Complex Aluminum Roof Project Produces Beautiful Result
Video Overview
When the existing roof of the Wendel residence suffered damage from a severe hail storm, finding a new one was of paramount importance. The storm destroyed thousands of roofs around San Antonio in early 2016, so the homeowner knew roofing would be in high demand. After some research and considering the design of their complex roof, the homeowner knew they needed a unique solution. Located in Boerne, Texas, this home’s roof has over 200 facets and a surface area of 9,150 square feet. The most prominent features are two geodesic domes, dormers with flying gables, and windows integrated into the roof.
Finding the Perfect Roof
Metal roofing met all the criteria the homeowner wanted, with a longer lifespan, improved protection from hail and the elements, and increased energy efficiency. The homeowner found Classic Metal Roofing Systems’ Oxford Shingle and knew this was the one for them. They selected the Dark Charcoal color to complement their distinctive home’s stone exterior of buff and tan colors and add some style. After finding the perfect shingle and color, the installer and contractor were next. Al-Co Metal Roofing out of San Antonio, Texas, has been working with metal roofing for over 20 years as one of the premier metal roofing contractors in the area. As the contractor for the project, Al-Co partnered with Bryan Wood of Sunshine Installations, who installed the new roof.
A Challenging Installation
Though the lightweight Oxford Shingle system can usually be installed right over the old roof, in this situation, it was better to remove the storm-damaged shingles beforehand. In early 2017, Sunshine removed the old roofing materials; then came time for installation. “Nothing was easy with this project,” Chuck Roberts of Al-Co Metal Roofing stated. “Simply knowing where to start was a challenge.” Even this wasn’t easy because of the roof’s design, full of slopes transitioning from gradual pitches into steeper ones. AL-Co and Sunshine had never before had to deal with such a complex roof.
They made the project easier by establishing a standard orientation line, allowing them to reference each facet. Creating a plan to deal with each of the facets identified took some serious effort. Collaborating with Al-Co, Sunshine used the Oxford Shingle’s interlocking panels to their advantage. They copied the shingles’ interlocking edges by joining the roof facets together with Z-shaped gable and valley trim. Some creative uses of starter strips ensured that the roof could resist high winds and shed water properly.
A Breathtaking Result
When the project was finally complete, the homeowner told Sunshine that “no one could have done a better job on a harder roof.” According to Roberts, the new roof was a significant upgrade to the home’s curb appeal. The Oxford Shingle’s concealed fasteners and beautiful profile provide the distinctive natural beauty of a high-end end slate roof with all the benefits of metal. Complete with a baked-on PVDF finish from Valspar, the roofing will retain its beauty and durability over decades, unlike an asphalt roof. Any “normal” roofing material would be unlikely to last more than 15 years in the harsh Texas climate, especially with such an intricate roofline and water flowing from so many directions. Also, the energy-efficient coatings will lower the homeowner’s energy bill by up to 20% compared to a non-metal roof.
In Classic president Todd Miller’s opinion, “this job was a huge undertaking. When I first saw it, I believe my comment was that I wouldn’t wish that roofline on my worst enemy. It’s certainly one of the most difficult and intricate metal roof installations I have seen in my 35-plus years in this industry. However, Al-Co and Sunshine approached the project professionally as design engineers. They tackled the problem head-on and adapted the Oxford shingle well to such a complicated roofline. Undoubtedly, having a long-term worry-free roof is of great benefit to the home’s value.”
Upon completion, Wendel was thrilled and proud to be the owner of a metal roof fit for his unique home.
Sunshine and Al-Co had completed their most challenging roofing project yet. Looking back at this incredible roof, Roberts stated, “Now our belief at Al-Co Metal Roofing is, ‘If we can roof this, we can do any project.’ Metal was the clear choice for such a complex shape.”
What about you?
Does your home need a new roof? Are you interested in a more permanent solution that can protect your home for years to come?
Contact us today to find your metal roofing solution!
