RETROFIT

In our industry we talk a lot about market terminology using words that are usually reserved for those within the industry.  Retro-fit is a term used to define ways to maintain your existing roof without disturbing that roof.  Another term is called reroof, meaning the same but not always without some form of removal of existing roof.  The importance of knowing this is why Standing Seam Metal Roofing has grown in popularity.  According to code, if you have a building with two conventional roofs in place, they must be removed prior to reroofing or retro-fitting.   There is one exception; Standing Seam Metal Roofs can be the third roof over two previous conventional roofs due to the method of installing a standing seam metal roof.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs can be erected using light gage structural framing members that re-distribute weight and load; meeting code requirements and becoming the lowest cost roof at point of purchase.  Simple investigation of existing as built building designs, or physically inspecting the existing roof structure can determine how much imposed load can be installed over existing structure without risk to the building.  The average weight imposed from a standing seam metal roof is generally no more than 3-4 lbs. per square foot.  This usually falls within the original design requirements of all structures.  Examples of projects that meet these requirements can be viewed in the photographs provided for before and after projects.