Although this residence was built in the late 1900s (yes--1900s, not 1800s), the metal panels were exhibiting rust and leaks. Apparently the manufacturer of the metal panels experienced a temporary problem in the production of the panels' coating performed at the factory. Unfortunately this residence was one of the recipients of the panels. In my years, I have seen this identical problem three times: twice we applied the materials to halt the flaking and rusting. For trivia purposes, the third roof is now shingle covered. This owner faced a series of choices about improving her home. The roof was just one of her problems. For the roof, she had to choose between replacing the entire roof or restoring what she already had.
As the project details surface in my memory, I recall she contacted Preservation Products in Media, PA, because her architect and her both knew of a neighbor that used their acrylic product quite successfully. According to the president of Preservation Products, she wanted to know the name of a "good contractor, even if they have to come from Canada." The president of this manufacturer knows me well and suspected this outspoken, single-minded lady and I might "get along". His exact words when he called were, "Have I got a lead for you!"
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The photo below shows a special run of Preservation Products primer. The manufacturer and I smartly decided to tint the primer in white since the work was scheduled for July. Unfortunately we did not consult Mother Nature about her cooperation. In the end, the crew applied the primer in the fall after a truly rainy season.
Over the entire roof, the crew applied a base coat of Preservation Products acrylic, then embed the stitchbond mesh. Carefully, the wrinkles are smoothed away, but the fabric cannot be stretched. After drying, a light "tack" coat in applied to top of the mesh. The crew call this step "running the roof".
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To the right, the project is in the final step of the base of the fully reinforced system. The crew is applying the last of the base coats before proceeding the the two top coats. The owner asked for a special tinted green color because she wanted to compliment the rest of the color choices she was making. I liked her selection so well that I routinely offer her "VB Green" tint to anyone interested in green. Postscript: Her color choice resolved a comment made by a Hershey PA customer just months before this project. His comment was, "The green has to be darker". With the "VB Green", now annointed as "Restoration Green", one of the challenges of the green tint for this type of work was resolved. |
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The bay side of the finished work |
The crew tackled the details as well as the numerous metal panels. Above is illustrated the roof edge before the trimming of the mesh. New gutters hide the roof edge, as shown below |
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The decision to proceed with the fully reinforced system instead of replacing the roof meant a considerable savings to the homeowner. In addition, the work was performed during a particularly wet year with minimal disruption to the owner.
If you are seeking an experienced company to offer an estimate to preserve your existing roof, one of us would be delighted to visit your residence, discuss the alternatives available and, if requested, submit a quote for restoring your tin roofs. Click here for a map of our geographical work area.
Beyond information about our contracting services, this site is designed for individuals interested in tin roofs--photos, technical tidbits and history. These web pages are prepared by the same contractor that specializes in the restoration of these tin roofs. She enjoys dabbling in website construction, therefore photos and articles are simply presented. All pictures are from Roof Menders projects, the same contractor. If you have questions, just call 610-941-1051 for a chat.