Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about our Retrofit Systems
We have tried to include the most commone Frequently asked questions when it comes to our metal over metal retrofit systems. If you do not find the question / answer you are looking for please reach out to us either by phone or email so that we may answer all of your questions.
No, but the more accurate the information you provide, the more accurate the pricing you will receive back. Roof Hugger mass produces several profiles. If you request pricing for one of those parts and later find out that was not the correct profile, your pricing could change significantly. If you request a non-engineered quote and later it is required pricing could be significantly affected.
- PBR – 12” o.c. ribs, maximum 1.5” tall by 4.0” wide – Roof Hugger 1.83” tall Model C
- 24” Trapezoidal Low Clips – Roof Hugger 4.50” tall Model D
- 24” trapezoidal High Clips – Roof Hugger 4.50” tall Model T with anti-rotation arm (tall clips support the panel 1”-1-1/2” above the existing purlins and require special fasteners)
We can make a Hugger to fit most all roof panel profiles as long as we are supplied the shape and dimensions of the profile. If we cannot make a standard punched Hugger we have other systems to handle those types.
Yes, the top flange size can be changed, the vertical web height can be specified as needed and the base flange can be also be changed. Taller Huggers however may require additional bridging to control roll over.
Usually they do not, most times the existing fasteners will cause the corners of the base flange of the Hugger to bend up but this is not a problem unless the Hugger rolls front to back or porpoises up and down. Screws in the center of the pan of the sheet do sometimes have to be removed. Usually at the eave or sheet lap.
Roof Hugger has 2 basic forms: The “Job Information” form is typically used for a non-engineered component quote. We assume the new panels can meet all loads on the existing purlin spacing
The Job Questionnaire asks for more detail so Roof Hugger can run a preliminary load estimate to determine if additional framing may be required to reinforce corners and edges for the new panels you are providing.
No there is no charge for running a prelim load estimate and we will check wind and snow loads if needed. This prelim run however is only our best estimate and the final design will need to be done by a licensed engineer.
No, unless otherwise requested we will provide a components only quote.
Yes and No, the general rule of thumb is to always ventilate and insulate if needed. Insulation is not required when retrofitting but it is certainly a good idea. You will be creating a nice cavity that is easily and inexpensively insulated with unfaced fiberglass insulation. Rigid insulation is also a possibility when retrofitting and you will get more “R” value per inch of insulation added.
If you are installing a new standing seam, clip mounded roof and you do not plan to insulate the building then it is possible for the pan of the new standing seam to “rumble” against the new Roof Hugger Sub-purlins in certain wind events. Insulating over the top of the Roof Huggers will prevent this or installing an appropriate thermal spacer under the sheet pan and on top of the Huggers.
Additional weight on any building is always something that should be considered. The Existing International Building Code allows for the addition of up to 3 #/S.F. without a full engineering review of the building. A typical Roof Hugger retrofit will add only around 2 #/S.F. That said should additional equipment, fire sprinklers or other high loads be added to the building the building should reviewed by a professional engineer.
Roof Hugger will need the following items to process and order:
- Signed proposal
- Job information Form or Project Questionnaire
- Credit Application or Credit Card information
Stock component orders can typically be shipped in 3 days or less.
Custom orders can typically be shipped in 10 days or less.
Engineered projects typically run 3-5 weeks depending on the complexity of the building.
Large orders (over 7,000 Lbs.) will likely be shipped by flatbed truck.
Small orders are typically shipped by box truck LTL freight carrier.
Roof Hugger standard warranty is for one year. The warranty covers the proper fabrication of the Hugger and proper gauge/thickness, finish and tinsel strength of the steel the Hugger sub-purlins are made from.
No, metal panels of all types and rib spacings can be retrofitted. Screw-down, standing seam and corrugated.
No, you can upgrade to a new standing seam roof that has few if any exposed fasteners by using the proper retrofit framing system. You can of course install a new screw-down roof if you wish but remember screw-down roofs have approximately 0.8 fasteners per s.f. thus a 10,000 s.f. building will have at least 8,000 fastener penetrations, a common source of leaks. Standing seam roofing is also the perfect platform for attaching photovoltaic (PV) panels. The PV panels can be attached to the standing seam roof without penetrating the roof and most importantly this new metal roof will have a 40–60-year life. Much longer than the PV panels, unlike all other roofing systems that will need replacing during the life of the PV panels at significant expense.
It absolutely can be retrofitted, even roofs that have foam spray on them. Coatings are almost never a problem unless the coating has trapped moisture between the panel and the coating, causing severe corrosion of the existing panels and purlins. Foam Coating is a bit more difficult but the entire roof does not have to be scrapped clean, only a 2” wide strip directly above the purlin lines. The retrofit framing will be designed to be taller than the depth of the foam so not to interfere with the new roof.
