ROOFING FAQ

NATIONAL METAL ROOFING AND SIDING SUPPLIER

As a national metal roofing and siding supplier, we’ve helped thousands across the country with their roofing needs and answered many of their questions about metal roofing and siding. Some of them many times! Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our services and discount metal roof supplies, like, “What are the benefits of metal roofing?” “What kind of metal roofing system should I use?”and “What kind of building components do you offer?”. And if you don’t find answers to the questions you’re looking for, we invite you to give us a call at 888-992-0005, and one of our associates will be happy to answer your questions about our services and discount metal roof supplies. We pride ourselves on our craftsmanship and quality materials, but also the customer experience we offer. No other national metal roofing and siding supplier can offer you the same combination of excellent customer service, quality products, and expert craftsmanship. You can also visit the resources for metal roofing panels, concealed fastener panels, and exposed fastener panels on our website.

Discount Metal Roof Supplies

We know that the popularity of metal roofing is on the rise, as more and more homeowners are opting to enhance their home’s durability and protection with a metal roof from Discount Metal Roofing. With this rise in popularity comes a lot of questions about the pros and cons of metal roofing, the different styles, its longevity, and more. Check out the FAQ below to have all your questions answered!

 

Please click on any category to expand and read the FAQs. If you have questions, please give us a call. We’d love to talk with you about your upcoming project!

ROOFING

What is Metal Roofing?

A metal roof is characterized by a roofing system made using metal sheets, tiles, or panels. A metal roof is component of the roofing envelope; a physical separator between the inside and outside of the building. Metal Roofing is designed to provide durability and resistance to air, water, heat and sound. It also contributes to the structural support of the building and is a significant partner in the overall aesthetic appearance of a building.
As a national metal roofing and sliding supplier, the metal roofs from Discount Metal come in long lasting colors with no-nonsense warranties.

Can Metal Roofing be installed over my old roof?

Yes! Metal roofing weighs less than 1.6 pounds per square foot, depending on the gauge. It will not normally overload existing roofs. Using an under-layment, metal roofing can usually be installed right over asphalt or fiberglass roofing. The existing roof in some cases also serves as an increased level of insulation.

Will Metal Roofing improve the look of my home?

As a national metal roofing and siding supplier, we offers a wide variety of panel profiles from which to choose. A vast array of design appearances can be achieved when using metal. If you desire a bold looking roof, we provide a large selection of beautiful colors to achieve the desired look. You can also use high slim rib panels to create interesting shadow lines or a low profile panel can be used to create an interesting design to your project.

What about noise?

Usually, our discount metal roof supplies are installed over plywood and felt or an existing roof. As a result, the sound generated by rain or hail would be similar to other roofing materials. The myth of a noisy steel roof comes from barns that were built with steel roofing installed on open framing and with no insulation.

Does Metal Roofing cost more than conventional roofing?

Each type of roofing material offers a wide range in levels of quality. Initially, metal roofing may cost slightly more than some other roofing types but the life cycle costs of metal roofing are substantially lower and the length of product life is double and often triple the life span of some traditional materials. The decision to use metal is usually based upon the fact that the homeowner doesn’t want to or can’t afford to replace their conventional roof every 8 to 12 years. Our metal roofing can provide you with many, many years of low maintenance service.

Which Metal Roofing system should I use?

There are two common types of metal roofing systems primarily used in residential applications – concealed fastener and exposed fastener systems. To review these panels, check out our panel selection chart. Generally, exposed fastener systems cost less than concealed fastener systems. Depending on the aesthetic look you are trying to achieve, we can help you select the system right for you and your roof design.

Does Metal Roofing qualify for Energy Star tax credits?

As a national metal roofing and siding supplier, almost all the specialized Cool Metal Roof colors we offer qualify as Energy Star approved colors. It is important to review color choices prior to purchase to confirm that the color you have chosen is listed on the Energy Star Certificate.

Will Metal Roofing reduce my home insurance cost?

In many cases, having a metal roof on your home will reduce your insurance costs. You will need to contact your insurance provider to follow up on any potential cost savings that may be available to you.

BUILDING COMPONENTS

Won’t poles in the ground rot?

With today’s pressure-treating technology it is highly unlikely. In over 20 years in the industry, we have yet to meet a builder who can state they have had a properly treated post rot off.

How does the pressure treating process work?

This is the simplified version of the process: Most pieces of wood (South Yellow Pine among the exceptions) are incised, prior to being pressure treated. The incising procedure is what puts the familiar “divots” in the lumber surface. Incising allows the treating chemicals to more thoroughly penetrate the lumber. After incising, the lumber is loaded onto what looks like a railroad flat car. This flat car is pushed into a long tube called a retort. Once in the retort, preservative chemicals in a water solution are forced into the lumber. This is done under pressure until saturation is reached. After removal from the retort, the treated lumber is allowed to drip dry. It is then tested to make sure preservative chemicals have penetrated adequately in depth and quantity.

Doesn’t pressure treated wood tend to twist?

Trees grow naturally with a spiral twist to their grain. If you have ever looked closely at a standing dead tree that has lost its bark, the twist is readily noticeable. During the pressure treating process, the lumber has moisture (water and preservative chemicals) added to the point of saturation. This excess water exits the wood cells during the natural drying process. This huge loss of moisture tends to accelerate the natural twisting tendencies of lumber.
Most, if not all of this twisting, can be prevented or held in check by using the material as soon as possible after delivery. If the wood is incorporated into a structure (such as a pole building) it helps to prevent it from following its natural twisting tendency by bracing each piece of lumber.

What happens if my building is delivered and some of the treated wood appears to be too warped or twisted to use?

While we take extra precaution to ship only the best materials on our building kits, there is always the unlikely possibility of this happening. Any warped, twisted or otherwise unusable material can be returned to the supplier within the first three days after delivery. It will be replaced without any charge to you. This is why inspection upon delivery is so important!

What is a bay?

The definition is “the space between frame center lines or primary supporting members in the longitudinal direction of the building”. Got you confused? Us too! In plain English, it is the distance between the centers of adjacent truss supporting posts. This is usually 10 to 12 feet.

How far apart are your posts?

As a general rule they are every 10 to 12 feet on center. This can vary depending upon loading requirements and door locations.

What species of wood will be used in my building?

This varies depending upon what part of the country you are in. Pressure-treated lumber is usually Yellow Pine in the East and South. The framing lumber is usually SYP (Southern Yellow Pine). The roof trusses can also be a variety of the same species, but will usually have msr (Machine Stress Rated) lumber for chords.

Do you use green lumber?

Green lumber is dimensionally unstable. It can easily warp, twist, cut, split and is guaranteed to shrink. We use only framing lumber dried to a moisture content of 19% (commonly referred to as kiln dried) or less in our buildings.

What is the spacing of band boards and purlins?

The spacings will vary, depending upon bay spacing, wind and snow loads. Band boards, which support the sidewall and endwall steel, are typically evenly spaced up the columns, normally ranging from 36 to 48 inches between. The roof purlins, which support the roof steel between the trusses, will be up to 24 inches on center.

Why do I hear your steel trusses are better?

Discount Metal has chosen to use fully engineered steel trusses for our buildings. While we have looked at other steel trusses, most manufacturers are reluctant to provide completed truss drawings that show how the truss is made. Without these elements to the drawing, the truss can literally be made of straw. We provide complete drawings.

Do the walls have trim at the bottom?

Unlike many pole buildings, yes! All of our buildings come with base trim, which, when properly installed, seals the bottom ribs of the steel to prevent rodents from entering your building. We feel this is an essential feature of any pole building.

Does all the hardware come with these buildings?

Yes.

Do you offer cupolas?

Yes. They are available in several popular sizes with a broad variety of color choices and weathervanes. Ask for our flyer on the cupolas and weather vanes.

Is there a standard roof slope?

Our buildings are typically 3/12 for trusses 24’ and under, and 4/12 slope for trusses over 24’. The shed joists are set at 1/12 pitch.

What is the difference in thickness between steel gauges?

Our Premium metal is a 29g .015 min. This means that the minimum the panel can measure at any given point is .015 before the paint is applied. Many metal companies sell a 29g .0142 nominal which means the panel must average .0142. This means that this metal is at a minimum 5.6% thinner overall and probably thinner in other areas. Unfortunately, the “gauging” game has been played far too long in the pole building industry. The true measure of the thickness of steel is to measure it with a micrometer after the paint has been removed. Somehow, over 20 years ago, a steel roll forming company found a gauging “system” which it felt justified calling steel sheeting measuring between .0142” and .0172” as 26 gauge. Fortunately, most legitimate manufacturers are honest about the products they manufacture.

What if I want gutters?

We do not, as a practice, furnish gutters and/or downspouts. They are best done when ordered and installed by your local continuous gutter manufacturer, who is generally listed in the Yellow Pages of your phone book.

POLE BUILDINGS

What exactly is a “pole building”?

Simply put, it is a building composed of primary structural frames typically made up of a clear span truss supported by two columns. These primary frames are supported or connected by purlins, girts and sheathing. Loads are transferred to the ground through columns, typically embedded in the ground. Pole building construction simply uses fewer larger framing members to span greater distances which cut down on construction time and material cost.

What can a pole building be used for?

Any low-rise structure. This would include most structures with up to a 50-foot high sidewall. Residentially, they can be homes, carports, garages, storage for recreational vehicles or boats, workshops, home businesses or storage. Commercially, they are often shops, airplane hangars, offices, self-storage buildings, stores, retail buildings, churches, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, even strip malls! On the farm their uses include machinery storage and shops, animal barns, riding arenas and stall barns, loafing sheds, bulk storage, processing, hay storage or as simple as just a roof to keep large valuable items or animals out of the weather.

What is the difference between pole buildings, stud framed and all-steel buildings?

Stud framed (or stick built) structures are how most homes are typically built. Generally they require a great deal of excavation and have a continuous concrete footing and foundation around the perimeter. Walls are made of 2×4 or 2×6 vertical “studs” 16 or 24 inches on center. By code, stud walls without lateral support are limited to 10 feet in height, unless a structural analysis is done. Roof trusses or rafters and ceiling joists can be no greater than 24 inches on center. In some cases, interior load-bearing walls may be required and door or window openings in loadbearing walls must have structural headers.

All steel buildings can have much taller sidewalls and wider clear spans than stud framed buildings. Their main support structure is composed of large steel frames, spaced as much as 30 feet on center. The frames require large concrete footings with carefully placed anchor bolts. In building widths of less than 90 feet, their constructed cost can be almost half again more than a pole building, when the great amounts of concrete and need for heavy equipment is factored in.

Pole buildings allow the greatest flexibility and lowest construction cost of any permanent building. The pole building concept was developed so the least amount of materials could construct the largest building. Typical pole buildings use widely spaced pressure preservative treated posts for the main vertical supports. The foundation is these treated columns, embedded in the ground with a small amount of concrete cast around them. Roof trusses are aligned with the wall columns, normally every 10 to 12 feet. As pole buildings are modular, they can be constructed of any length, as long as land is available to construct. Usually structural headers are not required for windows, doors or other exterior wall openings.

Are pole buildings cheaper?

Cheaper as in less expensive or more cost-effective, yes! In comparison to other building methods, pole buildings are hands down the fastest and most cost-effective construction. They are easy to install, resulting in lower assembly and building costs. They are virtually indestructible and maintenance-free. Add in lower insurance costs and less overall maintenance over the years and you’ve got a winning combination!

Isn’t building with steel more expensive than building with wood?

Yes and no. Structural steel has become very expensive over the past few years (in some cases, having doubled in price!), making wood structural members, in most cases, a true bargain. Colored steel siding and roofing has gone up far less in price (percentage-wise) than have alternative products such as T1-11, cement-based, wood or vinyl sidings.

Doesn’t all of the wood utilized in a pole building frame destroy forests?

Area for area, pole buildings use far less wood volume than any other wood frame structure. Wood is the only readily renewable natural resource and it is increasing in reserves every year. Today there is 25% more wood volume growing in the United States than just 50 years ago.

Are pole buildings reliable?

Yes! Without question. The building design concepts utilized in pole building construction are proven and time tested. Millions of pole buildings have been constructed around the world and perform admirably.

How long will a pole building last?

Your new pole building should out-live its useful lifespan. Pole buildings require far less maintenance than traditional buildings. Steel siding is galvanized or galvalume-coated under the paint to prevent rusting. Wood members in contact with the ground are pressure preservative treated to resist decay. Your new pole building should last at least – and actually far longer than – a traditional building under the same conditions.

Do pole buildings hold their value?

Yes! Not only do they hold their value, they are almost always worth more the day they are completed than their cost of construction. This is because most insurance companies, realtors, banks and consumers look at a building as a building regardless of how it is constructed. The low costs of a pole building, give it a decided edge over any other form of construction in value.

WINDOWS & DOORS

How many windows do I need?

It varies greatly from building to building and depends upon the usage of the structure. It seems the average small garage or shop has at least two windows but you can have more if you like.

Do your walk doors come pre-framed?

Yes. They come attached to the jambs and include a keyed lockset.

Can I get a sliding door?

Absolutely. Single and double sliding doors are available with our building packages.

Is a walk door considered a framed opening?

No, walk doors are field located.

How wide can a sliding door be?

A sliding door (single or double) can have a width of no more than 1/2 of the length of the wall they are to be placed on. Example – 40’ wall, 20’ of door width.

How many sliding doors can be on a wall?

As many as you like, as long as the total width of the doors, is no greater than 1/2 of the length of the wall.

How tall can a sliding door be?

First….keep in mind, anything of highway legal height will fit through a 14’ tall door.
Second….consider the area of the sliding door opening AND the area the sliding door will slide over as it opens.
Third….in any case, the sliding door can be no taller than 1’ less than the eave height (if no overhangs), or (with overhangs) 1’ below the overhangs.

How do you know where the walk doors or windows go?

Walk doors and windows are field located. This means you pick the locations, cut the metal panels, place the bracing and mount the window. For doors, you simply set the latch side of the post, and mount the door.

What do the walk doors and windows attach to?

Walk doors should be installed adjacent to a structural post. We do furnish an extra post for the latch side of the door. Our windows are self-flashing and we provide the extra framing needed to fit the window into the building.

Can I install wooden or wood jamb doors in the building?

Yes you can, but this sounds like a “problem waiting for a place to happen”. Pole buildings are designed to be maintenance- free. Wood doors or door jambs require constant painting and re-painting in order to maintain their integrity, prevent weather damage and swelling. This is just not a good way to save money.

FOUNDATIONS - WALLS - INSULATION

FOUNDATIONS
Does my building need a foundation?

The pressure-treated columns of your pole building embedded into concrete backfilled holes in the ground become the foundation for your building.

Should I have my concrete slab poured first?

No. Once the building has been constructed you can use the pressure treated skirt board at the base of the building as your form for the concrete slab.

What if I have an existing foundation or slab and want to use it for the building?

In most cases it is easiest and cheapest to cut holes in or through your existing concrete so the posts can be embedded in the soil. Should you not want to do this, your pole building can be mounted to the existing concrete, providing your building inspector determines your concrete is adequate to support the loads. This will require an inspection by the building inspector and may also require hiring an engineer to make an adequate determination. All of these steps will present additional costs to the purchaser.

WALLS
How do I order a building with no walls?

Just make sure that you tell the salesman that you want a roof only building. We can provide a wide variety of structures with only the roof or the the roof and gables closed.

Can I order a building with Galvalume finish on the walls and trim?

Yes, but why? It does not present significant cost savings from painted steel. The “savings” are generally far less than 10 cents per square foot of wall area covered.

Can my building’s wall steel be a different color than the roof?

Absolutely! The roofing, siding and trim can all be different colors. We have had some people use a few sidewall panels of a different color as “accent panels”. We also have had more than one color trim used on a building.

INSULATION
What types of insulation are available for my building?

Discount Metal stocks a foil/foil and a foil/white double-bubble insulation. Fiberglass insulation can be ordered with a 2-3 day lead time. Feel free to contact us at our offices so we can discuss the pros and cons of each of these at your convenience.

GETTING IT BUILT - DESIGN & PRICING - BUILDING CODES

GETTING IT BUILT
Does Discount Metal erect the building?

No. Discount Metal is a supplier of pole building material kit packages only.

Do I need to hire a contractor to build my pole building?

No. Our buildings are designed for the do-it-yourself person. Most of our customers do their own construction. We believe our drawings and instruction manual are clear enough to make the task relatively simple even for the first-time builder. Keep in mind, this is a material kit, not a completely pre-fabricated structure. Assembly, including measuring and cutting, will be required. You will be required to have (or borrow or rent) various hand tools. If you are not comfortable with putting up your own building, a contractor should be available at a reasonable price. If you do decide to construct the building yourself, we do have technical assistance available during our regular business hours. We have found the average person who can read and understand English can, and will, build a better building for him/herself than many contractors!

Are there any builders you recommend?

No. Discount Metal is clearly not a contractor in any sense of the word. We do not construct or build buildings (or portions of buildings) anywhere for anyone. Should you need a builder, we DO have a list of builders for the middle and southeastern parts of Tennessee. Please call our office to receive a builder referral.

This is not an endorsement on Discount Metal’s part of the particular builder’s skills or lack thereof. As none of them work directly for us, we can’t guarantee the quality of their work. If you do feel the need to turn over the construction of your building to a professional (rather than build it yourself), we can provide names and phone numbers of reputable contractors whose work we have seen, and in many cases used ourselves for Discount Metal or personally.

How much does it cost to erect a building?

This varies greatly, depending upon location. It depends upon availability of manpower, prevailing wage scale, and – to a large extent – the costs of providing insurance coverage for the workmen. Building dimensions and features can dramatically alter the cost to construct. Smaller and/or taller buildings with many features will be significantly more per foot than larger and/or shorter buildings with fewer features. Other factors can be travel costs, fuel, lodging or need for equipment rentals. Generally, all except the most complex or very small pole buildings can be built for approximately $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot. While it is not a guarantee you will be able to contract someone to build at this price, it does provide a representative example of costs.

DESIGN AND PRICING
How long does it take to get a price quote?

In most cases, we will give you a price within 24 business hours from an email request.

What does the standard advertised building price include?

Our ad prices include all the components necessary to construct a fully enclosed building using 29 gauge steel. A single 3’0” x 6’8” walk door and a single sliding door are part of our standard quote price. The prices in our ads do not include the costs of engineering and delivery. Our price quotes do not include any interior walls, unless otherwise noted on your quote.

What is wainscoting? How much more does it cost?

Wainscot is the lower approximately three feet of your building’s walls that are cut separate from the upper part of the wall. This section will be in a different color than the upper portion. These different colored sections will be divided from the top section by a narrow trim strip. In the event one of the wainscot panels were to be damaged, it can be easily removed and replaced. The wainscot also dramatically changes the appearance of your building. All of this can be done for a minimal cost – usually just the cost of the trim used to separate the upper and lower panels.

How long do you guarantee my price quote?

Because material costs can change without notice, we hold our quotes open for seven (7) days. Should you decide to delay your purchase until a later date, it is very likely it will change.

BUILDING CODES
Will I need a building permit for my building?

Usually. In some areas no permit is required to erect agricultural or detached accessory buildings. We have no way of knowing for sure and you will have to research the answer to this question yourself. We always recommend you check with your local building inspector before ordering a building from any supplier or builder.

We cannot emphasize this area enough! Before you ever contract anyone for a price on a building, CALL YOUR LOCAL PLANNING DEPARTMENT! They are the ones who will have the final say about whether you can build, or not.

What do I ask the planning department?

Give them the physical address or parcel number of your property. Tell them what you would like to build and where on your property you would like to locate the building (being mindful also you can’t build too close or on top of drainfields or septic systems). The planner can tell you if you will be able to construct the building you want, where you want it. In most cases these issues can be handled by a telephone call. On occasion you will need to draw a scaled drawing showing your property lines, existing structures, proposed building, etc., and visit the planning department in person.

SCHEDULING & SHIPPING - ORDERING & PAYMENT

SCHEDULING AND SHIPPING
Can I pick up a building with my own truck?

We can pull material together at our yard in Shelbyville, TN or in Chattanooga, TN where you can pick up at your convenience.

Can you provide delivery if I don’t have my own truck?

Yes. Delivery is generally done on either a flat bed truck or a dump bed truck depending on what is being delivered. It is important to schedule this ahead of time to avoid delays due to scheduling.

ORDERING AND PAYMENT **We have most buildings ready within 10 business days of your order.**
What if I would rather delay shipment?

Once you have made payment, we can generally delay your shipment for up to two months, however we cannot guarantee a specific date or time. Due to vendor pricing policies, there are times when product delivery of some components can not be delayed, without added expense to you. You will be advised, prior to any potential charge. At time of order, you will be asked to specify a “week for construction to begin”.

Does your company offer financing?

No. We have decided to leave financing to the banking experts.

How do I pay for my building?

We accept payments by major credit card (VISA or MasterCard). Checks may also be mailed to: Discount Metal Roofing 257 Anthony Lane, Shelbyville, TN 37160. We do accept (but not require – other than as indicated above), certified or cashier’s checks. We do not trade nor barter our buildings, nor do we give extra discounts for “greenbacks”.

Do you charge sales tax?

Yes. The state of Tennessee requires us to collect sales tax on any purchase that originates from within its’ borders. These amounts will be charged to your account. You will receive a paid receipt for any such taxes paid so you can deduct them from any payments made by you to your local taxing authorities.

What if I decide to cancel my order at some point in time?

We will refund the amount paid minus the costs involved already spent on your project at the time you cancel (in any case, no amounts will be refunded beyond 70% of the net contract price plus any applicable taxes). This is why we give detailed instructions ahead of time so you are fully prepared to continue with your project once it has begun. The entire process of getting your building materials ordered and ready to be shipped, trusses built, etc., begins in full swing as soon as payment is made.

CALL US TODAY

for a free quote on your next roofing project!
888-992-0005