Get matched with top roofers in Saddle Brook, NJ

While there are many benefits to installing a metal roof on your home, there are some downsides, too. Zinc roofs, in particular, are susceptible to corrosion from overly salty air directly near coastal areas. Another potential downside of zinc roofing is that it must be allowed to expand and contract with the weather. This means special attention is necessary to how it's fastened to the home to avoid issues. 

A roof's ability to handle snow depends on its strength and the snow's weight, as wet snow is much heavier than dry, fluffy snow. While designs in snowy regions often allow for 35 to 50 pounds per square foot, a general guideline is that a typical roof can withstand about four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or just one inch of ice. Factors like the roof's age, slope, and support structure also affect its capacity; newer, sloped roofs generally hold more weight than older, flat ones. Ice and ice dams add significant, dangerous weight. Because capacity varies, it is best to contact a professional roofing contractor or the original builder to determine the maximum snow load for your specific home.

Most Cape Cod houses are two stories tall at the peak, although they’re considered one-and-a-half stories tall because the steep roof pitch cuts off a portion of the living space on the second story. Unless you raise the roof on your Cape Cod house to add a dormer, the interior rooms upstairs will lose some usable living space to the sloped ceilings.

The proper specifications for furring strips can vary, so you should always consult the roofing manufacturer's guidelines or your roofer. However, general recommendations are as follows:

• Thickness: Furring strips are typically 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick, meaning standard 1-by or 2-by lumber works well. In areas with extreme winds, a thinner strip may be preferred to limit how much air can get under the roof and cause uplift. A thicker strip can add slightly more insulation but will also increase installation costs.

• Spacing: The recommended spacing for furring strips is between 12 and 24 inches apart on center. Proper spacing is crucial for ensuring good airflow, adequate drainage, noise reduction, and better energy efficiency. The ideal spacing can depend on the roof's pitch and the specific type of metal roofing being installed.