Knowledge Builders

does a metal roof need furring strips

by Prof. Ruthie Hahn Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Can you put a metal roof on shingles furring strips?

For many contractors, placing metal roofs on existing shingles furring strips is ideal for helping the building owners maximize their roof’s durability and save on roof tearing costs. Roof furring strips might be affordable roofing material, but they need to be maintained and replaced very often.

What are roofing furring strips and how do they work?

Furring strips are thin pieces of wood that act as spacers between the metal roof and the shingles on top. They allow for extra insulation while also creating an aesthetic look to your home’s exterior.

Do I need to install wood stripping under my roof?

The answer to whether or not you need to install wood stripping under your roof comes down to the roof style you choose. Some metal roofs actually need to be installed over wood strips. This is common when you're using metal roofs with "tile" or "shake" aesthetics. Other styles should never be installed over wood stripping.

Is metal roofing a good option for your home?

Metal roofing has now entered the mainstream and has become a viable option for nearly all homes, except those with very flat roof pitches. Nor do all metal roofs scream "metal."

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Does metal roofing require furring strips?

If you're updating your home with a sleek metal roof, you may wonder if you should add wood stripping under the new roof. Furring strips bolster insulation to prevent condensation. It's not ideal to install a metal roof over shingles without furring strips.

Can you put metal roofing directly on rafters?

Metal roofing can be installed directly on open rafters. A metal roof can easily be installed directly over open rafters. Corrugated metal panels are relatively lightweight and can be purchased to fit almost any situation.

Do you put anything under metal roofing?

The traditional and most common material used for roof underlayment on a steep-slope metal roof is non-perforated, asphalt-impregnated felt underlayment. There are several types of felt underlayment including both organic reinforced and inorganic reinforced.

How far apart do you put furring strips for metal roof?

Spacing of Furring Strips for Metal Roof Correctly measure the spacing of furring strips for a metal roof to further decrease condensation. Twenty-four inches is a common spacing of furring strips for a metal roof.

Do I need to put plywood under a metal roof?

Although it may seem counterintuitive, metal roofing can be attached directly to your building's roofing structure without the need and expense of plywood sheeting.

Does metal roof need moisture barrier?

To avoid condensation buildup with your metal roof, you will need to have a moisture barrier in place. When the air in the home is warmer than the air outside, condensation will collect. If the roof system is not ventilated properly, condensation can also collect.

Can you install metal roofing directly to plywood?

You can install metal roofing over plywood; however, you need to carefully inspect the plywood to ensure it is safe to use, and you must use the proper materials. If you attach metal directly to the plywood with no felt or slip sheet, it will not last as long as it should.

Do you need strapping under metal roofing?

Single wood strapping is better than no strapping, as it creates a wider gap between the existing roof decking and the metal roof, but doesn't afford enough ventilation to resolve condensation issues. It also does not allow leveling of the roof, which corrects swells and swales on the roof.

How do you keep a metal roof from Condensating?

Traditionally, condensation is managed by insulating the metal roof so that the panel temperature never reaches the dew point. This is often accomplished using vinyl-backed fiberglass insulation to prevent humid air from coming into contact with the cooler metal roof (which may be at or below the dew point).

Can you install a metal roof over shingles without furring strips?

It is not recommended to install metal roofing over shingles without furring strips. The thermal expansion and contraction of the metal will rub against the shingle granules and the metal will corrode from the underside. The gaps introduced by furring strips also allow air venting which can reduce moisture.

Do I need furring strips?

Furring strips are used to provide carpenters a level and supportive structure when they're applying the finish. Whether it's the ceiling or the walls, furring strips are essential to ensuring that you'll always get a flat and smooth surface when the project is complete.

Can I install metal roofing directly over shingles?

In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity – their installation doesn't require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.

Do Metal Roofs need purlins?

When it comes to roofing, metal purlins are a critical element needed to give the structure proper support. Though we do not do installations ourselves, Western States Metal Roofing has been providing contractors with the materials required for a successful installation for over two decades.

Do you need to put tar paper under a metal roof?

Some might choose to skip using underlayment to save money. However, the metal roof underlayment acts as an added layer of protection. You can save money by using underlayment because it will help you avoid problems that would need to be fixed. The short answer is yes, your metal roof does need underlayment .

What do you put under a tin roof?

The three main types of underlayment for metal roofs include felt, synthetic sheet, and self-adhering membrane. Without an underlayment, the roof and rest of the home are exposed to the elements, which include not only wind and moisture but also chemicals and resin.

How do you attach a rafter to a metal roof?

9:2814:56Pole Building#2 -Rafters and Metal Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that allows you to drop that 2x8 down in there. And then you can just pull it over and nail itMoreSo that allows you to drop that 2x8 down in there. And then you can just pull it over and nail it afterwards. So I just nail one side to begin with. So there we go we've got all the rafters up.

How many inches should a firring strip be on a roof?

Others prefer to have the entire panel supported (my preference) with crosswise laid firring strips at specified intervals (commonly about 16-24 inches on centers up the roof).

Why put felt on metal roofing?

I do remember decades ago when US Steel and Kaiser Aluminum were big metal panel roofing suppliers and ACA/CCA (which are salts) treated wood was first commonly available, they did recommend (but not insist for warranty coverage) that narrow strips of roofing felt be put across the top of the firring strips to avoid direct contact and possible corrosion. This was when all metal roofing was bare steel with no protection on the underside.

Can you put a metal roof over a curled roof?

If your home’s existing shingles are pretty curled, you could install a textured metal roof such as a metal shingle, shake, or tile directly over the curled shingles along with underlayment. You also could install a corrugated through-fastened metal roofing product and probably not have issues. However, a true standing seam, especially one without any sort of striations or stiffening beads in the center of the panels, will probably show oil canning as the result of going over curled shingles. In that case, the old shingles should be removed or battens should be installed.

Do metal shingles need to be flat?

Of course, with metal shingles (as opposed to panel roofing) the mounting or engagement strip (if used) or shingles (if no mounting strip) should lie flat on the water barrier, or bridge across up-and-down slope firring strips at the manufacturer specified spacing.

Can you use battens on metal roofing?

If horizontal battens alone are used, they should be installed with gaps one to the next to allow drainage. Additionally, per metal roofing manufacturer instructions, battens should never be treated lumber as salts and chemicals in the treated lumber can cause corrosion of the metal roofing panels.

Can I install a deck over a batten?

And, keep in mind, for residential applications, I never suggest installations over battens unless there is a solid deck beneath the battens. Installations over battens alone are an invitation to condensation issues.

Can metal roofs be installed over battens?

Answered by AskToddMiller: By design, some metal roofs MUST be installed over battens, some MUST NEVER be installed over battens, and some can be installed over battens OR solid decking. So, first and foremost, it’s critical to choose the right product and install it per manufacturer specifications. And, keep in mind, for residential applications, ...

What to wear before installing a metal roof?

Before installing the new metal roof, make sure you wear gloves. It’s the easiest way you can prevent cuts on your hands. Apart from that, do not ever go up to the roof when the wind is too strong.

How long does metal roofing last?

Not only to tear off the costs, but you will also get metal roofing that can last more than 50 years without difficult maintenance. If you plan to install a metal roof over shingles furring strips, there are several things you need to take into account.

Why put metal over shingles?

The most obvious reason is that the metal is much more durable and relatively inexpensive than wood shingles. Usually, metal roofs are placed over furring strips for air circulation and to prevent rot.

How to tell if shingles are too heavy?

Find any sign that indicates the previous shingles weighing too much. Usually, the signs include rotting decks and bending tresses. Look out if there is any roof leak, and fix it. Also, replace rotten sheeting. Before installing new metal roofing on the previous shingles, you also need to acknowledge:

What to do if your roof doesn't have gutters?

Every corner of the roof has to be wrapped to boost the look and make the roof withstand harsh weather conditions. Even if your roof doesn’t have gutters, you can install ice guards over your metal roof. If you trim the roof on your own, make sure there is ...

Can you put ice guards on a metal roof?

Even if your roof doesn’t have gutters, you can install ice guards over your metal roof. If you trim the roof on your own, make sure there is someone on the ground and ask them to look up how the trim is. Before installing the new metal roof, make sure you wear gloves.

Can you recycle shingles?

Unfortunately, shingles furring strips cannot be recycled, and waste disposal businesses usually charge a considerable fee to accept damaged shingles since this kind of business receives uncountable shingles. The ideal solution for that issue is installing a new metal roof over the old shingles.

Why do you need to strap a roof?

One good reason for strapping is to ensure that the panels are firmly attached and will stay that way. If you have plywood roof sheathing, which is very common, it’s almost a given that you will need furring strips. Plywood just will not hold the roofing screws for long.

What is roof strapping?

Roof strapping refers to wooden strips to which the metal roofing material is attached. The nails/screws attach to these strapping strips. The strips, also referred to as furring strips, nail strips, purlins or battens, provide a smoother surface when installing a metal roof over an existing roofing material, such as shingles.

Do You Need to Put Strapping Under Metal Roofing?

This is an ongoing argument among roofers and do-it-yourselfers alike. Some say they never use furring strips; some say it’s only necessary when installing a metal roof over existing shingle roofing, others say metal roofs should always have furring strips. The manufacturer of your roofing should have recommendations on this.

Why do we need a vapor barrier on a metal roof?

The roof will often be covered with water beads. A vapor barrier is important to protect the sheathing from moisture collecting on the metal roof.

Can you put metal roofing over shingles?

It’s not a good idea to try to install metal roofing over shingles without the strips. The strips provide an even, level base for the metal panels. In addition, the strips provide space for airflow. Be sure to check with your local building authority first. There may be restrictions on putting one roofing layer on top of another.

Can you put foam board on a roof?

If you wish, you can start with some vertical strips nailed along the tracks of the rafters or chords, then nail the horizontal strips to them. The vertical strips allow for putting foam board or other types of insulation between them before nailing on the horizontal strips. This is easier than installing insulation on the inside of the roof.

Do standing seam metal roofs need battens?

For instance, standing seam metal roofs require furring strips or battens. Some people like to install vertical strips first, then the horizontal ones across the roof for attaching the metal panels. This allows for further ventilation or installing insulation between the vertical strips before nailing the horizontal strips over them.

Why put a roof on a trailer?

Putting the roof up on battens will help prevent creating a situation where dew point occurs in the plywood decking causing condensation. Putting the roof on purlins will help keep your roof deck a little warmer which, in order to avoid condensation, is a good thing.

How many layers of roofing can I put on a house?

Hi Lynn, The International Building Code allows up to two layers of roofing on residential buildings. This includes if the first layer is shingle and the second layer is metal. The low weight of metal helps to support this practice. This code is not enforced in all areas but I am not aware of any local or state codes that are as you have been told. The only way to know for certain would be to contact the building officials with jurisdiction in your area. I will say this ... it's not unusual to see 3 or even more layers of roofing on some buildings. This though could become a problem if the home is sold in the future and the home inspector or new owner's mortgage company wants to take exception to what was done.

Is roof over a procedural approach?

Sounds more like a contractor that is trying to scare someone unless he is providing more data than that. A roof over is a pretty normal and well accepted procedural approach. Where is becomes and issue is with multiple layers as Todd mentioned.

Can you strap a roof for vent space?

John, Quite a normal application and done all the time. If you are looking for above decking vent ing (i.e. additional cooling), so folks will strap the roof for a vent space application.

How long do metal roofs last?

Although most metal roofing products carry warranties comparable to the very best asphalt shingles (about 30 years), in practice, metal roofs have been known to last 50 years or more. According to State Farm Insurance statistics, metal roofs routinely have a longevity of 40 to 70 years. 3 It is therefore very rare for a homeowner to install more than one metal roof over the time he or she lives in the home. By contrast, a homeowner will likely replace an asphalt shingle roof two or even three or four times over a 50-year period. Overall, while the cost of a metal roof is more expensive than asphalt roofing (about double), it can save money over a long period.

Why is metal roofing so popular?

One of the principal reasons metal roofing has exploded in popularity is that it is virtually fireproof. With the dangers of wildfire on the rise, metal roofing has become the roofing material of choice in many parts of the country. And not only that: Insects such as termites can never eat metal roofing.

What are the benefits of metal roofing?

One of the principal reasons metal roofing has exploded in popularity is that it is virtually fireproof. With the dangers of wildfire on the rise, metal roofing has become the roofing material of choice in many parts of the country. And not only that: 1 Insects such as termites can never eat metal roofing. 2 Metal roofing is impervious to rot and mildew. 3 Since it conducts heat quickly from the sun, snow slides off more quickly than with conventional roofing.

What is the vent on the roof called?

On most homes today, attic venting is provided by a continuous ridge vent that runs across the peak of the roof. On a shingled roof, this continuous ridge vent (CRV) is a strip of shingle-like material that runs the entire length of the peak of the house, masking outflow holes on the sides of the ridge. You likely have seen this countless times, but probably never really noticed because the CRV usually lies very flat and blends in perfectly with the surrounding roof.

Is metal roofing a good option?

Metal roofing has now entered the mainstream and has become a viable option for nearly all homes, except those with very flat roof pitches. Nor do all metal roofs scream "metal." There are now shingle-style metal roofing products that are almost indistinguishable from traditional asphalt shingle roofs. If you are wondering about the merits of metal roofing, here are 12 things to know.

Does metal roofing attract lightning?

Metal Roofing Does Not Attract Lightning. You might think that a metal roof will attract lightning, but this is not borne out by facts or statistics. According to a technical bulletin from the Metal Construction Association, "Metal roofing does not in any way increase the risk of a lightning strike.".

Can you put metal roofs over existing roofs?

Metal roofs can be installed over your existing roof without tearing off shingles, provided local building codes allow it. While shingle removal is the preferred route, tear-off is messy and raises the cost of the job. A potential problem with this type of installation is trapped water vapor.

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