Metal Roofing in Hackettstown, NJ

Metal roofs in Warren County

Metal roofing has a long history in this part of New Jersey. Farmhouses, barns, sheds and porches across Mansfield, Independence, Washington and Allamuchy townships have worn tin and steel roofs for generations, and more homeowners are choosing metal for houses today because it handles snow well and lasts a long time.

Types of metal roofing you'll see

• Standing seam - long panels with raised seams and hidden fasteners. The premium choice for homes; clean lines and very few places for water to get in.
• Exposed-fastener panels (corrugated or ribbed) - common on barns, garages and outbuildings, and some homes. Screwed through the face of the panel.
• Metal shingles - stamped to look like slate, shake or tile.
• Old terne or tin roofs - on some historic homes and porches, often painted.

Common metal roof problems

• Leaking fasteners. On exposed-fastener roofs, the rubber washers under the screws dry out and crack over time, and screws back out as panels expand and contract. This is the most common metal roof leak.
• Loose or lifted panels after high winds
• Rust where coatings have worn off, along cut edges or where water sits
• Flashing and trim leaks at chimneys, walls, ridges and around vents
• Sealant failure at seams and laps
• Dents and damage from falling branches or ice
• Condensation underneath, especially on uninsulated barns and garages

Repairs

Many metal roof leaks can be fixed without replacing panels: re-screwing with new fasteners and washers, replacing sealant at laps and trim, refastening loose panels and rebuilding flashing details. Rusted sections can sometimes be treated and coated; badly corroded panels are replaced. Older painted tin roofs need cleaning, rust treatment and repainting with the right coating to keep going.

Snow and metal roofs

Metal sheds snow far better than shingles, which is one reason it's popular here. That also means snow and ice can slide off suddenly and in large amounts. Snow guards - small brackets or bars fixed to the roof - hold snow in place so it melts gradually instead of avalanching onto steps, walkways, cars, gutters or lower roofs. If your metal roof doesn't have them over entrances, they're worth adding.

Thinking about a metal roof for your home?

Pros:

• Long life when installed well
• Sheds snow, which reduces ice dam problems
• Handles wind well
• Reflects summer heat
• Suits farmhouses and rural properties

Things to weigh:

• Higher upfront investment than asphalt shingles
• Rain can be louder without solid decking and underlayment
• Needs installers experienced with metal - details matter
• Snow guards are needed over entrances

Compare it with asphalt shingle replacement to see which suits your house.

Can metal go over old shingles?

Sometimes metal roofing can be installed over a single layer of existing shingles, with battens or underlayment between them, which avoids a tear-off. It isn't always the best choice: the old roof hides any rotted boards underneath, adds weight, and can trap moisture. On an older Warren County home, a roofer will usually want to check the decking first. If there are already two layers of shingles, they'll need to come off.

Barns and outbuildings

Old barns are part of the landscape around Hackettstown. Keeping their roofs sound protects the structure underneath - once water gets into barn framing, damage spreads quickly. Re-fastening, resealing and replacing the worst panels can keep an old barn roof going for years.