Replies

1. 
   iLikeDirt | Sep 05, 2015 08:46pm | #1

   Why does it need to be replaced? What killed it? A good metal roof can last for a century or more. Whatever you replace it with, it might make sense to determine the problem first so you don't inadvertently replicate it, necessitating another costly roof replacement 60 years hence.

2. 
   AlanB4 | Sep 05, 2015 09:38pm | #2

   If you must replace it can you increase the pitch of the roof?

3. 
   [email protected] | Sep 05, 2015 09:43pm | #3

   The cabin sits by a lake and Maine Lake code prevents us from increasing the pitch of the roof (which is extremely rusty at this point) because it would increase the volume of the cabin past the allowed amount. We are stuck with the pitch that we have.

4. 
   charlie_sullivan | Sep 05, 2015 09:58pm | #4

   Shoveling aluminum with a steel or steel edge shovel would scratch off the anodizing pretty soon. That is okay if you are OK with the way that looks. But the life might still be limited. Shoveling with a plastic shovel should help a lot, but I would still think the anodizing would eventually wear off.

   What about reinforcing it structally so that shoveling is not needed?

   Or increasing the pitch by raising it on one side but lowering it on the other.

5. 
   AlanB4 | Sep 05, 2015 10:26pm | #5

   Perhaps its worth going down to the code office and having a chat with someone there, nothing may come of it but maybe you might get someone willing to give a variance or have an alternative idea?

6. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | Sep 05, 2015 11:33pm | #6

   Or she could put on a thick anodized or Kynar finished roof and get another 60 years out of it without messing around with the rest of the cabin.

7. 
   [email protected] | Sep 06, 2015 02:59pm | #7

   Thank you for your help. I realize that changing the pitch of the roof would solve the shoveling problem. But please believe me, I have spent quite a number of years trying to get a variance. We have already used up our "expansion quota" and the shape of the roof can not be changed.

   I will check into a thick anodized or Kynar finish.

8. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | Sep 06, 2015 03:13pm | #8

   Stephanie,
   Both anodized roofing and that using galvalum based panels (which are then coated with a Kynar paint) are to some degree self-healing. Incidental nicks and scratches don't affect the material underneath. With a bit of care in how you shovel, which I'm sure you have more than enough experience with, both types will last a long time. The reason I mentioned a thick anodized roof is that anodizing is done to various standards, from almost useless to quite robust.

9. 
   [email protected] | Sep 06, 2015 03:23pm | #9

   Thank you Malcolm. That's really helpful. I did look up "hardcoat" anodized aluminum and it looks like just the thing. Thank you again.

10. 
    iLikeDirt | Sep 06, 2015 04:21pm | #10

    I bet you really appreciate how your local planning and code department helps you build high-quality structures. All those tax dollars put to such good use!