We never advise installing new roofing materials over old.

Terne is the name given to a galvanized metal coated with a liquid solution of tin & lead. Terne metal has a hugely long lifespan and lasts nearly indefinitely if coated or painted regularly. It is important to note that terne metal is no longer manufactured because of lead safety concerns.

MHT standards can vary from house to house, since they look at original building materials used on that particular residence. In our experience, copper is the most often approved material to replace old Terne metal roofs, presumably because copper was a roofing material that was used in the era that Baltimore’s historic homes were being built. In some cases, stainless steel may also be approved.

No. A metal roof actually cools down your house. Many high-quality metal roofs are designed with a reflective coating that deflects heat from the sun away from your home. This feature can help reduce your energy costs by up to 20% annually and brings down the temperature of the room below. Unlike asphalt shingles, which make your home hotter, especially in the summer, metal roofing has a cooling effect on your home.

We would suggest that the most cost-effective metal roof is, simply, a roof that is installed correctly the first time. Far too many homeowners go for a low-priced quote, thinking to save money, but find out that dealing with leaks and even replacing an incorrect roof a second time leads to far higher costs in the long run. We find flashings and seams that were caulked upon installation, that leak in a few years when the caulk starts drying out. Or metal seams that were soldered without interlocking, so a few seasons of weather-related expansion and contraction pop those seams right open. Too often that is right around the same time that the installer’s warranty expires! Do your research, ask lots of questions about installation practices, and only pay for the roof one time!

It is unfortunately common to find a newer metal roof with an incorrect installation, making it prone to leaking within a few years. On many lower roofs, the problem can often be the flashing between this metal roof and a house wall. We may be able to replace or even just re-seal the faulty flashing in order to stop the water entry. However, if the roof seams between the metal panels were not installed correctly (they should be interlocked, rather than simply soldered or overlapped), they will be a continual leak problem. Contact us for an onsite inspection and remedy for your particular roof.