FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

New York 2023

Energy performance, affordability, and sustainability are at the core of our 2023 FHB House project. Building professionals across North America are in demand of common-sense approaches to air-sealing, insulating, and water management, as well as guidance for improving existing homes. With our Cornwall, N.Y.–based remodeling project, we aim to empower our building community with the information needed to retrofit homes with the most efficient and resilient assemblies, mechanical systems, and materials. Join FHB House 2023 builder Jon Beer as he takes you step-by-step through transforming his ranch-style house project into an efficient, modern home fit for a young family seeking ultimate performance and comfort.

How-To

Replacing Old Shingles with a New Metal Roof

See how this old 1950s shingle roof was transformed and replaced with an exposed-fastener metal roof and new overhang size.

By Jon Beer
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      During the reroofing stage of FHB House New York, Jon Beer and his team replaced the old shingle roof with a new exposed-fastener metal roof. This decision was driven by a combination of performance considerations and Jon’s aesthetic preference.

      In this video, see how they prepare for the new roof and how Jon achieves a more modern look by reducing the original 18-in. roof overhang.

      Here’s the transcript:

      As you can see behind me, we are making progress on the exterior. Here at the Fine Homebuilding house, we have an exposed-fastener metal roof. It’s all brand-new. The existing house had a shingle roof with a variety of conditions and age. Some of it was new, and some of it was very old.

      Deciding on the type of roof

      We knew that with such a contemporary design, a metal roof was going to be our choice here. Part of it is aesthetics, and I think generally it looks nicer than shingles. Some of it was performance. I think metal carries a longer lifespan than shingles. Last thing was personal preference. At the end of the day, I really like the sound of the rain on a metal roof. We’ll get to listen to that when it rains. I may grow to hate it in 30 years, but for now I like it.

      Our decision to make was: Do we go with an exposed-fastener panel, or do we go with standing seam? We opted to choose exposed fastener—pretty much a budgetary choice for us. We also weren’t sure early on whether we would be installing the roof in-house or hiring it out. We ended up hiring the roof out. We did the framing associated with a new structure, a second floor and the rear addition, and dried all of that in ourselves. But when it came to the tear-off and install, we let our roofing sub take care of that.

      Integrating with other elements

      Order of operations was a little bit of a mixed bag because we weren’t doing a simple tear-off or a simple new build. We had two new structural components we added to the house: the second story, which is primarily a single gable with a small change in plane, and the rear single-story addition, which is framed as an overlay. What that means is that the new roof lies on top of the existing roof. In order to prep for that, when we were framing, we worked right on top of the old shingles, but I cut a section out along the valley on both sides and introduced some temporary flashing for that interim period of between drying in the new addition and getting the actual roof replaced.

      All of the new framing on the house, whether it’s the second-story addition or the rear single-story addition, is clad in Huber’s Zip System sheathing. On the roof we had 5/8-in. Zip that was installed and taped and dried in along with some temporary flashing there.

      The tear-off

      The first step in doing the whole new roof over the whole house was the tear-off. Our roofer basically scraped the existing shingles off the original part of the roof. They took the tar paper off underneath it, and from there assessed the condition of our sheathing, which—this house having been built in the 50s—had 1×10 tongue-and-groove pine sheathing. Typically we see that some replacement is necessary; that was true here. Some of that sheathing got cut out if it was dry, brittle, or a little rotten and was replaced with new 3/4-in. CDX, and then from there the roofer started laying out and got directly into installing the new metal roof.

      When you frame an addition that has an overlay roof, one that ties into the new roof by sitting on top of it, it’s really important to consider how your two ridges meet. It may seem at first important to make them meet at the same height, but in reality, the goal is to have the new ridge be slightly below the other. That way when it comes time to actually do the roofing, you’re able to flash it and make those transitions in metal in a way that doesn’t cause issues and also looks nice from the ground.

      In our case, that started with the framing, figuring out we had a constant variable of the wall-plate height. We wanted to also approximately match the new roof pitch to the old roof pitch, and so we worked within those variables to figure out a new ridge height and figure out the rafters from there, both using mathematical formulas to figure out our theoretical rafter and then also a rafter square to double-check everything. The ridges in the framing stage were about 6 inches different from one another, the new roof ridge being lower than the existing one.

      Adding skylights

      The Fine Homebuilding house has three skylights on the first floor–one in the kitchen and two in the living room. When we were in the framing phase, the project was predominantly in the winter. We weren’t ready to reroof the house, so we worked from the inside out. In regard to the skylights, we basically figured out our layout for the floor plan. We placed the skylights, and they required modifying the existing roof structure and ceiling-joist structure. So part of that layout was determining where generally we want them. What’s in our way? What’s the best place to put them without disturbing as much original structure as possible?

      We identified those locations, and then from there basically framed the skylights on the inside. And when it came time to do the roof, we just connected the dots from one plane to the other. The roofers were able to make four penetrations through the corners of the skylight up to the new roof deck, cut that out, and then drop the new skylight in place.

      Roof details

      This house is in a pretty contemporary style. Along with that, I wanted to incorporate a detail of a minimal overhang. Traditionally, a house in the United States has a soffit, or an overhang, 12 to 24 in. deep, and the original house did have that—about an 18-in. soffit. So with this redesign, I wanted to eliminate that as much as possible and create sort of a very sleek-looking contemporary shape.

      When it came to the new framing, in a way it made our lives a lot easier because we were only cutting half of our bird’s mouth in the rafter. However, with the existing parts of the house, that process was a little more complicated. We had to start by removing the existing soffit and then cut each individual rafter back. Anyone who’s cut a rafter from above knows it can be kind of a challenging process to do that well and cut a nice plumb line.

      Luckily, with the new design, the addition on the rear, and the changes to the front, we cut our amount of roof modification to about 50% of the existing footprint of the house. What that means is the new structure occupied 50% of the area of the original soffit area, so we only had to go through and modify about half the house. The rest was either turning into new second story or into a new addition of some kind.

      The zero overhang is not technically zero. The roofing actually hangs over about 2 inches. It was an actual precise decision based on the siding. We calculated the thickness of the rainscreen, the siding, the assembly, and any other kind of exterior trim or fascia that we might have. And we gave our roofer a baseline for, here’s how much overhang we need. Make a block that’s that thick for your drip edge, and they used that to set the drip edge on all of the new roofing. So now that the roof is done, start finishing the exterior.


      RELATED STORIES

      • A New Roof Over the Old One
      • Framing a Second Story on an Existing House
      • Reroofing Over Zip System Sheathing

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters
      ×

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      New Feature

      Fine Homebuilding Forums

      Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
      New York 2023 Videos

      Behind the Build

      • New York 2023
      • Kansas 2022
      • Wisconsin 2021
      • Nebraska 2021
      • Connecticut 2020
      • Kentucky 2019
      • California 2018
      • Vermont 2017
      • Rhode Island 2016
      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      More New York 2023

      View All
      • Building a Detached Shop with Full Utilities and HVAC
      • Interior and Exterior Finishing Details for a 1950s Ranch-Style Home
      • A Quiet Standby Generator Brings Peace of Mind
      • Interior Updates on FHB House New York
      View All

      New York 2023 Sponsors

      • Advantech SubFloor Assembly Logo
      • Coravent Logo
      • Loctitle PL Max Premium Logo
      • Loctite Tite Foam Logo
      • Nakamoto Forestry Logo
      • USG Sheetrock Brand Logo
      • ZipSystem Building Enclosures Logo
      • Zip System Roof Assembly Logo
      • Champion Logo

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower

      Learn how to patch drywall above a fiberglass shower without totally redoing everything.

      Featured Video

      SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

      The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

      Related Stories

      • Ranch Redux
      • A More Resilient Roof
      • Historic Preservation Month 2025
      • Step Up Your Stair-Gauge Game

      Discussion Forum

      Recent Posts and Replies

      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      View More Create Post

      Highlights

      Fine Homebuilding All Access
      Fine Homebuilding Podcast
      Tool Tech
      Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

      Video

      View All Videos
      • Adding Windows, Siding, and a Brick Lime-Wash Coating
      • Control Layers for a Remodel
      • Replacing Old Shingles with a New Metal Roof
      • Framing a Second Story on an Existing House
      View All

      Ranches

      View All Ranches Articles
      • Ranch Redux
      • Historic Preservation Month 2025
      • Reinvented Ranch
      View All Ranches Articles

      Fine Homebuilding Magazine

      • Issue 331 - June 2025
        • A More Resilient Roof
        • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
        • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
      • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
        • Deck Details for Durability
        • FAQs on HPWHs
        • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
      • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
        • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
        • A Kominka Comes West
        • Making Small Kitchens Work
      • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
        • How a Pro Replaces Columns
        • Passive House 3.0
        • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
      • Issue 327 - November 2024
        • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
        • Plumbing Protection
        • Talking Shop

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

      Subscribe

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data