper or slate finishes.
More about true vintage tin panel colors in future posts.

Tin roofing in North Carolina

2009-03-09T10:06:00.006-04:00

The Windover Inn near Asheville is example of one of our embossed tin shingle projects. Besides being a lovely B&B, the design of the shingles suggests a local connection. Only in the mountains near here have I seen this design. This green tint in the acrylic we used is called "Artic Green".

Best exterior paint that eliminates flaking on roofs

2009-03-06T19:54:00.006-05:00

If your metal roof flakes....and you want a guaranteed no-flake application....the fully reinforced system will resolve flaking problems. Above porch roof is located in Cherry Hill, NJ.

"Thin Red Line": the latest battle

2009-03-04T18:21:00.004-05:00

The above roll of mesh with "thin red lines" looks so innocent.

As any history buff knows, "the thin red line" refers to military action by the British in the Crimea and, later, the US troops in Guadalcanal and Europe. Today, those red thin lines on rolls of mesh have created an outcry.

Originally, the roll's red lines were used to help guide the overlapping of the mesh during a roofing application, such as with cool roofing. Plus, if the red lines were covered with enough acrylic, so that the red lines disappeared, crew workers knew they had brushed down sufficient acrylic.

Some roofers complained that the red lines were still visible after they were done; i.e., they were applying less than the usual acrylic thickness. In a reaction to their complaints, roof distributors began stocking rolls WITHOUT the lines.

Outraged contractors, like me, complained about the missing thin red lines. Lately, the roofing distributors stock both styles and roll their eyes about the hullabaloo.

Roofing tin in New Jersey

2009-03-02T09:57:00.003-05:00

In Mt. Holly, NJ, a good example of the impact of color choice can be seen on the Robin"s Nest Restaurant located in the center of town. As photos of the project show the existing color had been red. But the owner felt that the restaurant dominated the center square area too much. She felt a slate grey, or dark grey, would improve the blend of the buildings more attractively. What do you think? By the way, the food is delicious.

Reasons to save your metal roof

2009-02-27T12:31:00.002-05:00

If you lived under this roof, would you save it? See photos of this Washington DC cottage for the homeowner's decision and her results.
There are four reasons to think about in deciding your best approach.

Chesapeake City metal roof in aluminum grey

2009-02-26T20:23:00.002-05:00

The grey roof color is available in both a light version and a dark tint. This cottage in Chesapeake City, MD, illustrates the lighter color. Common names are "colonial grey", "aluminum grey" or just plain "light grey". Besides being a traditional color of a metal roof, this choice reflects more sunlight than the darker colors. On this project, the upper roof was restored with the preservation system; the lower back roof required the "fully reinforced" approach. See my crew at work on this Chesapeake City metal roof.

Green tin roof

2009-02-25T18:47:00.003-05:00

An example of a dark green tint that makes the residence "sit well" on the property. For additional photos, click green tin roof link here

Red tin roof: most popular choice

2009-02-24T11:51:00.004-05:00

Tin roof color choice is always the most lasting decision an owner of a metal roof must make. There are several reasons why roof color becomes more important than leaks and rusting.
Leaks and rusting can be resolved by good roofing techniques. Therefore those issues fade from an owner's mind. Yet every day, the color choice is revisited every time the owner glances at the structure. A barn red, or rusty red, are the two popular versions of red tin roofs.

Red tin roof project in New Jersey