TABLE OF CONTENTS A roof s function goes far beyond protecting the interior from the weather. Architecturally, a roof complements and accentuates the color and texture of the building and plays a major role in establishing its character and appearance. Structurally, roof covering may resist wind and live loads and may serve as bracing for roof purlins.
Metal roofing is among the most attractive features pre-engineered buildings have to offer, having contributed mightily to the growing popularity of metal building systems. This chapter examines the available metal roofing materials and discusses specifying metal roofing for new construction. Some special challenges of reroofing applications are outlined in Chap. 14.
Metal roofing has been used in Europe, and later in this country, for centuries. Traditionally, it was formed into pans by hand for subsequent manual crimping or seaming. The glorious golden dome covering the Massachusetts State House was fabricated and installed by none other than Paul Revere.1 Designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1797, this edifice is still considered to be one of the five best buildings in Boston.
Some popular turn-of-the-century roofing materials included terne roofs, made of steel coated with an alloy of 4 parts lead and 1 part tin. Unfortunately, those early terne roofs eventually rusted and had to be painted over.
Contemporary metal roofing is a far cry from its predecessors. Today s products offer long, largely maintenance-free service lives, reflected in 20-year warranties; the best may last for half a century with some periodic maintenance and spot repairs. For...
