CHICAGO — The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has published a free design guide, "Retrofit Metal Roofing," a culmination of practical knowledge and expertise by five of MCA's member companies that manufacture products relating to retrofit metal roof systems.

This comprehensive manual provides information on the latest code-compliant and market-ready materials, methods, and best practices to reroof buildings using state-of-the-art metal roofing and light-gauge steel framing systems. 

"As metal roof systems are being increasingly used to replace or reroof over the top of conventional roofing systems, it's more important than ever for building owners, managers, design professionals and contractors to understand how these systems work, and the advantages over other reroofing methods," said Mark James, chairman of the MCA's Retrofit Council.

The guide has chapters on everything from market history, fundamentals, applications, and framing systems to assembly details, metal roofing systems, and energy savings. Detailed illustrations show where various types of equipment are being incorporated into new metal roof systems, including fully-integrated solar hot air and water as well as photovoltaic equipment.                                

"Reroofing with metal makes even more sense with the current focus on energy savings through efficiency upgrades and the use of renewable energy technologies in the building envelope," James said.

Retrofit metal framing systems, also known as “sloped build-up systems,” offer design professionals several options, ranging from low-slope functional systems for discharge or diversion of roof rainwater to steep-slope architectural applications.

MCA acknowledges ATAS International, MBCI, McElroy Metal, Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation, and Roof Hugger LLC for contributing to the manual.

The 140-page document can be downloaded at no cost at www.metalconstruction.org.