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Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: presbspec

Post Number: 108
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 11:53 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Hi All, need your help!
My architect has designed a shallow slope roof connecting a existing historic roof (slate) to an addition so the runoff will flow onto the addition roof (BUR).
The slope is 1/4 inch:foot the overall size in plan is 12 feet by 44 feet.
he wants a "flat seam metal roof ...done in panels about 22" x 28" (long dimension parallel to slope) with interlocking seams and soldered joints...over a slip sheet of red rosin paper and building felt under that". He has seen it done on historic church porches that have been there for a long time.
In speaking with a metal roof rep in my area the rep states it can't be done with flat seam or standing seam at that pitch.
I've suggested going to single ply or BUR with a cap sheet, but the Architect wants to stay with the metal.
Suggestions? Comments?
Thanks
George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: geverding

Post Number: 187
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 12:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

He's probably seen it done on historic applications using copper or lead, field fabricated, with soldered joints, flat or standing seam. My SMACNA manual is on loan at the moment, but I betcha it still has the details required for the installation you describe.
Nathan Woods, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: nwoods

Post Number: 101
Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 12:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Contact Paula Grider at McElroy Metal, she reps metal roofs and also the new polywhatever synthetic roofs that look like metal standing seam. I'll bet there's a solution in there somewhere.

Paula Grider
(916) 369-7928 office
(310) 97703665 mobil (best bet)
pgrider@mcelroymetal.com
Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, MAI
Senior Member
Username: specman

Post Number: 287
Registered: 03-2003
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 12:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

If he wants to use copper, go to the Copper Development Association website (www.copper.org) and see their online "Architecture Design Handbook" (http://www.copper.org/applications/architecture/design_handbook.html).

There is information on flat seam roofing (which needs to be soldered--the roofing, not the information) along with details.
Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger

Post Number: 168
Registered: 07-2001
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 01:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Flat-locked seam roofs, with soldered seams, can be used on flat and low-pitch roofs--you are depending on the solder to make the joints watertight. Obviously you need a metal which can be soldered (eg copper or terne/ZT-coated terne), not painted metal.

Typically I would not use standing seam roofs or batten seam roofs with a pitch less than 4:12, since the folded seams are not inherently watertight. But I have used them on lower pitches, with a high-temperature self-adhering underlaynent such as Grace Ultra. In that case, the underlayment provide the waterproofing and the metal roofing is a decorative cover.
John Hunter
Junior Member
Username: johnhunter

Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 01:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

AEP Span has a few standing-seam products (Span-Lok is one) that can be installed to a slope of 1/4 inch: foot. The common element is that they are machine-seamed.

An option might be to look at Sarnafil's "Decor" systems that is a thermoplastic membrane available in 6 colors that might provide an acceptable aesthetic and will certainly provide the performance.
George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: geverding

Post Number: 188
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 02:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

SMACNA (6th ed.) covers flat seam roofs on pg. 6.10. They recommend flat seam for "roofs with a slight pitch", and later on, they restrict standing seam to 1 inch per foot or greater.
Don Harris CSI, CCS, CCCA, AIA
Senior Member
Username: don_harris

Post Number: 77
Registered: 03-2003
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 02:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Just remember to specify experience requirements for, and field mock-ups of the soldering. They are not the prettiest joints in the world, even if done correctly. In the hands of the inexperienced, watch out.
Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: presbspec

Post Number: 109
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 - 08:19 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Thanks to all of you for the help and information sources. I think I have it working now.
John Purcell (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 - 03:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Copper or tern metal can be soldered into a flat seam using SMACMA details. Don Harris is correct,important consideration is a qualified installer. Very few metal mechanics left in this industry.

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