Pole Barn Roof

[Uhkia]

I will be building a pole barn this coming summer. I have plans and permit in hand. The plans call for standard 29G ribbed metal panel.
I will be Installing a ribbed metal ceiling with either blown in or batt insulation. I've never had a roof of this type before and am concerned about potential leaks
at the screw/washer and/or the seam location. Assuming it is installed properly, can anybody who has had experience with these types of roofs give their opinion on this , especially since I wouldn't know right away if there was a leak because of the ceiling and insulation.

 

[AC-WC]

I did my small 1 car garage almost 25 yrs ago and have not had any leaks. Just this summer I was up there and found some screws loose near the chimney. Screwed them back down and all is good again.

 

[Uhkia]

Thanks for your input

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

The key is not to over drive the fasteners on a metal roof.

 

[readhead]

I would suggest that you look into upgrading to 26ga material.

 

[Youngandfree]

Use this style screw that covers the gasket.

ST Fastening #14 X 1-1/2" ZXL Tapping Woodbinder Metal Roofing Screw -

Sealtite ZXL Tapping Woodbinder screws are designed to attach metal roofing & siding to wood purlins on post-frame & residential metal roof applications. These tapping screws work well as rescue screws for older, rundown structures. 5/16" cupped CHWH with a molded ZAMAC 5 Zinc-Aluminum alloy...

www.fastenersplus.com

 

[Uhkia]

Thankyou for that valuable information!

 

[b-boy]

My barn is ~7 years old. Metal roof. So far no water leaks from rain. The screws they use have a gasket that seals pretty good.

The ceiling is insulated and I have metal panels on the ceiling. I do have a ridge vent and the eves are vented, so any moisture should dry up.

Before I sealed up the ceiling, I saw a small amount of snow once or twice. I think it was coming from under the the ridge vent. It was always very fine snow and very strong winds. It was a minimal amount. I think someone ran out of the ridge mesh, or left a small gap between pieces and the wind pushed it under the ridge vent. At some point, I'll get up there and patch it.

 

[Hooked]

I have multiple structures with metal roofs and don't have any leakage problems. One thing not mentioned above is all the seams have a strip of 'caulk' sealant tape to prevent leaks at those seams/overlaps.

 

[Bert_]

They usually leak in places over the years. After 25 years you will have to replace all the screws.

A pole building is an inexpensive way to build and a screwed down tin roof is an inexpensive way to put a roof on it. Just the way it is.

 

[WisJim]

Our old place had a 40 by 100 pole shed built in the 1980s as cheaply as possible, using lead washer nails to fasten the metal. Some nails started to loosen and leak after 30+ years. Modern screws with rubber-like seals and steel washers should last much longer.

 

[Uhkia]

Thankyou! Looks like I'm going with a metal roof. Sounds like it should remain pretty much waterproof for as long as I'm custodian of it!

 

[manwithtools]

One thing not mentioned above is all the seams have a strip of 'caulk' sealant tape to prevent leaks at those seams/overlaps.

I've never seen this done on modern metal sided or roofed buildings and yet they still don't leak.

 

[mikedodge]

Our old place had a 40 by 100 pole shed built in the 1980s as cheaply as possible, using lead washer nails to fasten the metal. Some nails started to loosen and leak after 30+ years. Modern screws with rubber-like seals and steel washers should last much longer.

You'd think so but like so much other rubber stuff these days those washers can dry up and start cracking within a few years where those leads washer nails held up better but come loose more easy.

Those screws a few replies back with the cover over the washer looks interesting.

 

[Hooked]

I've never seen this done on modern metal sided or roofed buildings and yet they still don't leak.

Interesting. I have five buildings - home, garage, workshop, boat shed, and barn -- which I personally built with metal roofs and the tape was included with the purchase of the materials. When I repaired my daughters metal roof it had the same type tape.
Maybe just a Texas/local thing?

 

[NUTTSGT]

There's thousands upon thousands of post frame buildings with ribbed metal roofs screwed down and many homes as well. If it were a major issue, people wouldn't be doing it.

2 1/2 - 3 decades out and screws need replaced or tightened, that is a lot cheaper than having a new roof put on.

As long as the roof is installed correctly, you'll have no issues.... don't over think it.

 

[CraigStu]

Those screws shown above would also help in not overtightening. Brilliant design.