[stubits]

We are in the planning stages of a small addition to our home, the footprint is approximately 5'x10'. I will be doing most of the build myself and would like to do the roof too.

We'll have a fairly low slope, most likely around 3/12. Originally we were considering a EPDM flat roof, but for design reasons my wife would prefer a standing seam metal roof.

I've helped roof a house with asphalt shingles, but given the low slope that doesn't seem like the right material here. Standing seam metal roofs seem to work in these conditions AND are very common in the DC area, so it will match.

Given how small the roof is, is this a DIY-able undertaking? I've read a couple of instruction manuals and it seems doable, although lots of attention would have to be paid to flashing it correctly. Any thoughts?

I am considering a material like this, http://www.bestbuymetals.com/standing-seam-metal-roofing.html

Thanks!

 

[Ed the Roofer]

It is simple, but not easy.

The eave, the rake edges and the roof to wall intersection all require special details, that are not typically learned as you go, unless you have a lot of experience with sheet metal and tin snips and the right way to bend the metals, even if most are available from the manufacturer.

Will the panel wok out near exact to the width of the roof?

If not, what would be an acceptable look to you for the final rake edge appearance?

Special flashings will nore than likely have to be bent up and custom fabricated and installed.

With such a low slope, any mistake will wind up being a leak in a short time frame.

Ed

 

[stubits]

Ed-

Thanks so much. From a DIY perspective, what type of roof would you suggest given the low slope?

The roof is a pretty simple shed roof design. Fortunately, I think if I use 3 16" panels and 1 12" panel it will fit perfectly.

The manufacturer I linked to above seems to have a great selection of flashings that would seem to fit my application well.

 

[Ed the Roofer]

One 12" wide panel would stick out like a sore thumb.

Can the manufacturer make opposing 6" wide panels, so that at least both sides look symetrical?

Ed

 

[jogr]

Ed-

I think if I use 3 16" panels and 1 12" panel it will fit perfectly.

I know nothing about metal roofing but wouldn't five 12" panels look better and be the same coverage?

 

[stubits]

You couldn't be more right. I was thinking about that on my way into work this morning and didn't get around to posting it. Yes, absolutely.