...because home doesn't happen overnight.

The new metal roof, gutters and downspouts are installed!  Just for the sake of before-and-afters, let’s take a look at the Underdog with its old light gray asphalt roof…

And here she is rockin’ her new metal roof…

{Sorry about the long shadows.  It was evening time.  I couldn’t wait until the next day to take pics with the sun overhead.}

A few people were worried when I first said we were going with a charcoal-colored metal roof, afraid it would be dark and absorb heat.  We’re very happy with the color though.  It’s a nice medium gray…not too dark and not too light…and we don’t expect any problems due to heat.

The metal roof is a greener alternative to traditional asphalt shingles not only because we expect it to outlast an asphalt roof by 25 to 75 years but also because it was installed over top of the existing asphalt roof, keeping two layers of asphalt shingles out of the landfill.  This also helped to keep installation costs low since less labor was involved {no need to remove the existing shingles} to put the metal roof on.

Handy Hubby and I are thrilled with the roof.  We like the clean lines and slick contrast against the brick.  To us, it just looks tidy and neat.

The back of the house looks much busier than the front.  All business in the front and party in the back.  That’s mostly due to all the vents {bathroom, gas, radon mitigation, dryer, kitchen hood, etc.} required but also because we added four skylights above the kitchen.  I’m so happy we were able to keep the skylights off the front of the house.  With skylights in the front, we surely would have lost some curb appeal.  Just for fun, this is what the backside of the house used to look like…

With the new roof, we were able to get rid of some unnecessary roof clutter – ridge vents, original kitchen hood vent, etc. Read more about all that here.

So back to the new roof…

One reader had asked what color the gutters and downspouts would be.  As you may have noticed already, they’re white.

I think gray gutters and downspouts would have looked great but the existing soffit was white and in excellent condition.  To save labor and $$, we decided it should stay.  We thought gray gutters and downspouts might look ‘off’ with the white soffit AND we’ve thrown around the idea of someday lime washing the brick {to a lighter color}, so we went with white gutters and downspouts.  Although I’ve seen some pretty fabulous homes with white brick exteriors and black gutters!  White was just our personal decision.

The new gutters are wider than standard gutters used with shingled roofs to accommodate faster runoff from the metal roof. Oh, and all those holes in the soffit are where our electrician installed electrical boxes for exterior recessed lights that haven’t been installed just yet.  It was our electrician’s idea {versus the uplighting-from-the-ground idea HH and I originally had in mind} and we loved it.  A few homes in the area have similar outdoor lighting and they look so pretty washed in light from above at night.

It rained all last week and while I was at the Underdog taking pictures of the new skylights, there was quite a downpour at the time along with 20-30 mph winds.  Contrary to popular belief, the rain on the metal roof was no louder than what I noticed at our previous home which had an asphalt shingle roof.  And once insulation is installed in the vaulted ceiling of the great room and attic space, the noise should be even less.  Most new metal roofs are made with an embossed texture that helps to disperse rain and reduce noise.  Plus, when installed correctly new metal roofs shouldn’t yield a significant noise increase as opposed to other roofing alternatives.  Metal roofs have come a long way!

All in all, HH and I are 200% happy with the new metal roof.  Even though it’s not the standing seam design we had always dreamed of, it looks so much better than we could have imagined.  In case you’re wondering, our roof is the Everlast II in charcoal.  We hired a reputable metal roofing company that typically takes on commercial jobs but is looking to branch out to residential roofing since metal roofs are becoming more popular in residential settings.  We had to wait a long time {think 2-3 months} after signing a contract and being put on their waiting list, but it was worth it. Oftentimes, a company with a waiting list is worth waiting for {as long as you do your research, of course}.

The metal roof and skylight install cost us $3,000 out of pocket since we put money from our hail damage insurance claim towards the purchase.  The insurance adjuster based their estimate on what it would cost for a new asphalt roof, so that price difference should give you an idea of how much more to expect to pay for a metal roof on a small ranch home.  Of course, it all depends on your particular home.  And remember that our price difference {$3,000} included the skylight installation as well.  I still think the crazy hail storm that attacked the Underdog only a month after we closed on it was a blessing in disguise.

The only snafu we encountered during the whole roofing escapade was this…

I locked my purse – with keys and phone inside! – in the car while I took all these after shots. Luckily, our new neighbors let me borrow their phone to call HH to come rescue me.  I felt like such the idiot.  I’m blaming my forgetfulness on this…

Baby bump is going to my head.

FYI – I was not compensated in any way to use or mention Everlast metal roofing.  I just love sharing great products that we’ve used!

images:  all Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

47 Comments

27.October.2011

Wow, it looks fantastic! Hubby and I got our roof replaced 2 years ago due to a leak above our front room. I wish that we could have gotten metal over the whole house, but it was too cost prohibitive. Instead, we used a multi-colored architectural shingle over most the house, and were able to use metal over the front porch (which was added on before hubby bought the house). That area of the house is a lower slope than normal, so the metal worked perfectly.

Pretty soon, you’re going to have to stop calling it the Underdog. The house is coming together quite nicely!! Y’all are doing some fabulous work!

27.October.2011

It looks so good! I think you guys made a fantastic choice! :)

27.October.2011

I love it!

And I’m thrilled that the underdog is a she….I never noticed a pronoun for her before now. She’s beautiful and getting prettier every project!

27.October.2011

The new roof looks so much more clean and modern. Glad you weren’t locked out of your car for too long …but congratulations!

So right over the old hail damaged shingles huh? I hope for your sake they put down an underlayment material first. And I think you should note that you have spray foam insulation on the underside of the roof when you discuss noise. No doubt that is the number one factor in reducing the sound you would typically hear with a metal roof over an attic having batt or blown-in insulation on the ceiling of the occupied space.

The new roof looks great with your brick exterior! I wonder if the vertical lines would look strange on a home with the horizontal lines of clapboard siding.

27.October.2011

The vertical lines of your new metal roofing material make the rooflines really stand out — and I think that’s a good thing with a low-slung ranch-style house! Not so sure I’d lighten the brick (I like the pop of the red!), but hey, you go ahead and play!

I’m a huge fan of the new roof. Nice pick!

27.October.2011

Hey there! I’m a long time follower of your blog and huge fan – but first time commenter. I just have to know — what brand is your camera case and where did you purchase it? I have been seraching high and low for something so stylish, but am having a difficult time. Would love to know your source! Thanks :)

27.October.2011

Looks great!! I really like the metal roof.

27.October.2011

AMAZING! The new roof makes such a huge visual impact.

I can not wait to see all of the upcoming changes, soon you will have quite the swanky house!

27.October.2011

Elizabeth – My camera bag was a gift from HH for Mother’s Day. I had it on my Wist List and he saw it knowing I needed a camera bag. I love it!!!! It easily holds my camera with lens attached + second separate lens + camera manual with room to spare. It was an Etsy find. Here’s the link…

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84417579/dslr-camera-bag?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=leather+camera+bag&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Hope that helps!

27.October.2011

Robin – The spray foam insulation had NOT been installed last week when I was at the Underdog during the rain storm. Even without the spray foam {which is being installed this week}, the metal roof was no louder than any other asphalt shingle roof I have experienced during a downpour. The spray foam should cut down on noise even more – possibly making our metal roof quieter than our previous asphalt shingles. Like I said, metal roofs have come a looooong way!

27.October.2011

Bunny – We’re not 100% sold on lime washing the brick. We’ll definitely live with the red brick as-is a while {think YEARS} and see where that takes us. For now, I too am loving the charcoal roof with the red brick!! We really wanted something that would look great with the original brick or lime washed brick as we could see the Underdog looking good either way. My biggest dilemma now is what color do we paint the front door?!

27.October.2011

Whislerpotpie – I don’t know why I started calling the Underdog a ‘she.’ It just felt right. I think maybe because I knew a lady had lived there before us?? Or maybe we just needed some more estrogen in our family! Ha!

27.October.2011

I love it – it’s beautiful! I know I need to have my roof checked, because we had a hail storm in June and you never know until you get up there and look about damage.

27.October.2011

Nice job! I think a full decorative glass trimmed in glossy black front door would be beautiful on your house and would complement her sleek top! Don’t know you, but I am so happy for you! And your lucky new neighbors!

27.October.2011

Wow!! Looks absolutely awesome. Totally worth clearing all that clutter from the front and moving it to the back.

27.October.2011

did you find the mattress covers? what will they be used for?

27.October.2011

Underdog is looking so sexy! Great choices. As an architect, I spec metal roofing ALL the time, and I think there is a misconception that in order to get a “cool” roof it has to be silver or white. Because of the reflectivity, though, there are tons of “cool roof” options in dark(ish) colors. I think you went the right route especially since things always look lighter in the daylight. I am so glad you guys are spreading the gospel about metal roofs. The other green pro is that they often have a high recycled content percentage which comp roofs can’t always offer. Good job :)

27.October.2011

Robin – Good point on the underlayment material. They installed a layer of 30lb tar paper over the whole roof prior to installing the metal.

For those in the Cincinnati / Dayton areas, we worked with Wilson Buildings to have our roof installed (http://www.wilsonbuildings.com/). Again, we were not compensated in anyway for mentioning them. They just did a very good job for us!

27.October.2011

Dana, I did the same thing the other day with my purse and keys. I was at the gas station and locked my entire purse and keys in my car! Luckily my boyfriend was at the pump next to me so I didn’t have to ask a gas station patron or employee, but I totally know how you feel.

Love it! It offers such a clean updated look to it. I think the colour you went with is perfect as well. Glad you are pleased with the outcome. I learned alot about metal roofs through this post and that will come in handy in the coming years when our roof will need replacing. Thanks for sharing!

27.October.2011

the roof looks great! I think the red brick looks so sharp against the roof, I wouldn’t be in a rush to do anything with it, either.

27.October.2011

Lisa – No mattress covers just yet. I’m wanting to use something durable {versus a traditional fitted sheet} on the boys’ twin beds. Maybe I’ll write up a little post on it and see what ideas you readers throw back at me! I’ve already had one reader mention a DIY’d version that seems totally doable.

27.October.2011

Wow!
That roof is BEAUTIFUL!!!

I was one of the people who questioned the grey but it’s lovely- and isn’t so dark that overheating will be an issue at all

Good choice!

27.October.2011

I love the roof. We rent, and the house needs a new roof. I wonder if I could get the ownner to do this.

I think you picked the perfect roof colour — it goes so well with your brick!

27.October.2011

Hi Dana, I did exactly the same thing whilst I was pregnant 7 months ago! Ah the baby brain I still have it! Love reading your blog may I ask where you got your purse from?
Many thanks
blair

28.October.2011

Love, love, love it. When we settle in our forever home (we’re military so we move around a bit for now) I definitely want a metal roof. From Underdog to Top Dog!

Oh that’s good hear about the underlayment! And wow that is surprising to hear you don’t have the insulation in yet but the roof wasn’t any louder. We have friends who switched to a metal roof and complained about the noise but say they got over it fast. I wonder if it’s the way the pieces are attached to each other or something.

28.October.2011

I am very impressed how it looks. I now will start some research because we are going to need a new roof in the next couple of years.

28.October.2011

I love how your new metal roof looks. I think it’s just gorgeous. I keep showing your roofing posts to my love because we’re going to need to do something with our roof in the not-too-distant future. I don’t think he’s sold on the metal but definitely intrigued. We have a flat roof, though, so we’ll have to explore all of our options. I’m seriously enjoying watching the Underdog progress!

Thanks for sharing so much great info in this post. I had never thought about needing bigger gutters for the faster run-off with metal roofs, but you’ve given us lots to think about. We’re seriously considering metal for our next roof (which needs to happen in the next 3 years or so).

I shared this post in my Friday Five today: http://welcometoheardmont.com/2011/10/friday-five-6/

Keep up the great work! I love seeing your Underdog become a beautiful new home.

28.October.2011

Blair – Ooh, that’s a tough one. That purse is sooo old! I believe I got it at a little shop down on the beach in Daytona, FL while vacationing. That was way before kids {when we actually took vacations and I bought purses!} so it’s at least 8 years old. The exterior is a patterned canvas and the bottom and strap have faux leather detailing. Sorry! That’s probably not much help!

28.October.2011

Jenny – Thanks for the mention! Have a great weekend!

28.October.2011

Love the sleek new roof! Your underdog project has been fun to follow.

I locked the keys in the car during pregnancy, too.

28.October.2011

Gorgeous. Wish we needed a new roof…well, not really :)

28.October.2011

The new roof looks amazing! In fact, the whole place is looking incredible!! Handy Hubby definitely gets hero status on all the work he has done so far! I am both enjoying the construction details and looking forward to when you choose and install your finishing touches.

I am currently looking for a house and all I can afford is fixer-uppers in the neighborhoods I want. Ever since I started reading about your underdog project I’ve stopped feeling depressed about the ratty, unloved house in my future and started feeling excited instead. You guys are an inspiration!

I hope that when everything is done and beautiful you’ll put together an index of posts so we can view the whole renovation start-to-finish in one go. It’s definitely something I want MY handy hubby to take a look at!

30.October.2011

Dana
I love the color of the new roof, looks great with the brick. The color doesn’t stand out and shout “hey I’m a new metal roof” like so many metal roofs tend to do. Great choice, keep the updates coming.

31.October.2011

When I moved into my last house our neighbors stopped by to welcome us to the neighborhood. We came out onto the porch and chatted for a bit, they went back to their house and we tried to get back into ours, but the door was locked. We were in our painting clothes and had to go next door to our newly-met neighbors and ask if we could borrow their phone and hang out while we waited for a locksmith.

31.October.2011

Tremendous progress on the house. The roof looks great. Living in the northeast I don’t know why we don’t use metal roofs more often. The snow would slide right off and never have to worry about ice dams. Looking forward to seeing the house progress.

01.November.2011

Jen – I didn’t use the entire gallon that I bought for the project but I don’t think anything smaller would have sufficed! Even though I only did one coat {for more of a worn look} of paint for the stripes, the cloth still absorbed some of the paint. Good luck with your project!

05.November.2011

I have just been reading your Friday Feature rooms and the other stuff, I didn’t realize you were moving! I’m so excited to watch the process-you have such a great eye! (I just ordered the World Market capiz chandelier so I could copy your Fandelier-on sale for $52, wahoo!)

15.December.2011

LOVE your gutters. I like the simple, modern profile–not ogee/fussy. What material are your guters made of? I will do seamless aluminum, but want the kind of profile you have. Suggestions, please?

12.June.2013

I stumbled onto your blog searching for pictures of metal roofs. Your house looks a whole lot like my house (brick color and everything). What gauge metal was used for the roof? How did you choose the particular look you wanted? Any insights would be helpful to our current decision making process.
Thanks!

28.May.2014

[…] after removing the trees, we did away with the wood shutters and installed a metal roof. Still, the yard was horrendous – bumpy, full of weeds, stumps and bare spots. It actually […]

24.January.2020

What gauge metal did you use? It looks fantastic!