Finally!

The truth about

M E TA L ROOFS
is leaking out

he last time you put a new roof on your out-buildings, you probably chose metal. You thought it would be more durable, more cost-effective and easier to install than a shingle roof.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. After all, metal itself does have an incredibly long life. But a metal roofing system is so much more than just metal panels. In fact, there are two kinds of metal roofing systems and each has its own set of problems.The less expensive consists of metal sheets or panels installed with exposed screws and neoprene washers. Sure, theyre quick and easy to install. And you dont need a plywood substrate, so they may seem more economical in the short term. But Our weather extremes cause severe thermal expansion and contraction.This leads to metal fatigue of the panels. If the screws are too tight, the neoprene washers may become damaged, elongating the screw holes and causing leaks.They also tend to deteriorate because of their exposure to the suns ultraviolet rays and the weather. Its not uncommon for contractors to have to replace such fasteners with bigger screws after only ten years. Sometimes even less. So, if you have to replace these fasteners every few years, have you really saved any time or money? But perhaps you knew this, so you decided to spring for the more expensive system a standing seam metal roof.This would eliminate the problems and leaks caused by exposed fasteners. However, because this type of roof needs to be manufactured on site, proper application is difficult and must be done by a qualified, experienced roofer with a journeyman sheet metal ticket. And there just arent too many of those people around. Another problem with standing seam metal roofs is that they usually specify an underlayment of asphalt felt or peel and stick membrane in order to control leaks and the condensation that can form on the underside of the metal. If your buildings roof lines include a lot of dormers and valleys, the application becomes that much more difficult and the cost starts to soar.

Did you know that the cost of steel has been steadily increasing 20 to 30% recently in the US?
According to various sources, such as the Wall Street Journal, CNN and other news agencies, this is because of several factors including, but not limited to, increased demand/export to China and decreased production capacity with the closure of mills due to tariffs which have since been lifted.While this applies specifically to the United States, the effects are being felt worldwide. Consumers will soon be paying substantially more for steel products such as metal roofing systems.

At first glance, it may appear that a metal roof is watertight, but take a closer look. Whats really preventing water from penetrating the roof deck is the underlayment, as well as the foam tape and caulking, which break down and need to be replaced long before the metal panels wear out. At IKO, we believe that the peel and stick ice/water membrane that is usually specified as an underlayment for metal roof systems should, instead, be specified as the primary roof seal.Thats why shingles are a better overall choice than metal because theyre more effective as the first line of defense against the elements.

Still not convinced? Take a look at the chart below. It lists an average supply and install price on new construction over OSB or plywood, with a 6/12 pitch gable building. Underlayment and primary insulation costs are extra. Weve compared both types of metal roofing to IKOs most popular asphalt shingles, based on 5000 square feet of roof deck at current prices in your market. The cost is then broken down into an approximate price per year for 25 years.

Metal Roofs
29-ga exposed fastener system
Note: Fasteners might have to be replaced after 10 years

Price per 25 years

(approximate)

5000 sq. ft. x $3.30/sq. ft. 25 yrs $660/yr 5000 sq. ft. x $5.75/sq. ft. 25 yrs $1150/yr

26-ga standing seam roof system

Note: Will require an underlayment in order to qualify for labor warranty Revised pricing to come based on 20-30% industry increases.

IKO Shingles
Aristocrat (25-year)* Renaissance XL (25-year)* Cambridge (30-year)* Cambridge (50-year)* Regency (50-year)* Grandeur (50-year)* Crowne Slate (50-year)*

Price per 25 years

(approximate)

5000 sq. ft. x $1.00/sq. ft. 25 yrs 5000 sq. ft. x $1.35/sq. ft. 25 yrs

$200/yr $270/yr

5000 sq. ft. x $1.60/sq. ft. 25 yrs $320/yr 5000 sq. ft. x $1.95/sq. ft. 25 yrs $390/yr 5000 sq. ft. x $2.40/sq. ft. 25 yrs $480/yr 5000 sq. ft. x $2.60/sq. ft. 25 yrs $520/yr 5000 sq. ft. x $3.25/sq. ft. 25 yrs $650/yr

* See Limited Warranty term. Underlayment may be required for some products. See shingle installation instructions for details.

As you can see, even our most expensive shingle is substantially less than the standing seam roof system! And seven of our shingles are less than the cheaper of the two metal roof systems! Plus, our limited warranties are more comprehensive, too! Metal roof systems are typically guaranteed for 1 to 2 years. Some metal roof systems carry a 5-year warranty but only under certain conditions, such as requiring a plywood deck with a peel and stick membrane adhered to it. Compare this to our shingles, which are backed with limited warranties for 25 to 50 years!

Superior Strength that Outlasts the Elements and the Competition

Our Crowne Slate, Grandeur, Regency and Cambridge 50 & 30 shingles also include additional warranty coverage against wind. And Grandeur has a Class 4 UL2218 rating against hail! If youve ever seen what hail can do to a metal roof, youll appreciate that kind of extra protection.
The damaging effects of hail.

For agricultural buildings, the look of a roof isnt quite as important as other factors but its certainly nice to have some choice. IKO shingles are available in a wide variety of blended colors.They have a texture or pattern that adds depth to the roofs appearance.To harmonize with your natural surroundings, choose IKO shingles in the colors of nature. Or choose a color that will stand out and add contrast. Metal roofs only come in solid colors and offer no textured appearance.Theyre prone to fading over time, whereas the mineral granules in our shingles contain UV inhibitors to minimize this. As metal roofs age, rust can also cause damage and unsightly streaks. Asphalt shingles keep looking great, year after year.

When it comes to protecting your property and livestock, the choice of roofing material is up to you. At IKO, we thought you should know the facts that you do have a choice.

To help you make an informed roofing decision, please contact an IKO Sales Representative or ask a professional roofing contractor. Theyll be pleased to prove our mettle!

Find out more about our products now by talking to an IKO sales representative, your professional roofing contractor or contact us directly at:

United States 1-888-IKO ROOF, Eastern Canada 1-800-361-5836, Western Canada 1-800-661-1034,
or visit our web site at:
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