Standing Seam Roofing

Standing Seam is a common term used to describe many manufacturers panels. In most cases, standing seam refers to panels that are full length from the ridge to the eave, usually between 12" and 18" wide, with a high rib (about 1" to 2") on each side and either a flat surface or some minor ribs in the middle. The panels will either have a flange on one side for screwing directly to a substrate, or they will have clips which are installed onto the substrate then the panels snap into the clips. Standing seam panels are very popular in the Pacific Northwest. One major benefit is the screws are hidden, which is aesthetically pleasing and helps eliminate debris buildup such as pine needles. Manufacturers in this area produce a variety of standing seam panels and we are here to help you pick the best panel for your project.

AEP Span in Tacoma

When you place a materials order with us, if you are picking it up and it is bigger than we can lift by hand, we will have you pick it up at AEP Span in Tacoma. Their address is 2141 Milwaukee Way, Tacoma, 98422. They are open from 7am to about 5:45pm. You can call us ahead of time (253-926-1633) and we can verify the order is ready for you. We will also provide you with a pick-up number which will make it easier to locate. The map above shows their location off Highway 509. Please note you will turn in just before Milwaukee - you cannot get into the AEP Span yard from Milwaukee.

Some tips:

1. Call us first to verify your order is ready (253-926-1633).
2. Bring your pick-up number we have provided.
3. Prior to leaving the lot - check your packing slip to verify the number of boxes and skids.
4. Note any visible damage to packaging or parts not packaged prior to leaving.
5. Tie down your loads.

Once you unpack your materials, if there is any damage, please let us know asap. If we need to replace the materials, we will need the damaged panels/flashings returned. Pictures of the damage are very helpful too.

Who's Byline?

It's me - Keni Taylor. I am posting these blogs and keeping you informed on the daily hulla-ballo at Metal Roof Specialties. I have been working for MRSI for almost 4 years now. I sell materials packages, answer the phones, type the contracts, keep the place organized and help out where ever I can. We started this blog to keep up with the times, but it is proving to be a great way to share what we know about metal. If you have any questions, feel free to post or send me an email at keni@metalroofspecialties.com. Let me know what you think about our blog...I'm pretty tough for a girl - I think I can take it!

Raise the Roof! Go Haley, Go Haley!

Sometimes it's worth sharing with everyone what it takes to be a successful company. It's not just how we help our customers, but how we help our community. Lucky for us, we have one incredibly giving person amongst us, and we are proud! I am talking about Haley. She is a board member of Rebuilding Together South Sound which takes a lot of her personal and business time. She has many meetings, and as Rebuilding's annual event approaches, it gets very hectic for her. She just finished meeting with the homeowners from our project in April of 2009 and soon will start planning for the next event.

But it's not just Rebuilding Together. Haley manages to take on several charities each year; participating in bicycle and motorcycle rides, 1/2 marathons, walks and auctions. She seems to love them all and puts her heart and soul into each event. But that's the kind of person Haley is ... she jumps in with the same two feet every day at work too. Part of what makes this such a great company to work for is to work along side someone like Haley. We all have our gifts, and hers is sharing with others. Lucky us!

MBA Annual Golf Tournament

Metal Roof Specialties was a sponsor at the MBA annual golf tournament at Lipoma Firs Golf Course in Puyallup on Friday, June 12th. Wayne and Haley were set up at Hole 5 on the Gold course, where they had an opportunity to shmooz with vendors and contractors in the building trades. They held a drawing for a great DeWalt Radio/Tool Charger and the lucky winner was....drum roll please....John Rush from Waste Connections. Way to go John and see you all next year!

Cleaning A Metal Roof

This is probably the most frequent phone call we get..."How do I clean my metal roof?" It's a great question, and one of the most important steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your investment. Roofs must be regularly washed, either by fresh rainwater or by cleaning with a light cleaning solution. The roof must not be cleaned with abrasive or chemical cleansers. One third (1/3) cup of a common laundry detergent (such as Tide) containing less than 0.5% phosphate dissolved in (1) gallon of water will work. You can use a soft bristled brush, like a long handled RV brush, to get the "sticky" stuff loosened. Light pressure washing may be enough to do the trick - but keep in mind the word LIGHT! Keep valleys and areas around screw heads clear of pine needles and debris build-up. While you're up there, cut back any vegetation from overgrown trees and bushes so nothing is resting on the metal roofing. Remember to use proper safety gear when on your roof, keeping in mind wet metal can be very slippery. Proper maintenance is a requirement to keep most warranties in effect. If you have a metal roof with a granular surface, check with the manufacturer for specific cleaning instructions.

Do-It-Yourself Project #5 - Kevin's Cozy Cabin

Welcome to Kevin's cabin, built in 1958 by his grandparents and parents. The shake roofing in the before picture served well for about 50 years, but it was time to update. Kevin picked metal for a couple of reasons...minimize the fire hazard, minimize the cleaning and maintenance, and never have to reroof again. He went with 16" Skyline in Forest Green. It blends with the environment, looks great with the logs on the cabin, and the hidden fasteners of the Skyline roofing eliminate visible screw heads that catch pine needles and debris and get tugged and pulled at by heavy snows.

Kevin and I started emailing each other on a Friday, the following Friday he was on his way to the cabin with the panels, and by Monday he was done and back to work. "Wear gloves" and "measure carefully before you order....I would hate to have to cut all the ends", says Kevin. He did a great job, the cabin looks amazing with a fresh green roof, and I really appreciated working with him. Sweet cabin Kevin...THANKS!

Using Neoprene Closures in Vented Ridge - Skyline Panel

This is a variation of the Vented Ridge (R17) installation if the panels are NOT being turned up at the ridge, and a Neoprene Closure is being installed. The closure and the turn up of the panels have essentially the same effect, keeping water and debris from blowing up into the ridge. If you have extreme conditions, such as low slope and high winds, then turning up the panel AND installing the closure might be necessary. For most, it is easier to install the closures then to turn up every panel but there is a slight added cost (unless you need to purchase the turn up tool - then it will come out pretty even). When we sell a materials package for Skyline, we always include the closures unless a customer is confident about turning up each panel.

Do-It-Youself Project #4 - Going To The Dogs!

This is Russ and Lynda's Doggy Den. These guys are a testament to the importance of buying your materials from someone who will be there when you have an installation question. We talked them through the installation process step by step, and the success of this project led to an even bigger endeavor - their cabin in Cushman. Russ and Lynda used 16" Rustic Red Skyline and some great looking timbers to create this pooch oasis! Nice Work!