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

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

corrugated metal roofing???

Karl | Posted in Construction Techniques on October 12, 2009 11:36am

I was just up on my 100+yr old barn roof slipping pieces of aluminum flashing under the severely deteriorated shingles to try and squeeze one more season of semi dry storage space out of it.

The entire barn has settled sagged and bowed enough that it needs some TLC to keep it alive for another fifty years.

Right now I don’t have the time or resources to rehabilitate it properly and don’t wan’t to try reroofing with its current structural issues.

I am contemplating roofing right over the decaying cedar shingles with corrugated metal to keep things dry until I have time to properly address all the barn’s other issues. I figure I could get metal in either 8′ or 16′ pieces to cover the 15′ width of each gable section, screw them down relatively quickly and pull them up when it comes time to fix it properly.

The roof planes are roughly 15′ by 40′, the barn is in coastal northern California (santa cruz), and it currently has one layer of cedar shingles put on the original redwood 1 x 6 skip sheeting in 1980.

When ever the barn does get rehabilitated I prefer going with corrugated metal vs cedar shingles for simplicity and I think the metal looks good on old barns.

Does anyone see any problems in my plan?
What gauge metal should I be looking for?
What is likely the most economical source for corrugated metal roofing? ABC roofing is nearby though I am curious if there isn’t a better source that the agricultural industry gets it from.

Thanks,
Karl

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    coonass | Oct 13, 2009 12:15am | #1

    karl.

    If it was mine I would put some used metal on it for a temporary fix. About $1 a sheet down here.

    I would use a 5v or SM panel for permanent fix. $30 to $60 a square depending on gauge. Go to a real lumber yard for a supplier.

    KK

    1. Karl | Oct 13, 2009 06:08am | #9

      If I could find used metal around here I would have put some up years ago. Last time I saw it on craigslist the seller was asking $20 a panel, can't recall how long they were but it was too much for used.I emailed these guys
      http://www.metaldeck.com/12_corrugated.htm
      asking them for a quote in three different thicknesses.Thanks for the input
      Karl

  2. junkhound | Oct 13, 2009 01:31am | #2

    If you are going to get around to rehab within say 2 years, just tie down a few of the HF blue poly tarps, they dont fall apart till aobut 3 YO..

    1. Piffin | Oct 13, 2009 03:48am | #3

      You must not get th3e winds we do here. one season is a lucky gain.Now those heavy green ones - or better yet, the black/silver.... 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

    2. Karl | Oct 13, 2009 06:11am | #10

      I thought about tarping it for a few seconds. It would be a very prominent eyesore and big enough and high enough that the wind would do its darndest to get ahold of it and shred it.The barn is actually one of the visually appealing landmarks on this property so I suppose the blue tarps would kick my butt into gear quicker than the metal.Karl

  3. DanH | Oct 13, 2009 04:20am | #4

    I'd say go for it -- it needn't be perfect for your purposes, I suspect. Try to find the used sheets as KK suggested.

    As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
  4. RedfordHenry | Oct 13, 2009 04:20am | #5

    How much sag are we talking about?  Can the roof take the additional weight?  Corrugated panels like a relatively flat roof otherwise the panels may not align/lap properly.   

    1. Karl | Oct 13, 2009 06:16am | #11

      I could try and post a picture but it is supposed to dump rain all day tomorrow so it might be difficult to get a good shot.The roof has a few rolling waves in it more than a predictable sag. I still need some input from someone with experience on the pros/cons of using two 8foot panels vs one 16foot panel on a roof that is far from flat.It would seem if I try to shim it flat the 16 footers are going to be a lot faster and easier to lay straight.I don't like the idea of putting additional weight on it but I think corrugated metal is as light as any of my options (other than junkhounds blue tarp).Karl

      1. Karl | Oct 13, 2009 06:25am | #12

        I am curious if anyone has tried this stuff in the A606 material.http://www.rustedmetalroofing.com/78_corrugated.htmI like the idea of the taller corrugations though I suppose it will make the panel stiffer and less able to conform to a wavy, saggy roof deck.Karl

        1. Piffin | Oct 13, 2009 02:49pm | #14

          That's not a product I would use for a temporary roof. It is heavier than normal panels.Frankly, you can do a permanent roof on this with very little extra effort compared to a temp roof.I have worked situations like you are describing, and find that the fasteners work loose a lot faster. Some never even hit solid in the first place. And the spring tension you build in to the assembly when you deform the metal to fit to the roof is working harder to pull fasteners out again with every wind.The plane can be straightened out by using 2x4 or 2x6 purlins horizontally across this roof. screw them to the rafters with structural screw like GRK lagheads and use string for straight and shim where needed.Do this neatly with them all laid out nicely parallel. Then you can predrill the panels on the ground in a neat pile while standing over them all at once. That is far easier and safer.Having those purlins up there works as a chicken ladder system of toeboards for you to walk, making that safer too.So spend the time/money to do that, and the work gets progressively easier, and you end up with the permanent roof.I'm reserved about how to do a temporary roof. 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. Karl | Oct 13, 2009 05:54pm | #15

            What gauge would you use with what purlin spacing? I have seen cheap/thin corrugated roofing that seemed overspanned on 3' centers.Thanks for the input,
            Karl

          2. Piffin | Oct 13, 2009 06:35pm | #16

            Span depends on gauge and load requirements, for wind lift as well as for snow.That rust cor-ten product you showed is 22 ga, so it should spn 32" in a lot of places. I often used 24-26 ga metal on 24" spanAll the manufacturers have charts for figuring this, but some of them hide the things pretty good in their websites. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          3. Karl | Oct 14, 2009 01:32am | #19

            I am still waiting for a price quote from another supplier that specializes in metal roofing but was a bit surprised at $2.75 linear foot for a 2' wide piece of 26 gauge with zincalume coating from ABC roofing.Does this sound right or should I keep looking for a better price?I need 750 lineal feet (50 - 15 footers).Thanks for any input,
            Karl

          4. seeyou | Oct 14, 2009 02:45am | #20

            Keep looking. ABC doesn't typically have the best prices.copper p0rn

          5. Karl | Oct 20, 2009 05:21am | #21

            Grant, Thanks for encouraging me to keep looking. The best I was finding from anyone locally was 2.49/lin ft (1.25/sq ft).Imerc posted a craigslist search engine

            http://www.searchtempest.com/that led me to a guy three hours away from me
            redding craigslist > for sale / wanted > materialsCorrugated Metal Roofing Panels - $10 (Loomis)
            Date: 2009-10-15, 12:08AM PDT
            Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]WE HAVE 100 PIECES OF 26GA GALVANIZED CORRUGATED ROOFING PANELS. THEY ARE 2' X 8' EACH PIECE SELLS FOR $9.89 .. DELIVERY BY OTHERS
            PLEASE CALL IRVING 916-871-2461 * Location: Loomis
            * it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

            PostingID: 1422213005I called him up and it turns out he orders bulk sheets of steel and rolls out his own roofing and sells it for a buck and a quarter a ft or 62cents a sq ft.
            He will roll out the 15 foot pieces that I need to do the roof in continuous lengths.Karl

          6. seeyou | Oct 20, 2009 05:31am | #22

            coolcopper p0rn

          7. Snort | Oct 20, 2009 06:08am | #23

            Our local yard carries 26g 5vee from Coastal Metal Service... any length panel is something like $1.25/'. All kinds of transition, flashing, and ridge pieces, too.I know they don't service your area, but someone like them might. Funny thing is the yard is always more than the BB's but is way cheaper on this.16' pieces of 26g can be a floppy experience by yourself, especially if there's any wind<G> http://www.tvwsolar.com We'll have a kid
            Or maybe we'll rent one
            He's got to be straight
            We don't want a bent one
            He'll drink his baby brew
            From a big brass cup
            Someday he may be president
            If things loosen up

            Edited 10/19/2009 11:11 pm ET by Snort

          8. Karl | Oct 20, 2009 06:47am | #24

            I am wondering about the floppiness of a 15' piece in my application. I could go for two 8 footers and lap them but I really like the idea of minimal interruptions in the roof.Wind is very occassional and easy to work around, my helper is strong as an ox and has a lot of diverse experience which includes sheetmetal (though not roofing). I have screwed down a handful of metal roofs over the years but not enough to have any claim to any sort of expertise. Access is pretty clear and I haven't really thought about how to get them on the roof. Probably stand them up at an angle (some 2x beneath them) with a rope clamped? to the top off the panel and pull them up while standing on the ridge.I am interested in hearing ideas on how to safely screw the panels down in the field. I haven't checked it exactly but it looks like a 5;12 or 6:12 pitch. I would hope for something more than a harness to keep me from sliding but haven't ever seen toe boards on a metal roof???Karl

          9. DanH | Oct 20, 2009 02:22pm | #25

            You get a 15 foot section up in the air and you'll notice the wind a lot more.When I did our deck roof with corrugated fiberglass, made up a slanted knee board with pieces of purlin strip (matching profile) on the bottom, and rubber attached to those. But that roof was only 4/12.
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

            Edited 10/20/2009 7:23 am by DanH

          10. Snort | Oct 20, 2009 03:01pm | #26

            If you drill the screw holes so they line up across the roof.... like someone said drill in stacks on horses... you can rest a walkboard against the screw heads.We also screw perforated pipe strap to a walkboard, remove some roof srews, then screw the straps through the roof holes.4/12 is about as steep as I like on metal without a jet pack.http://www.tvwsolar.com

            We'll have a kid

            Or maybe we'll rent one

            He's got to be straight

            We don't want a bent one

            He'll drink his baby brew

            From a big brass cup

            Someday he may be president

            If things loosen up

          11. Karl | Oct 20, 2009 04:38pm | #27

            Good suggestion on the pipe strap. I definitely need something as it is barely walkable with dry cedar shingles scuttling around crab style on all fours.Thanks,
            Karl

          12. Piffin | Oct 21, 2009 12:16am | #30

            "like someone said drill in stacks on horses."I just drill where it got delivered on the ground, as long as it stayed banded true. Standing over the drill makes it easier to do than reaching arm out. You can get some umph behind the drill motor and with a foot on the metal near the bit, the sheets don't cliomb the spinning bit - that can mean a lot of broken bits as it binds when 3-4 have climbed it. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          13. Snort | Oct 21, 2009 02:49am | #31

            That's probably a good way for little people<G>http://www.tvwsolar.com

            We'll have a kid

            Or maybe we'll rent one

            He's got to be straight

            We don't want a bent one

            He'll drink his baby brew

            From a big brass cup

            Someday he may be president

            If things loosen up

          14. Piffin | Oct 21, 2009 01:26pm | #32

            'course you nephilim don't even need to use ladders either;) 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          15. Piffin | Oct 21, 2009 12:13am | #29

            "I am interested in hearing ideas on how to safely screw the panels down in the field."Predrilling thosse holes in loine as I mentioned helps. You don't have to bear down hard that way to get the fastener started. Bearing down hard when the screw slips and you lose balance is no fun on a roof.I grab the sheetby the edge about 3-4' down from top and start walking up the ladder. The sheet follows my up and I keep going until I get to the ridge. Steeper roofs get a chickin ladder. I lay the material in place, never letting go of it, and use a vice grip to lip it to the previous one on the lap. Then I go the the bottom ( or with a helper, he is already there with his vice grip too. This way, there are two vice grips keeping it from sliding off the roof and the lap is true. Only then do I start screwing.Sheet roofing like this can tend to wander downhill as you work across the roof. On a square roof, the op will grow in relation to the bottom as you go across, so opnce you get a ways, you start checking that you are running true to the final edge 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          16. Piffin | Oct 21, 2009 12:06am | #28

            Not once you get the hang of it. I've handled over 20' alone with no troubles 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          17. Dudley | Oct 13, 2009 06:58pm | #17

            Piffin -- I have to do this on a 1825 stone barn roof that has the shingles and the coregated that we have had pobably for 80 yrs and repainted -- I very much like your solution as ripping off the shingles was not too appealing -- Tks for your generous comment - Dudley

          18. Piffin | Oct 13, 2009 07:04pm | #18

            I've done this at least five times on various kinds of older 'wrinkled' roofs to straighten out the look while providing a good roof 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      2. 82250 | Oct 13, 2009 07:20am | #13

        The two 8' panels will only be helpful if the wave/break/variation from flat is right at the joint. I've roofed with a variety of rib patterns, and all of them follow more variation from flatness than you might think. I saw one re-roof on a local old building that was intentionally curved, to avoid a pitch change. Didn't look bad either. The shingle/shake roofs I re-did had some serious sags and variations from flat, and I was only able to shim out some of it. I used full length panels, somewhere around 16', and from the ground, nobody can tell they aren't flat and straight.

  5. yojimbo2 | Oct 13, 2009 05:09am | #6

    Brilliant idea. My client did that with all the buildings on his property. One of them happpened to be a very old barn, similar to what you describe. It goes on fast and the material is cheap and looks super hip.

  6. 82250 | Oct 13, 2009 05:37am | #7

    I've re-roofed a number of buildings with shingles or shakes that the owner didn't want to remove. Strapped them with 1X4 DF, 16" O.C., screwed through the shingles to the roof framing, covered with felt. This gives you something to screw the roofing material to, since most roofing screws won't go very much through the shingles. Strapping also allows you to shim some of the sag out. The roofs I did were in high wind areas, holding up well after over a decade.

    1. Karl | Oct 13, 2009 06:05am | #8

      I never thought about shimming the sag out with strapping. Interesting idea. I was thinking I might need to go with 8'panels instead of 16' to help it conform to the irregularities.Thanks for the suggestion.Karl

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

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

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Drafting the 2027 IRC

Key proposals for the next edition of the International Residential Code tackle room sizes, stair specs, emergency egress, and deck guards, among other requirements.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 695: Saving Bricks, Cut-and-Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial

Highlights

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

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

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

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • 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

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

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

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