Amy,

Are tin, cedar and asphalt the only options? Are there others by chance?

Thanks,
Sandra

Amy,

Are tin, cedar and asphalt the only options? Are there others by chance?

Thanks,
Sandra

I'll take asphalt shingles, thanks (as long as they are the architectural type and not 3-tab). Cedar shakes would be in second place for me.

What about electrical grounding? Doesn't any structural metal need to be grounded for lightning protection? What a pain that would be, and more expense.

I've had a house with a tin roof and you're right. It costs more to insure the house. My cats never seemed to care about the heat or the roof. They walked on it quite often. I live in Texas and the colored tin here doesn't seem to have a problem with fading that I've ever noticed, and there are quite a few homes with the colored tin. It's purchased colored from the factory. I would cross the fading off the list of cons.

Durring my life I have owned four homes in forested areas with tin roofs. Granted they were located in the mountains of Idaho or Washington, so moisture issues are probably different. Tin was the recommended roofing material by our homeowners associations and local building commissions. The reasons being; tin sheds snow better than other materials, and tin is a good barrier against flying cinders that explode from burning trees in a forest fire. I have never had an increase in insurance premiums due to having a tin roof. As to breaking through the tin in a house fire, the main reason fire fighters break through the roof is to access attic space, which the Greenbrier has very little.

hi Amy~
Have you thought of a white metal roof? White roofs don't absorb the heat from the sun like the dark roofs.
(I don't know if I clicked the post button on my last blog, so forgive me if I repeat this info)...
In some states you can get up to 35% discount on your homeowners insurance for a metal roof. Metal roofs can last up to 3x longer than other types of roofs. Metal roofs can withstand up to 120-mph winds (catagory F2 tornado). They are actually quieter than other roofs.
Lastly, as far as "The Cat On the Hot Tin Roof" goes--I can solve that problem easily...
SELECT ME!! I HAVE A DOG!!

Amy,
I am disappointed that so many people have chosen to go with a tin roof, especially considering the roofline of the floorplan decided on. Yes, I love the sound the roof makes when a light rain puts you to sleep or wakes you up in the morning, but the torrential sound of a heavy rain is a lot to bare when it is time for some shut-eye. The comments you make about maintenance are right on as well. The tin roof has been billed as the maintence-free alternative and that is very untrue. Every roof needs maintenance! As far as fire safety goes, asphalt is just as good at preventing sparks from a poorly maintained fireplace from igniting the roof. In the middle of the woods it doesn't seem to me that fireplace sparks are the first area of concern when discussing fire. I would think wildland fires are much more likely to threaten the structure than an errant spark from a modern fireplace. It doesn't really matter what kind of roof you have if you do not maintain the property in a way to afford a fire break between the housing lot and the rest of the woods when a forest fire is raging.

I feel that this sight is doing a disservice to the asphalt shingle category and the site's visitors by picturing the simplest of that type of roofing; three-tab shingles. There is such a world of opportunity in design and style if one simply looks at the designer side of the industry. I chose the cedar shake style roof simply for the rustic appearance it offers, but I know that asphalt roofing has simulated shakes that are almost impossible to tell the difference on (except maybe when the roof first goes on the asphalt shakes are already weathered). Of the three options of roofing styles offered, asphalt has the largest varitety and options. More detail should be given here to let viewers truly decide the best roofing style as opposed to the simplest 3 choices offered.

I must agree, however, each roof type has its own set of pros and cons. The only right answer for anyone building a home when it comes to a roof is whether the roof accomplishes the goals of the homeowner: design/appearance, efficiency, or simply budget.

Amy and company:

Dare to be different. While tin is an OK material (having been used for hundreds of years) it is rather common, and can I say, boring? How about something that is a little unusual? What about a copper roof? Let it tarnish naturally and it'll last for a couple of hundred years without maintenance, and the soft green color looks nice in most climates. It is just the accent to make this cabin stand out from the rest of the crowd. And after reading some of the posts to this blog, I guarantee that this group is anything but boring.

Amy,

I've been voting for tin roof due to the following reasons:

-roof durability and longevity
-UL (wind upload rating)
-lightweight
-resistant to weather conditions
-r-value on back of roof
-looks nice
-resists insects, mold, mildew - after reading some of the blogs on blog cabin...this would seem to be a good choice.
-typically tin roofs are a good choice on steep slope roofs. My intial vote was for smokyview.

As for sound......I believe I read somewhere that there is an insulation that assists in reducing/eliminating sound problems...?

Tin is in! Most of the cabins I have seen being built have tin roofs. Tin comes in so many colors that blend gently into the surrounding nature...forest or grass green, dark brown, deep burgandy,or blue sky blue -- the palette is as varied as nature itself. The way I see it, if you're going to build a cabin so as to enjoy the great outdoors...the roof should be one of the colors of, well, the great outdoors.

Amy,

I posted to quickly without elaborating on the r-value...(resistance to heat) the higher the r-value the more resistant a material is to heat.

Tin is a product of recycled materials.

I also took a peek at the International Show's booth #512177 discussed "green" roof, ridge, roof, & soffit ventilation, subsurface drainage, thermal & moisture protection and sound control.

**If anyone gets a chance there are some great CLUES hidden in a blog "TELL ME YOUR STORY". Read everyones blogs carefully..."take your time"!

Does a tin roof make the inside of a house hotter?

Hello!
Standing seam metal roofs add charachter and if choosen in a lighter color will reduce heat transfer to dwelling. You can also add decking and felt underneath to reduce noise level. Some companies guarantee 20yrs paint free. Galvalume is the current trend in materials. Its sheet steel with an alloy coating. The cost is higher up front but saves in the long run. It gets my vote for longevity and style.

Forgot this: Metal roofs may require a ground wire for lighting protection. Probably detailed in installation instructions.

Tin is great!!!! We've had a tin roof for years here at a very high elevation in Colorado - 9,000+ feet. Even with the super strong UV rays we receive, I don't think I've seen a faded tin roof around. Our home insurance is actually lower because we have a tin roof. This is due to a high forest fire area. You can't beat a lifetime roof! It withstands our super fast winds and heavy snow loads in Park County. We don't notice a lot of difference in the sound of rain..although hail can be heard more clearly. Tim, the mechanic, has got a great list of the right reasons on why a tin roof is the best :) My husband and I swear by a tin roof and will always build with them in the future.

Amy, I love the idea of a tin roof on the cabin, although I think the cabin style chosen would look better under a cedar roof. That said, if I win it, I'll take good care of whichever roof is blogged on it.

cedar shakes. i hate metal on a house especially a log home.
spanish tiles are second, but cost is plenty.

if i win it there will we be a housewarming.

peace out

Why does it cost more to insure a home with a tin roof? Does it dent with hail? I think it looks really nice, but I wouldn't want to paint it. On average, how often does this have to be done? If it is less than every five years or so, my vote would go to the asphalt.

I just wanted to add a pro to having a tin roof. A tin roof won't hold the pine needles and tree debris like a asphalt or shake shingle roof will. This helps with the longevity of the roof.

Amy, I take asphalt shingles or cedar for me.I
must agree, however, each roof type has its own
pros and cons. The only right answer for anyone building a home when it comes to a roof is what
the roof accomplishes the goals of the homeowner:
design/appearance, efficiency or simply budget the
cost of expensive of building and repairing when
wear out.Thank you for this contest my dream is
to win the Log Cabin Home from diy network Blog
Cabin. May God bless the diy networks and staffs.

I say scrap the tin roof, as for green products there are so many. Different types of insulation that is made of foam, paper that is fire-retardent I think it is mixed with wool which is flame retardent? Then there are the the floors bamboo for example, and cork which can be made to look very attractive and sound proofs it also adds comfort when walking. During a trip to Minnesaota (many moons ago) I visited the DNR and they were making a log that was filled with non toxic foam that was much more efficent and saved the inner tree for other uses. Furthermore, there is wind power, solar power and alike. In connecticut they are experiementing with vegtable based oils for fuel and burners that accomidate them. They are environmentally friendly and a bit more cost efficent (not a big difference yet). Well here are a few chunchs to chew on I look forward to the finished product and other comments.

Hi Amy, I had been choosing Tin all along because I liked it, shame on me! I decided I had better do some investigating, so googling I went. I checked out what was said about all varieties. Besides the info I got from DIY's site, the best one I found was the Energy Star labeled prepainted metal roofing.(One of the others suggested painted white, they are correct because it reflects better) You can save up to 40% on your annual energy costs with this material and might even qualify up to 35% Roofing Ins. Discount. There is even a Tax Incentive, but if I understood it correctly, that was for replacement roofing. All this info can be checked out at: http://www.metalroofing.com I hope you choose the Energy Star label material. It would be worth having it and not have something else, so energy could be saved. Take care.

Hi Amy
A properly insulated and vented roof weather metal, asphalt ar cedar will not sweat or transfer the noise to a level that is noticeable.being that the cabin is in the mountains I would assume that some snow is to be expected. A metal roof with the pitch planned will shed snow quite well. Again insulation and a proper venting system is key to eliminate noise and moisture problems. stu

Amy, I would also like to point out the differences in temperature inside the actual dwelling the Tin roof make the interior hot or muggy as well. We had an A frame with a tin roof and it was unbearable in temps over 90 the A/C could not keep up not to metion it is cold on a snowy day, I would prefer the asphal;t myself as the Cedar shake is kindling waiting for the fire. I hope I am a winner but if not good luck to everyone.

I vote for tin. The fact the cabin is surrounded by trees makes tin my choice.

First and foremost tin is not available don't you mean steel the longest lasting roof available today with out maintenance. Then one needs to think about color white or silver will outlast any other and reflect most of the heat away in the sun and fading is not an issue with a 50 year warranty now is it?

A metal roof makes more sense for a fire retardant roof as other bloggers have stated. Pine needs also slide off them better, thus eliminating another fire hazard of build-up of combustables on your roof.

They do not have to be a straight boring design however. Metal roofs now come in a a shingle and shake design.

The pros far out way the "cons". I am looking for great looks and low maintenance. The metal roof fits the character of the cabin very well. I'm not concerned about fading. I have seen many metal roofs, mostly on barns that have looked great for many years. I would much rather pay for a repaint in 20 years than have to re-roof the whole house. The firefighter concern seems small considering we are talking of a single family dwelling with plenty of windows and doors to access a fire area. Besides that the metal roof will be more resistant to sparks and embers from the outside fireplace. Thanks for the chance to blog. Great idea!!

With a fireplace inside I am thinking now a tin roof might not be the way to go. First off the trouble firefighters would have putting any fire out and also the higher insurance factor. So from now on I will change my vote
Keep that information coming

Amy and Ron:
Soapstone Kitchen!
Granite is for graves.
There are sources indicating that soapstone as a kitchen material provides a natural antibacterial surface which DOES NOT chip or crack like the easily damaged granite and quartz.
Soapstone does not require the highly polished surface of the granite and is much more easily maintained.
It will still be cool enough to use for that taffy pull or that batch of fudge.

I have been voting for the tin as a result of looking at the pictures. My first choice would have been the shake roof; however, the picture of the cracked shakes made me think of roof repair and maybe the picture was of a 100 year-old roof and anything that old should anticipate repair. I agree that there are some nicer looking asphalt shingles than pictured in the options, some that look like slate which would be a great look. However, I am going to read very carefully from my fellow bloggers to see what my final vote would be for the roof.

COULD WE POSSIBLY DO THIS VOTING THINK A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY? I had been voting daily for one floor plan and had my mind changed by other bloggers. Now I don't for one moment think that I will be lucky enough to win, but I do enjoy trying to help create a lovely cabin for the winner. Sadly, it appears that my previous votes cancelled out my few futile attempts to rectify what I wanted as my final choice. May I suggest that after a period of time in which we are given the opportunity to read others' suggestions, that the voting starts fresh for that option's final vote? Amy, I agree with you that all of the cabins would be wonderful; however, it would be interesting to know what floor plans were choosen the last week of voting. Thanks for listening and this fun forum!

Amy,

If I really had a choice of roofing I would choose a tile or slate roof. But I can understand that there are only so many options you all can list. I wonder if blogging before voting might be a good idea. This way if people can pro/con both from other bloggers they might be able to make an informed choice insted of just the one that looks the best. Honestly, I voted for the Cedar shake on looks. But, is it as others have suggested a fire waiting to happen?

I am still wondering why it costs more to insure a home with a tin roof. Anyone know? We are going to be doing a drastic remodel of our home, including a new roof, so this is all very interesting to me. Does tin rust? Does "tin" mean a composite of tin and steel? I think I need to know a little more about the exact materials that will be used before voting.

I like this blog idea . . . I may be swayed with my choice after reading some of these entries.

I have been choosing tin for several reasons.

-- It seems to fit in with the character of a log cabin in the mountains

-- Longevity and maintainance issues

-- Fire safety

I'm not sure if metal roofs fade all that much . . . and to be honest a fading color would seem more natural to me . . . ditto with the fading color of the exterior.

I do know metal roofs seem to have a slightly longer life expectancy than asphalt shingles which is the primary reason I've been voting for the metal roof. However, to be honest with shingles having 30+ years of life and new designs rather than the traditional three-tab design I would be open to the idea of aspahlt shingles as well.

I would not vote for the cedar shingles . . . while these look nice I would be concerned with the fire issues and the maintainance issues associated with this type of roofing. My current house (a Cape) has cedar shingles for the exterior. While I love the look and ease of installation, I also know that the life expectancy is significantly shorter than other siding choices and that there has been and will be issues with insects . . . I can only assume that this would be the case for cedar shingles on the roof as well.

Andrea is partly right when she mentions firefighters needing access to the attic . . . however the main reason many firefighters dislike metal roofs is that they tend to retain the heat in a fire whereas the more common (in my area of the country) asphalt roofs tend to burn through. The retention of heat is a concern for firefighters as a tightly-insulated home with a fire contained inside can in some cases lead to a backdraft situation . . . something that asphalt shingled homes can also create . . . but often I've found fires will burn through these roofs creating natural ventilation points.

Besides cutting holes in roofs for access to the attic, most of the time we cut holes for the dual purpose of venting the home to prevent potential backdrafts and as a way of controling the fire (i.e. we're creating a crude "chimney" to allow the smoke, heat and flames to be drawn into an area where we can fight the fire rather than allow the fire to move where it wants to go.)

As mentioned before metal roofs are sometimes disliked by firefighters since they can retain heat instead of allowing a burn-through and create a backdraft situation (something that other buildings with traditional roofing materials can also create though) . . . they can sometimes be a little more difficult to cut vent holes through (not a lot though since we often use chainsaws with special carbide-tipped chains) and in the middle of the winter accessing a chimney for a call of a chimney fire can sometimes be a bit tricky since the metal roofing is invariably more slippery than asphalt roofs (which is why we often use roof ladders.)

Despite all of these apparent "short-comings" of metal roofs when it comes to fires I believe I will still vote for the metal roof. To be honest, if there is a fire that is serious enough to require firefighters to cut vent holes then the cabin is probably going to be a near total loss.

That said, asphalt shingles would be my #2 choice and I might even suggest a compromise . . . metal roofing, but done up in a style that mimics cedar shingles or slate. Just an idea.

--

P.S. I'm with Kathy on the soapstone countertops. While I live in "granite country" with several local granite quarries and love the look, I like soapstone's anti-bacterial properties, low maintainance and cooling/heating properties.

Amy, Tin is a much better choice all'round. Just the life expectancy is a no brainer. As far as, the heat, you know that it has to have vapor barrier between it and the decking, ie 1x's or fir strips. Who cares when and if the color fades, that would be about the time you need new shingles. Low maintenance is what's it's all about. When do we talk about more saving money?

Greetings Bloggers! With regards to the tin roof verses the pro and cons of other roofs; I found this in my Log Home Design March 2007 issue and it states:
Asphalt or Fiberglass Shingles: Last 20 to 25 years. Look for "architectural" shingles which offer a more detailed look.
Metal Roofing: Gaining popularity. Quick and easy to install and often comes with a 25-year warranty. Most metal roofing is made of steel that's coated with a highly durable paint. Pricey option: Copper, which can last 50 years!
Wood (Shake) Shingles: Lasts about 20 years, but may not be up to code in areas prone to wildfires.
Slate: Last 50+ years. Can be heavy, so the roof's framing may need to be reinforced to carry the load.
During our visits to the Great Smokey Mountains we have seen a lot of homes with the green tin/metal roofs. It looks great! On the east coast with my local homeowners insurance the rate does not increase when roofing with tin/metal roofing. ( I checked up on it today!) My vote is for an evergreen tin roof with a Rooster Weather Vane ! They do go together!

Ah .. .check my web pages .. .this is the 3rd log home that we have built. The first had an asphalt shingle roof. We lost those shingles 3 times to the wind between 1989 and 1993. In 2003 we sold that property and built log home #2 . .A Cabin by the Brook . .metal green metal roof. With the cold roof system we have never had icicles (neither on the asphalt roof nor the metal roofs). Log home #3 - the Lodge at the Landing. .we again went with a steel roof, green again. No heat loss, no icicles, and we have to look outside to see if the wind is blowing. So quiet.
My vote is for metal. Snow slides right off. No cracking shingles or shakes. Even when we had trees fall on the roof, the repair was extremely simple. Unscrew the damaged sheets and, put in the new sheets and screw them down. Much less work and time than cleaning up disposing of those shingles that blew all over the property.

As I have more time (that building and finshing does not occupy) I will add more pics and info to http://ibrew2.home.att.net/

Ann at The Lodge at the Landing (we built on a former log landing)

I personally agree with EdwardD. I think that slate would be a great choice, however, since we must choose from the list, I went with the tin...I admit it. I am now concerned about the comments that Amy posted about it being difficult in case of fire! I would love to hear more comments from Firefighters!

I have noticed driving in the
countryside in new mexico,all of the
new cabin homes are with tin or metal roofs. Will have to wait and see what happens next.All of the blog information on the differences regarding the rooftops was very helpful. I am still going with the tin.

Tin roofs are the best choice for a Log Cabin. First the new era of tin roofs are a far cry from the old corrigated metal roofs years ago. Most manufactures have warrenties of 50 years which is twice as long as the average asphalt shingle and propably 10 longer then cedar. Metal roofs are noncombustible and they're given a Class A fire rating. We are talking the smokey mtn here... not california... I say NO to TILE ROOFS on a cabin! Tin would not be a problem to break through with a fireman's axe. The tin roof would not be that noisy since it will be placed on a plywood base and the insulation in the roof would help in deading any or all noise.

Amy one of my neighbor have a tin roof every time I drive by I think how much did that cost so the tin get my vote. Bennett

I have a tin roof on my house and my wife and I love it. Good insulation keeps the noise down to a low level. Ours has been on for over 5 years and we haven't had any maintaince problems. It looks as good now as it did when we installed it. As for snow shed, the snow comes off our roof like an express train. I vote for tin.

Amy, I think a tin roof on a log cabin will take away from the appeal. Cedar shakes would be a better choice a log cabin should be rustic not contemporary looking. For me the cedar would just make it complete.

I have had a tin roof on my house for about 5 years. I haven't had any problems with insurance, fading, hot footed cats or anything else. There have been no problems with noise, condensation or anything. The snow doesn't get much of a chance to stick as it slides off as fast as it falls. Our local fire department says there is no difference between tin and other roofing materials. As for the sound of rain, my wife and I love the patter of rain on our roof. Good insulation keeps the noise to an enjoyable level.

I think a tin roof is spectacular we replaced the roof on our 120 yr old home with tin about 8 years ago they have a 50 yr warranty and no upkeep If you look at older farmhouses and such built in the 1890 and upwards they all used tin for longevity
and they come in many colors if you think refractive colors are needed

We live in Eastern Washington State, close to the Canadian Border. In other words, snow country! Metal roofs shed snow (it slides off)and will actually last more years, even in a wet climate.
If you drive around town here, most of the homes have metal roofs!

I have a steel green roof and love it. My builder put 6 inches of insulation using white foam boards under it and the rain sounds nice in NW PA. The Eagle system looks really neat! I lived in Virginia which is similar to TN. Carpenter ants got into our churches cedar shingles and they had to be replaced with asphalt dimesional shingles after 15 years and roofers said they were a problem in the Mid-atlantic region. Regular shingles on my house were replaced about every 10 to 15 years in Virginia. My understanding is the steel needs painted about 1 time before it is 20 years old to get a 50 year guarantee. I vote for a metal roof. I also love the colors - red, blue, green and others. I went for green in the mountains to blend in with the spring trees. It is white in the winter. Snow will zoom off metal roofs and therefore railings should be covered by the roof or it might take the railings out! If you have valleys you may have ice blockages that can bend metal as mine did. We put up new small valley pieces and fastened them more securely this year - I will see how they did in the spring!

The only thing I have ever heard about Tin Roofing is the fading that you mentioned, I have never heard of the moisture problem before. I live in Florida and my mother has a tin roof and it is the best thing she ever did. She will never have to worry about it again, never have to be replaced. She got a light colored roof which I would reccommend, that way the fading is less noticable. She has never had a moisture problem, and it is very humid here! This cabin would be beautiful with a tan colored tin! Could not go wrong! WHAT A DREAM!

For me...tin roofs and mountain cabins are like peanut butter and jelly. I have painted tin on my pole barn, and it looks just as good as the first day I put it on. It also held up through 3 hurricanes without a scratch. I am not sure why it would "increase" home owner's insurance, my brother- who is a firefighter, really couldn't give an opinion to it's "firefighter-friendly" attributes, since he has never had to cut into one. From most of my reading, it certainly seems more ecologically sound than the alternatives.

I live in a house over 100 years old and find that the tin roof, with proper maintenance is extremely durable and cost effective. I also love the sound of rain falling on it. So soothing! I have worked with asphalt shingles, but in my opinion tin is the way to go. It seems to last forever. Oh! We have never has a fire in or on the roof.

I'll add another con for the tin roof: Loud during a thunderstorm, i.e., reverberation! That's not bad during the day, but try sleeping at night. I've experienced the sudden I'm-awake-now start with that first big crack. Once you feel your heart pounding and you realize you are still alive, it's okay, until the next big boom.

Amy, it's nice to see that you've moved on from your career at Dairy Queen. :)

A fellow DQ'er.

In my opinion, tin vs. cedar is shack vs. cabin. I always associate tin roofs with shanties. Is there any way to use a material that is fireproof and also resembles cedar? The cabin will blend in with its surroundings with natural "looking" materials. I know, metal is a natural material, but not in sheets :-)

Amy:
Talking about metal roofs. Appearance wise, they go very well with cabin type archtecture.

The color finish holds up very well.

Condensation? On a well insulated roof, this should be no problem. Same goes for noise, no problem if well insulated.

I would install ice and water guard membrane on all the roof sheathing, prior to installing the metal.

No problems with ice backing up under shingles.

Pretty much a lifetime product.

On the con side of things:

When snow and ice come sliding off the roof, there better not be anything in its' path, as it WILL be destroyed. Don't park your car adjacent to an overhang for sure. Likewise for an exposed deck. It will destroy that as well. Any landscaping trees and shubs in the overhang area will be history as well.

If you ever needed to get up on the roof, (to clean a chimney for example), a steeply pitched metal roof can be dangerous.

When snow slides off of a metal roof in an area that you want to keep free of snow, you have to move it right away. If you wait, you won't be able to move it at all, since the falling action remixes the grain structure of the snow, and causes it to refreeze into one huge mass.

Amy, Normally I would vote for the cedar however on a log cabin I think that a metal roof makes the house look a little more log cabinish ( is that a word?) I work at a restaurant with a metal roof and it is very beautiful and I don't think that we have ever had to paint it. I do know that we have had quite a bit of problems with leakage though and have had to repair it several times. Of course the roof has been here since 1965 so I guess it is due for a few repairs.

METAL ALL THE WAY!!! Are appliances coming in the kitchen and are we going to vote on those also? Just wondering because it may change the way I vote for cabinets and countertops. Some of the old timey vintage looking appliances would be nice in here.

amymy only comment would be to say the roof should be asphalt i would shure like to win this one how do we. dave p.s. keep up the great shows 843336

I have seen a composite slate material that would look vry nice on any log home. supposed to be indestructable and easy to install. may cost a bit more.

Hey Ms.Amy,
WOW!! Information and more. The Knowledge these bloggers have is mind blowing.
Question please? With so many proucts out there, why are we limited to certain ones? Some of the choices I would never choose. Will there be different choices later on? Will colors be a choice? How bout wide planked floors?
We will work with what we have and make the best cabin DIY has ever seen.
Thank you for your time.

I work for a metal roofing supplier and answer questions every day about metal roofing. A good steel product can be used with a 40 year warranty against peeling and fading. We sell it every day. The issue of the heat is only a factor if you are not insulating the roof. As long as you are insulating, you will be fine. The issue of metal sweating and drawing moisture is also easily fixed by using an underlayment designed specifically for roofing. As far as colors, our company offers 19 colors to choose from in our products, many more options than shingles! Not to mention that it just looks great on cabins! If you maintenance free and extra time to enjoy the outdoors, go metal!

I posted before I finished:)

I wanted to mention that I like the look of glass tile-ceramic is good too. But glass...thick and sturdy, glass is a beautiful choice. The only thing I don't like about ceramic tile is it is difficult to maintain because of grout.

Thanks, Con

Hi Amy, I live in a 125 year old home which has a tin roof. The initial tin roof lasted 110 years. I am not aware of the tin costing us more on our homeowners policy. Snow does not build up on it and it sounds wonderful during a rain.

Tin is now more affordable than ever. If it is as good as the tin put on roofs 100 years ago. I say stay with the tin.

The cons have not convinced me to change my mind.

With the much improved examples of "tin" roofing now available, it not only makes good sense but makes the cabin authentic in its appearance. The colors I've seen of other metal roofing suggests that the manufacturers expect the material to last a long time, in fact my research indicates that it should last longer than conventional asphalt shingles. In short, it's the intelligent choice that lends a rustic touch in appearance.

This contest is one of the most interesting yet. Besides opinion's people are sharing some great information. My only suggestion right now is that the house be built with as many energy saving ideas as possible. That seems to be the "in" thing to do but it will help us all in the long run.

Thanks DIY for the contest.
Amy

I like the tin roof but if they are unsafe then I would choose the cedar shake roof they are more natural looking.

Amy,

I've been a firefighter since 1994 and have encountered a whole lot of different roof styles. Speaking just from a firefighters perspective, If there was a fire in that house or in the attic I would not do anything different just because the roof is Tin, with the exception of grabing a different saw off the truck from the get go. Someone mentioned back draft earlier and that should not be a problem since all attic ( Although I live in a different state) should be ventilated. If the attack is ventalated the heat will follow a path of least resistance. It will not trap any more heat then any other type of roof that would affect firegorund operations. For this blog the selection of the roof in regards to fire safety should have no bearing on the decision EXCEPT NOT HQAVING ONE IN THE FIRST PLACE! GO Shingles!

Amy,

I've been a firefighter since 1994 and have encountered a whole lot of different roof styles. Speaking just from a firefighters perspective, If there was a fire in that house or in the attic I would not do anything different just because the roof is Tin, with the exception of grabing a different saw off the truck from the get go. Someone mentioned back draft earlier and that should not be a problem since all attic ( Although I live in a different state) should be ventilated. If the attack is ventalated the heat will follow a path of least resistance. It will not trap any more heat then any other type of roof that would affect firegorund operations. For this blog the selection of the roof in regards to fire safety should have no bearing on the decision EXCEPT NOT HAVING ONE IN THE FIRST PLACE! GO Shingles!

Go Rin Tin Tin!

Ok Amy. I hope when you do your "review" of asphalt and wood shingles you will do a better job of research. I hope you see that some of the misinformation you used to pursuade people to not vote for tin has encouraged others to send you the correct information. All roofs can be insulated for sound and for weather differences. Depending on area, a wood shingle roof would raise your insurance and tin would lower insurance. Just the facts ma'am.

Here are some more details on roofs. Metal roofs also can require horizontal strakes in areas where snow/ice loads can create hazards to people in the form of falling on you. Metal roofs can be recycled eaisily.
Cedar shake roof can become moist from just humidity and a certain type of mites can inhabit this area and they can invade the whole house. This happened to my mother in law. She took the whole roof off and swore never to have another one. The insurance was also more.
Asphalt shingles are not readily recycled. They are still a good choice.
I have never had a metal roof except for a trailer I lived in when I was first married. It was too noisy in a thunderstorm and the seams leaked. It was not a standing seam roof on a pitched roof however and thats still my vote.

ok, i have never owned a home, much less a cabin. i voted for a tin roof soley thinking that it would be more durable. my "research" consisted of clicking around on the kinzel springs site and noticed most of them had a tin roof. not too scientific, i admit, but from the sounds of all you other bloggers i'm on the right track! my only real concern was the fire safety and i am still a little confused on the issue. i will be interested to see the pros and cons of the other two styles of roofing.

Amy
I live in a log home with a standing seam roof. My comments are:
Noise..with 8" of insulation the noise is there but it is very faint during a rainstorm; hail is Something Different.
Insurance is slightly higher however maint. is much lower. We live in SC so sun is a challenge. We've been here 7 years and no perceived fading.
Moisture is a problem; however a Good Installer knows how to overcome this challenge.

Well there are pros and cons for each roof type. There are sevearl homes in my area of NC that have metal roofs. Yes I agree that the ones I have seen needed to be painted but they have made improvements in the manufacturing of the tin and the coloring of it. It runs in my mind that when we had a metel roof put on our old house the contractor said it would last including the color as long as a shingle roof would last. If I remember that right it would be about 10 -15 years. I love a metal roof because of the sound and the looks of it. Metal also gets hot but I did not see any difference inside the house as far as the heat from the roof went. I feel with any roof you are going to have maintanance to do.
I love this contest and the idea of it. What a great idea to have the people design the house.
Nancy

Amy-
Is a metal roof more difficult for firemen to gain access than an asphalt roof? Isn't cedar (even treated) more hazardous when the home has a fireplace?-an even greater concern if this is not a year-round home. I understand that metal roof technology is supposed to be greatly improved these days. Will the asphalt shingles for this cabin be installed architectuarally (looks so much nicer)?

I remember once going on a Family Girl Scout Overnight Campout. We were told this camp site had great cabins with wonderful facilities. This made it easy to convince everyone in our blended family including the eldest how much fun it would be. When we arrived, we saw these fantastic log cabins, but we drove past them. Next we saw several dorm looking cabins, but drove past them. Finally we stopped. That's when we smelt them. There were too many to count. They sat on blocks, musty, little "Canvas Cabins". Some people were already in theirs and had begun to try and air them out. You see, they were post and canvas, with these little cots inside. You could roll all the sides up for ventilation, if you wanted to breathe fresh air. Some had all the flaps tied down. We were instructed not to spay the canvas with any type of bug spray, because it would harm the water repellant material. That also told me they did not treat for the mold that was starting to grow. Of course we had the famous litrines right in the middle of camp. Not to far from them was the wonderful outdoor shower. Yep, step right up into a halfway enclosed area, for all to see and take your shower. I think it was for decoration, no one used it! For the most we did have a great time, roasting marshmallows, singing songs around the campfire and spending quality time with the whole family and doing it with a group that had a great sense of humor. Then came night: For some reason the Scout Leaders decided in their infinite wisdom to put the Families 4 in a tent(what was supossed to have been a cabin, remember?) and the girl who belonged to the Troop would sleep with her fellow Girl Scouts and not her family. That did not set well with many kids. They wanted to be with their families, including mine. So just as we lay down, we hear a scratching at our canvas door and a little light shines in. A voice saying there is something creepy in their tent. Can I come in. Don't ask me how, but I scoot over on this single cot and share it with her. Of course what kind of campout would this be without playing shadow puppets with our flashlights? While we are making our shadows on the canvas, we start to see other shadows moving, only they were not ours. We all start shining our flashlights up high and there they were, millions and millions of cockroaches! The big ones! They were everywhere! Squeezing and running in every crack and hole they could find. You could even hear them against the canvas. They were perched up high in our "Canvas Cabin" like bats. I lay awake all night petrifide that one may fall! By daylight they had disappeared. We were all glad to go home and checked our bags carefully. There is no such thing as a "Canvas Cabin".

HI, I'm a retired fire fighter from St. Louis, Mo. We use gas saws that will cut through anything. But it is true the tin will not burn through as easily as shingles, so it will hold the heat inside the building, and the tin will be more slippery when wet, and the strength can be decieving. If the rafters are weakened from the fire, the tin may still look solid from above. But the tin looks better on a log home. Just hope the smoke detectors alert the occupants before the fire gets too big.

Hope it doesn't snow, a lot anyway. Snow slides off and maybe you can get out of your house. At least it won't cave in your house.

obviously tin in gonna win.. but what's with the close race between flat and textured walls.. who likes those popcorn walls? i have them in my house and we can't paint or add wallpaper.. just horrible abrasive popcorn white..

Tin roofs may look nice on cabins but asphalt is the choice that is more sensible. Consider the heat retainment issue, plus the sound when it rains, not to mention the fire issues.

Ann, has anyone thought about doing a envelope house (solar) for this project. With todays rising fuel costs, it only makes sense. And it would fit in very nicely with the Greenbriar floor plan. If I was president I would make it a law that all new homes would have to have some percentage of "GREEN" built into it. but thats just my opinion.

I've had experience with all three. Here are my observations:

1) Shingles - Structured is a solid choice for hail, wind etc. Problem is, with all the trees you have issues with bugs, sap, branches, sunlight, etc. All those things stress and prematurely age shingles. I had a roof that only lasted about 15 years because of the above. The cost is hard to beat, however

2) Cedar Shakes - Pretty, renewable, and architecturally interesting. That's about it. Has anyone with these things ever NOT had an issue figuring out where a leak was coming from?? We've had about 9-10 instances where we had leaks that we had to track down and redo - which takes days and a lot of damage. Plus just finding a person to re-roof a house with cedar shakes is an experience.

3) Metal roof - Folks above have posted all the pros and I agree with all of them. Maintenance, worry, and beauty-free. These thing will typically outlast the windows in your house. But not so easy on the eyes unless integrated into the design somehow.

So my vote was metal simply because this is a RETREAT. I wouldn't want to have worry about maintenance on my house and my RETREAT at the same time. One money-pit is enough. And the point of a retreat is to RELAX and not work on the retreat. So my votes are all for zero to low maintenance exteriors.

-Criz

Well, we've discussed tin (I hope you mean metal) roofs to death. They would not ignite from sparks from a chimney or forest fire, ventilation would be taken care of by regular attic ventilation, they would not increase (probably decrease) insurance premiums in a forested area. In the unlikely event that the cabin would be on fire from a cause within, modern firefighting practices would overcome the difficulties (correct saws to get through a metal roof, roof ladders to overcome the slipperiness.) The slipperiness is a plus in heavy snowfalls - the snow slides off instead of collapsing roof. What is the likelihood someone would be passing beneath at the precise moment the snow slides off a precise spot & what would the harm be (other than amusing stories of the "snow shower"?) Sounds like a lot of fun to me!
So, when do we get to see the lot (photos, plan, & topo?) If we really get to design the cabin, it's siting for views and solar gain will be the most critical for future enjoyment as well as energy conservation.
Amy, how about it???

I'm voting for the metal roof ( I don't think "tin" is really used any more)I remember my grandfather's old cabin with the corrugated tin roof. It did get a little muggy in the summer, but they had NO insulation. In the winter the snow would just slid off the tin while we sometimes had to shovel it off the roof of the addition that had shingles. Every spring we had to check the shingle roof for loose spots and cracks from ice dams. Never had to fix the tin roof! With modern insulation you wouldn't have to worry about moisture buildup causing the mugginess

This is my first visit to the log cabin blog and I have to say I am very impressed by the volumne of great information coming from the general population! As a "do it yourselfer" I agree with the posted comment regarding the use of "green" alternatives. There are a number of products out there now from roofing materials to countertops that are made from recyled material that provide the same function and asthetics without creating more waste. Keep the good ideas coming! PS. Is there sking or snow boarding near this cabin if so I want it!!!

I have to put in my bid now for soapstone in the kitchen. It lasts forever with little (even none) maintainence, naturally resists bacteria, mold & mildew. You can put hot pots directly on the counter without worry. It makes a great pastry board, or taffy pulling center. The older it is, the better it looks - it has a patina that you wont find with granite and it feels ...."creamy" is the best I can decribe. It's not getting many votes & I think that's because people don't really know what it is. Go visit a showroom & see samples before you vote again.

Thank you Bonnie! You provided good information for those who have not investigated Metal roofs. Most new construction that uses the new metals first use what is called a rigid roofing system. It has anywhere from 4 to 6 inches of styro insulation along with the OSB or plywood backing used. Also there are 2 inches added from the tounge and groove wood used for the ceiling. The noise factor is no longer an issue. Sorry for the folks out there that like the sound of rain on metal. Also one needs to consider on a steel roof (no longer tin) what type of system, there are 2 main types out there, standing seam and panel. Problem with the panel system (cheaper that standing seam) is that the panels are screwed down to the roof and use a rubber type washer for waterproofing where the holes are made. These washers wear out eventually and will need to be replaced. They also make a striped mess on the roof as they age. So I would like someone to consider the standing seam roof over the panel system. It is worth the extra dollars down the road as far as maintenance goes.

Hi Amy! I am a Paramedic and work very close to the firefighters. I am writing in reference to the question you had about fires and tin roofs. I live in Texas and we have a huge (and growing) number of tin roofs. The fire industry has learned to adapt. It really depends on the individual fire department and the tools they have available. Another thing that few people consider is that in living in secluded area, such as a mountainous regions like this one, you are usually so far away from a fire department that you have little hope of saving anything in the case of a serious fire. If a fire department is close enough, equipped well, and the fire is found early then the roof won't be an issue.
Personally I prefer the tin roof. I like the look and the durability. As someone said earlier, here in Texas, where we have extreme weather most of the year, I see very very few problems with tin roof fading.

Regarding the cons- No, insurance costs are less with metal roofs, I sell insurance. 2nd, I would suggest speaking to a fire fighter about these types of roofs, metal does not burn...as far as I can see the only true statement is about the cats vs the metal roofs.

Amen to the value of the fire safety and snow slippage characteristics of a tin roof. We decided on a metal (aluminum was available at the time) roof for both those reasons. I applied an extra layer of rigid insulation on top of the decking prior to laying the roof. In 28 years, it's never been a problem.

Standing seam metal roof construction in steel with pre-coated epoxy finishes (nice blues, greens, even red) are considered 50-year+ roofs.

Why doink around with tin? So you can make Tennessee Williams jokes and listen to rain rattle?

Actually, if I may go off the list, there is a lightweight concrete roof tile product that mimics weathered cedar shakes, is fireproof in a forest, and stands off bugs, mold, ice, snow, termites -- just about everything short of a 400-pound chimney sweep.

Not knowing how to put a link in this blog entry, I entered it as my url. Click my name and see the product.

:)

Amy-
The sound of rain on a tin roof is music for the soul and will put one to sleep like a baby.
I'm wondering about a tiled roof as an option for being more fire resistant- although much easier to get through than a tin roof in case of a fire.
Merely food for thought.
Thanks for the chance to voice an opinion.
~Yvonne.

If you were to investigate the the way tin roofs are installed today you would be shocked at what you were to find. It is way better than before and is more energy efficient. Also it now comes in a variety of colors. Not that I would want anything less than a rustic look on a cabin if it was mine. If I was to build a cabin it would look just like what it should out in the mountins. Adding anything more to a wonderful view would be devistating. A cabin should blend in with the enviroment along with bringing in that relaxing feeling inside.
A metal roof is no diffrent than any other as far as rain or snow. The summer heat does not affect it due to the insulation.
As far as cleaning a chimney I suggest doing it shortly after the last time you use it. The reason for that is you are not out in the hot summer sun and most of all it is ready for the next year. Thus you do not have to worry about the smell if you are in a climate that heats up and causes the smell to enter the house during the summer.

Hi Amy,
After reading all the comments on the roof, I like the idea of a copper roof for my cabin. I'm in to maintenance free living (if there is such a thing) and this sounds like the perfect roof to me.

I own a color tin roofing on my home. I am very pleased with it. The fading part takes so many years to see if it is fading. I would not even consider that for a moment. I have had the other and the first real wind storm and you will be loosing parts of your roof where as the tin stays. I have lived through some tremendous storms and our tin keeps surviving. I have had my colored tin roof on now going on twenty five yrs.

After reading all of the comments above, I am very excited about the metal roof on the cabin, scientifically and aesthetically. I was also glad to hear the good news on the extended life and new look for asphalt shingles since in some settings this might be a preferred look.

Changing the subject, I like the way the casement window opens vertically for ventilation purposes. I'll bet that if folks are voting on the look, that the look of a double hung can be provided in the Casement window, too.
Looks like we will have chosen the double hung before we have a chance to talk about it. Any thoughts?

hey Amy I love the house and i just wanted to say hi. I haven't seen or heard anything about you since high school.

Hello Amy,

As a firefighter for 10 years now, and a professional firefighter for 7 of those, I have had quite a few experiences with tin roofs at structure fires, and can offer this assistance:

1. The whole reason firefighters go up on a roof during a fire is to cut a hole in it to allow the rising heat and smoke to get out of the structure as fast as possible, thus allowing better visibility and cooler temperatures for firefighters inside of the house. It is EXTREMELY rare to use a ventilation-hole in the roof for an access point. Firefighters do not use these holes to get into the attic spaces, nor are we supposed to use them to spray water down into.

2. Tin roofs WILL contain heat more inside of a house. It is significantly harder for a fire to burn through the tin roof versus a shingle/wood roofing material, meaning the heat from the fire will build up inside the house much longer before burning through the roof completely, which also means the roof trusses have a greater chance of failing and causing the firefighter to fall through the roof. If a fire burns long enough, it will eventually burn through the roof, and ventilate the heat and smoke from inside by itself. The best situation for a firefighter is to arrive and have it already burned through the roof (so we know it's not safe to go up there before we even try to), or have no flames in direct contact with the roof trusses (so the trusses arent weakened at all.)

3. The saw we need to cut through a shingled or cedar-shake roof is a mere chainsaw. The saw we would use to cut through a tin roof is a circular saw (also known as a K-12 saw.) This isnt really that big of a problem in all honesty. Us "truckies" (the guys who usually go up on the roof) are trained to look at the roof extensively BEFORE gathering the equipment we will need to perform vertical ventilation. Many circular saws for firefighting purposes come with blades that can cut through both metal AND wood (however, a chainsaw will cut through wood much faster than a circular saw will.) Perhaps the winner of the cabin could donate a circular saw with a metal and wood blade to the fire department that would be in the jurisdiction of where the cabin is located if a tin roof is decided to be the favorite choice here.

3. The tin roof offers little or no traction whatsoever for firefighters to walk on. When a tin roof gets wet, it makes it very hard for firefighters to move around. NOW, my department MANDATES that all firefighters be on a roof ladder (a ladder with small hooks on the top of it that lies across the roof so we can move up and down the roof with ease) at all times, but I find it difficult to perform ALL required tasks on a roof while always being on a roof ladder. It's pretty much impossible to always be standing on the roof ladder at all times. If I step onto a asphalt-shingled roof, I will have MUCH more traction on the shingles versus if I stood on a tin roof. If the tin roof is wet or icy at all, traction is almost nonexistent in all honesty.

My BIGGEST advice if you are considering roof safety during a fire is to consider having a fire-resistant coating put on the roof trusses, ESPECIALLY over the gusset (or gusett?) plates. The gusset plates are typically the first piece of a roof truss to fail when subjected to a high heat load. Once the gusset plates fail, it's only a matter of time before the trusses fail entirely. Too many firefighters are hurt or killed due to gusset plate or truss failures. Check your local yellow pages for a fire protection system agency near you. Im sure they will be able to recommend somebody that can apply the fire-resistant material on the trusses (if not sell it to you.)

One other thing I would highly recommend is this: If you are planning on putting a basement in this cabin, PLEASE put ample drywall on the basement ceilings. This summer, a firefighter in a neighboring city from where I work fell to his death through the ground floor. The fire started in the basement of the house, and quickly grew into a massive blaze. The floor joists for the ground floor were NOT drywalled in the basement, and the fire load on it (along with the extremely heavy floor tiles and other weight loads on the joists) was a floor-collapse waiting to happen. Whent he team of two firefighters entered the structure, the joists failed under the extra weight, and they both fell into the basement. One of the two firefighters was able to find her way out of the basement, the other was not successful. It took firefighters hours before they could stabilize the ground floor enough to go in and pull his body out of the basement.

Also, just last week, my own department responded to a basement fire that caused the ground floor to fail there as well. Lucky for us, the firefighters on my department were evacuated before the floor collapsed. People MUST remember how much weight ground floors can be subjected to, and act accordingly when it comes to making sure the floor joists have ample protection in the event of a basement fire. With appliances, tile flooring, possible radiant floor heating, and other modern-day luxuries, floor joists for the ground floors are subjected to massive weight-bearing loads. If a basement fire were to break out, and there was no drywall or fire-resistant material on the floor joists, it's not a matter of IF the floor could fail, but WHEN it will fail. Fire burning directly on floor joists or roof trusses is a firefighter's worst enemy in terms of our safety.

I can't thank you enough Amy for considering firefighter safety when building this cabin. It really means alot to us to know that this was a consideration of your's. On behalf of every firefighter, our loved ones, and our friends, we thank you!

Amy,

Having built a cabin with my father before he passed away, we used tin for our roof. What I found to be the biggest drawback was the fasteners. We used a grommeted screw with a rubber(or maybe silicon) washer to seal the roof after fastening it down. The problem is that in a high sunlight area, the washer dries up, breaks down and eventually fails. Then your choices are to cover the screw hole with sealant, or like I did, to remove the old screw (sometimes hard because of corrosion) fill in the hole with 25 year silicon sealant)and put in an new screw.

I am new to this, but my goodness what fun it is.
I totally love log cabins. Love the ol west and country feel. It is so much fun to be part of picking out designs for a log cabin and what you want inside of it. Even if it wasnt the exact one I would want I would be willing to take almost any design, short of an outhouse instead of a bathroom, thats a no, been there done that one.
Anyway, Thanks to DIY for this chance

I've always loved the look of a log cabin. The more rustic-looking, the better, but of course with some modern conveniences, like in-door plumbing, electricity, and the like. Creature comforts, I guess you would say. But still getting "back to basics" in the way they look. The look and feel of a log cabin to me is totally home, very welcoming and open, with large rooms and good flow, the kind that says, "Come on in, take a load off your feet, sit a spell, and listen to the sounds of home, nature, peace and tranquility." Sounds really nice, since I live in the city, and would truly love a log cabin to call my own. Just listening to rain hitting the tin roof at night, or sitting next to a comforting water feature, or having a family get-to-gether by the outdoor fireplace. What a life!! Thanks for letting your readers and viewers have a say about the log cabin!

For a cabin, a tin roof is the only way to go. During those rainy day and nights, the rain hitting the tin will be music to your ears. Trust me.

Re: the cat - pick me, I have a dog! ; ). I like either the tin roof (sky blue!) or the cedar - I'm holding judgement on both until I see what you have to say about the cedar. I do think the cedar looks more natural though, and the tin may not be particular energy efficient.

I think people are confused by the word tin. Few commercial roofs are done in tin. It is stamped and painted steel. The days of old ribbed tin that rusted are gone. The new metal roofs are a lighter load on the house. They are more wind proof. I just watched an edition of Extreme Makeover and the roof put on the new house was a metal roof. It is supposed to be hurricane wind proof. Also, steel recycles better than asphalt shingles. The new steel roofs are stamped in different patterns, to mimic any roofing style. The paint is now good up to 5o years. And so is the life of the roof. A lot better than replacing an asphalt shingle roof every 20-30 years. Also fireproof from embers from any nearby fire. Metal roofing is what I will put on my house when these shingles have to go.

I love the design. I'll take any thing,I'm not picky!!!!! Metal roof, shingles, what ever! Thank you DIY.

Amy,

I am a firefighter/paramedic in West Virginia. You are correct when you state that tin roofs create issues for firefighters. There are two issues actually. The first is safety. Tin roofs would be more slippery than a shingle roof when wet, and may be impossible to traverse safely. However, cedar shingles may present a similiar safety issue. Although I prefer the cedar from an owner standpoint, the traditional shingles might be the best from a firefighters point of view.

Secondly, firefighters do not cut holes in roofs to gain access to attic space, as stated by Andrea in an earlier blog. We cut holes in the roof to vent heat from the structure. We never use these holes to gain entry into the structure. Since not all fire departments can afford the gas saws, we are sometimes forced to use an axe to make a hole. This would be very difficult with a tin roof. And again, I point out that it would be unsafe.

Thanks for the fun!

Barry
Fairmont, WV

I really like the rustic look of a tin roof. This home is a cabin and meant, at least in my opinion, to look like a cabin/vacation retreat. I am amazed that more people aren't seeing the same thing. The rustic branch stair rail and the clawfoot tub all say "cabin" to me. The walk in shower is beautiful, but seems to belong in a high rise condo not a cabin. Am I alone??

I think knowing the type of roof structure and insulation is important in picking a roofing material. A SIP roof would prevent the sweating mentioned. I know many log cabins use this system above the log beams that frame the roof structure and have a tongue and groove wood ceiling exposed to the space below. Noise would also be eliminated.

The kitchen should be tied into the deck where it is shared. Nothing is better than cooking inside and outside at the same time.

Here we go- "opinions are like armpits everyone's stink". Ha. But really, this is a good forum to get all those opinions. I do think like one blogger who wrote that their opinion was changed once reading the last minute week of voting comments. I agree also that maybe some other ways of working around this could take place. Maybe stop votes on all items until you place the blog on that area of voting or count the last min. votes as double entries. I am not sure-but maybe there is a better solution out there. There really should be more info. posted and pros cons before we were allowed to vote in the first place.

Mainly safety should be of upmost importance. The home should stand out but not look odd with the other existing homes. It should have a high priority of easy maintenance as this is a retreat home. Functionality and then specific looks and odds and ends.

I really appreciated the firemen's comments and all the people who actually had experience of certain roofing materials! It SEEMS to me, gathering what was written in all the blogs, that roofing material depends on the area most of all.

It seems that the cedar shakes would attract too many problems in this environment esp. insects and such. Be more maintanence etc..
Tin, metal- whatever it is these days still seems a good choice even with the cons. We have it here in Michigan on restraunts. To me even with my lack of knowledge on tin/metal roofs wouldn't it 'seem' that restraunts are the most likely to have fires. So their must be more pros then cons!! I specifically like the lighter colors (my opinion) especially if it is true with less fading showing and the less heat retention or "eco" end of it. We have dusty greens and blues here that look very nice. Wouldn't it seem (if this fact is true) that if others in the area of this cabin have the metal/tin that it would be appropriate?!
Asphalt shingles... kind of boring in "my opinion" but... hey maybe it would stand out from the others then. And I would have to add though it should have some interesting look to it. I forget the terminology..but basically the overlapped look.

P.S. Could people just blog on the question on hand and not other categories or stories. There is a time and place .. and it makes for too much time and reading otherwise. Maybe.. just maybe this could have been avoided if we were only given one choice at a time from the get go. Just my opinion and like I said........

Just have a question about the fireplace. The 3rd choice shows a woodheater in a fireplace. Is the fireplace a fireplace or what? I love the open fireplace that it is sitting in and it really is a dream of mine to have such a fireplace in the kitchen to cook in. Think about the cast iron pots of soup and beans you could cook in this fireplace and also you can get a grill to cook steaks mmmmmm well this is my question and view ..

I like the asphalt shingles. Not only can you get them in a variety of shapes and colors now, but I recently watched a show testing them against other roofing materials and they held up just as well to direct flame as other materials thought to be more "durable".

Manufacturers for the shingles provide a nice long warranty period on the material, and it's easy for a do-it-yourselfer to replace a small section if some gets damaged.

I've also seen "solar" shingles which can be installed similar to the asphalt as either a whole roof or just a portion of the roof and will give you the benefit of a supplemental energy source, even if it's just to power the water heater or dishwasher.

Definitely tin!!! My parents build their home in 1950 with a tin roof. The original tin roof is STILL on that house long after my the death of my parents. There was very little maintenance. No problems with condensation. The tin roof was no hindrance to the firefighters during the fire which originated in the kitchen in the 60's. The tin roof did not make the house any hotter than the neighbors' houses which had other types of roofs. I should know about this cause my bedroom was upstairs. The rain on the roof was great @ night! A cabin bordering a forest with a tin roof....fabulous!!

Hello to all!

Roofing

I've tried to read ALL of the opinions here but nowhere did I see anything related to GREEN building practices.

The big issue from my perspective (a log cabin in the country) is that asphalt shingles are horrible for our environment. From the creation to the disposal nothing good seems to come from them.

Cedar shake is a problematic (fire) roofing material by today's standards although one company is apparently producing a shake that has fire resistent abilities.

From a personal experience I found "tin" (as mentioned above - not really tin) is a great roofing approach.
While working in Katrina and Wilma devastated areas in late 2005 and early 2006 I was surprised to see how many metal roofs survived unharmed while right next door the roofing was literally blown away. The only damages I saw to metal roofs were caused by flying debris (mostly palm tree remains) denting the metal roof.

The fading issue must be something of rumor (or perhaps experience with ancient versions of metal roofing which did) but today's metal roofs do not or at least, have not in my case, faded and are usually guaranteed for up to 50 years against such problems.

Maintenance is far less with a metal roof compared to either of the other two options over the life of a typical roof.

Lastly, the metal roof is far less expensive to install especially when it's being put on a brand new structure.

Did you think about other roof options like metal? They have products now that look like traditional shingles, which can add to the rustic feeling of a cabin, but provide better fire proofing. This although something you don’t want to think about, you should because of the location. We had a wild fire come through our town “Los Alamos” in 2000 and there were two homes that were spared in a neighborhood that was other wise wiped out by the fire because of the roofing material. We had our log Kit home’s roof replaced following the fire because of this. It is not any louder than regular shingle homes when the rain or hail hit the roof. Tin roofs, could do the trick but I think the shingles fit the log home look better.

After watching a tv news article detailing ice dams on roofs, it makes no sense to put in shingles of any kind in regions where snowfall is expected. The bottom layer will eventually melt, and if enough melts before it gets off the roof, it can lead to freezing under the roofing, forcing the shingles up and off. Imagine having to make repairs for this every spring! My roof is colored steel, needs no paint, and I'm in Southwestern Alaska, sometimes with a foot of snow on my roof. When ice forms, it has nothing to get under.

I like the tin roof, I think it gives this house the right type of character.I don't think white will be the appropiate color for this cabin. It will need to be a Green or Red . I don't know much about tin roofs except what I have read on this blog. One other concern would be falling branches if this cabin is located amongst a lot of tall trees. Maybe a tile roof would look good. It has a life time warranty and there are lots of colors to choose from

A multi-generational westerner chiming in - I can't speak for the fire danger or snowfall in the area of this cabin, but I wouldn't even consider any other but a tin roof in a heavily forested area in the west. Ice damming, snow load accumulation, and fire danger are all great reasons to have a tin roof. My grandfather put a tin roof on his cabin when it was new in the 1930's, and I understand it was finally replaced about ten years ago. Not bad for durability.

Metal roofing is my vote! Made this decision 25 yrs ago on our log home and have not been sorry. With our roof pitch, winter snow and ice slides were an early concern when gutters were ripped off. This problem was remedied by attaching ice hooks. Definitely, the way to go!

Have you checked with other metals for roofing, we recieved a very good estimate for an aluminum roof looks like metal can also appear like cedar. It gives protection of metal with any look you want company also warranties against fading for life, company also states their product carries energy star label! perhaps You can check it out.

I live in a home with a tin/metal roof. Here's the plus: Metal roofs tend to drop snow faster, keeping ice dams and leaks to a minimum. I don't hear the rain to such a point that it keeps me awake. So, they fade a little, that is if you are considering silver or beige. Darker colors do tend to fade more, but the newer ones don't as much as the older ones. You don't paint a tin roof. Never had a moisture problem, and it is a recyclable material. Asphalt tends to curl up in the sun and dry out causing leaks. Falling tree branches don't go through metal roofs but I have seen a few sticking out of asphalt roofs, after a heavy wind. Disadvantages: you have to possibly rescrew the roof screws because they mysteriously unscrew. That's about it.

People might want to look at the overall structure of the house that was allready chosen and picture what looks best.
I paint roofs and homes part-time and metal looks nice when you first put it on,but if color is added it does fade as amy stated.
Tin also looks too modern for the structure chosen but if the home was being built in northern states,tin would be the best roof because of snow and less chance of leaks in the future.
The home is being built in southern states though.
Cedar shakes might be the best choice for this home because it goes with the overall look or structure and they do not rot.
If i had another choice of roofing,i might choose slate or lightweight simulated slate roofing which is guaranteed to last a lifetime and has less stress or weight on the roof and looks great,plus maybe cheaper price than real slate.
Asphalt is too bland or too modern simplistic and they tend to rot or deteriorate and can have ice and water backups in winter,plus if snow just sets there,it has a chance to warp the roof structure.
Since they might not get much snow if any,i still think cedar is the best of the 3 choices.

My uncle is a Master Contractor in Washington and my husband and I have talked to him about building a log cabin. We love the look of the Green tim roof with a darker log. It is a classic look for today's log cabin's. However, he did say that you would have problems with the paint fading and possible leackage. He strongly suggested to look around for the same look without the metal roofing.

I have been a painter in the past and had to repaint the old corregated style of metal roofs on a few different jobs. This is a quick way to restore any look you want, its quick and easy.
Some people seem to think that the only styles of metal roofing available are corregated and long sheets. This is not true. There are companies making great strides with different styles now and they are beautiful.
The coatings they can put on these smaller shakes are done with powder coating and can last as long or longer than colors of conventional shingles. The price of reshingleing a house is still riseing. I say that anything you can do to delay that would be a great asset to any house, and tin roofs do last a long long time.
Also by going to these more decorative styles you can increase the value of the house a lot.
Keep up the good work, and don`t let the few people who have no forsight ruin your day.

Hi, Amy.
I was so disappointed to see how far ahead the tin roof was. I really think that the shingles go much better with this cabin design. The tin seems to be of more modern character than the floor plan and makes the cabin seem less related to the roof. I'm hoping others might see the same thing. If people were looking for another option, you might offer slate or simulated slate, though.

Hi, Amy.
I was so disappointed to see how far ahead the tin roof was. I really think that the shingles go much better with this cabin design. The tin seems to be of more modern character than the floor plan and makes the cabin seem less related to the roof. I'm hoping others might see the same thing. If people were looking for another option, you might offer slate or simulated slate, though.

Hey, tin roof - tin roof - they are so durable and even in this Florida heat...outstanding! They don't fade here! I like the idea of Teal Green, that was my Dream Log Home's desired color, but Sandy browns, evening blues, Gods earth colors would also be fine. I also agree with the snow sliding off the roofs easily with a tin roo & no maintenance. They don't have lightening rods on homes here in Florida. If any place needed them, it would be here! The landscaping is magnificent. Thanks Amy for hope, a dream which encludes such delightful people...and their opinions...That is what makes Variety so special...especially in people's dreams...wish they could all have one like your building...I have lost several homes due to my son's brain surgeries and care. My husband of one year has never owned a home since he was military. We together, have 5 children up north and wouldn't it be great to have a new home to move into and have our children come to. Now that is our dream. I can hear that country kitchen buzzing now with clammering kids and grandkids.. WOW! Joyce Guy

endura roofing looks like the tin style but is like asbestos and last a life time check in to it . it is easy to put up metal is heavy,rusty, and just not good for a house .

Sally Jo was talking about building GREEN. I agree. Everything should be built green. One of the big advantages of a metal roof is rainwater collection. If I lived in an area where there was adequate rain, I would definitely want a metal roof so I could set up rainwater collection.

In regards to the concerns for metal roofing I am an Architectural Representative for a metal roofing manufacturer. In addition to the exhaustive mentioning of the longevity of metal roofing, I have several other comments. Today's Standing Seam metal roofing will typicaly come with a PVDF Paint coating this paint for some manufacturers has a finish warranty up to 35 years against crack, peel or fade. Additionally, ceramic pigments are being batched into the paint to make it more engery efficient so that even darker colors are able to release the heat energy away from the roof surface instead of transfering it into the building thus reducing your cooling costs. Metal is also a highly environmentally friendly product in that the initial product contains recycled content and the roof is completely recylable should you remve it from the building. Standing Seam is superior because it allows for the expansion and contraction that occurs in metal, while screw through roof restrict this and are likely to leak. Finally, a 2" mechanically seamed standing seam panel that is properly installed can be installed on a 1/2" on 12" pitch. I hope you pick a painted standing seam metal roof!

We had a tin roof put on one of our hunting cabins in Minnesota and it drove us all nuts when it rained. The following year we had it replaced with asphalt roof and we were so happy for the peace it brought us. After all that is what you have a cabin for to get away from noise and live quietly for a while.

I can't believe all the folks who want a tin roof. We live in the Sierras in California at the 6,000' level. Have only seen one tin roof which was put on a shack someone made into a beautiful home, except for the tin roof which has rusted badly and makes the whole place look awful. Was disappointed with the trees as ours are so huge two people would never be able to get their arms around them. We also have codes that prevent people from using cedar shakes in case of a fire. Our roof has asphalt flame retardant shingles in red. Our home is all cedar which looks great with the red shingles. I think a beach house for your next project would be utterly terrific as love the water in spite of having many streams and rivers nearby in which to fish and enjoy.

I think metal roof would be best by far!! The arguments with shake and shingle for the look, well, have you all thought about the fact that you can get metal roof to look like shake, shingle, tile or anything you want now days!
Sound a problem? Personally, I like the trinkle sound of a light rain on a metal roof. Granted, hail and heavy rains could be a little noisy. That is what sheathing and insulation are for! Hail is noisy even on a shingle roof. Hail may ding up a metal roof, but won't poke the holes in it so it leaks like a seive.
I agree with those who argue about the fading factor. Metal does NOT fade as one would think. Besides, have you checked a sheet of shingles sitting in the garage against those on a roof you put on say 5 years ago? The sun and other weather elements are hard on EVERYTHING not just metal roofs. Weather and other misc. items just slide off metal roofs. Therefore, where there is no water there is no wicking and no leaking problems. The best thing about metal roofs in today's world is the recycling and the GREEN factor. That is what is very important today!!

Some people say if you have never tried or experienced something , then you never miss it.
On a rainey / stormy night the sounds always both putting me to sleep as well those sounds seem to dwell in your mind as some grand memories.Tin roofs call me back to Appalachia, Home metal roofs,Porch and friends and family.Thank you for your time, Kimszee

I have metal on my cabin in NC and the homeowners insurance is still cheap. A properly installed metal roof can actually be a better insulator to heat than you might think. The sheets are supposed to be raised from a typical plywood base and would allow airflow. Also consider your building site. If it's heavily wooded, a metal roof is a clear winner. Wooden or asphalt shingles will mold/moss up in no time. Remember, this is the SMOKY mountains (read moisture/humidity).

A tin roof is the only way to go.

I may change my mind on some things after reading the blogs, but not the metal roof. I agree with the many that say the sound can be controlled, the look can be altered and most of the objections can be addresses.

I've had my roof replaced twice while I've been in my home and I have experienced two different types of roof. Asphalt and cedar shake.

I go for tin for the fire safety, longevity, and many other advantages. I saw in this blog that it was more expensive to insure. I thought it was the least expensive to insure so I will have to research that a little.

In designing a dream home I would look for all the things that would make it safe, comfortable and long lasting. The asphalt roofs I've had experience with are not what I would choose if I were designing a home.

On the floor, I prefer echo-friendly, but I did notice that the warranty for the carmalized bamboo was 15 years instead of 25. That made me a little concerned about longevity. I wouldn't want to have to think about reflooring after 15 years.

dear diy

Tin seems to be the better choice it is renewable and in that type of enviroment I hear it handles well to moss and mold and what the fire fighter said also makes sense Its not like its slabs 1nch thick or more cutting it of shouldnt be a problem but that is what I think. now the sound in question if its installed correctly and can be the quieter of the choice sure its a shoe in and If your going to choose tin I heard that copper would look good but would it stain the wood and compromise the enviroment I just dont know.

I still like the tin roof. I like all of the discussions (without the contiversy). I have always lived in south Texas so snow has never been an issue to me. Can anyone with experience with the white stuff inform me of their thoughts?
Thanks

It seems I go against the fairytale ideas of "the cabin". I think you should,
'eat your cake and have it too!" Layout is important for privacy and living. Nice to see everything but is it a good living environment?
The tin roof can be a disater! The snow slides and destroys everything at it's fall! I have seen it first hand at my daughter's home. Also at public establishments that cordon off sidewalks to prevent injury to pedestrians. The new asphalt 40 yr. shingles are very nice. They appear quaint. The insurance industry ok's them. It also sounds like many other servise people ie. fireman, maintenance, energy efficient stats etc. are not happy with the tin roof. They consider it a hazard.
Really when it is built each option lends charm to the cabin . All the options have been thought out to complement any combination. Think!, what will have the most charm , Posess the most practicality and flexibillity for living? What will be the easiest to maintain, Then vote. Not voting smart only gives you a fairytale cabin that is not that easy to live in.

Hi Amy ~

I am a retired firefighter from Washington DC, which contains many, many older buildings with tin or copper roofs. As my brother firefighters have said, accessing vent holes in a metal roof requires nothing more than grabbing a different saw off the truck. You may have used one to cut concrete ~~ it's called a "Sawz All" and has a diamond encrusted, tempered steel, circular blade. That thing will cut through anything like a hot knife through butter.

As for the "slippery when wet" problem... I'm surprised none of the firefighters has mentioned a roof or pole ladder! This is a single aluminum pole with alternating foot pegs on each side, and a hook at the top. You just turn the hook outwards and catch it on the peak of the roof. Makes a nice stable work platform when a bucket or aerial ladder isn't available.

Heat in the cockloft, or attic... my current home has whole attic fans that will switch on when the temperature reaches a certain point, or in the presence of smoke. I have one of these high capacity fans on each gable vent. They shouldn't be too difficult to adapt them for use in soffit or ridge vents. Not only are they automatically controlled by temperature and/or smoke, there is a wall switch in my hallway for manual operation.

Like it was said, tin roofs and log cabins go together like peanut butter and jelly. One other firefighting benefit is the added protection they give should an unfortunate wildfire occur. I'd put the tin up against cedar, or even asphalt shingles, any day of the week. The burning embers just slide off, like water off a duck's back!

In my humble opinion, ok so sometimes it's not so humble. 30 years of construction and considering the area, tin really is the best option. This is my reasoning: As mentioned previously, debris, snow, bugs etc. just don't stick around. (Pun intended) Cedar takes a lot of care as it has to be treated periodically both against fire and weather resistance. (They mold and moss up really bad otherwise.) Even the architectural comp. shingles don't hold up as well as properly installed tin. My vote naturally is for tin.

Hi Amy, I'm enjoying watching the progress of this cabin. I have a comment about the "tin" roof. It isn't really tin, but a quality steel substrait with a quality paint with a clear coating. The fading that is some times observed is only the paint coating oxidizing. It can be pressure washed. The roof shown in the picture is a standing seam roof, the best there is. We had one for years and had no problems. Our attic was well insulated and we could not hear a rain storm at all. Our insurance was actually cheaper with the metal roof. I would advise putting snow guards on the roof, since the cabin will get some heavy snows. These are guards that are applied between the ribs to hold the snow on the roof and let it melt off slowly. Without them, the snow will slide off the roof as soon as it starts to warm. You don't want to be standing under the roof edge when this happens. Also, if it is very deep, it can damage your shrubs when it comes down. The snow guards prevent this. I hope this is the roof that wins. It is very attractive and maintenance free. There is usually a 30 or 50 year guarantee. Keep up the good work.

It is so relaxing to listen to the rain falling on a tin roof. Also I prefer the tin roof to be painted green.

Thank everyone who voted for the tin roof. Your building in a place where sever weather is prominate in all seasons. The standing seam metal roof is the best choise. Insurance cost I think would be more for a shake roof. Your talking about a difference of a 30 to 60+ year longevity between cedar, asphalt and metal.As for fire fighting, a " tin " roof will be less of a problem in a fire, not haveing to worry about sparks igniting your roof.

My grandmother built a house with a detached garage in 1911. The house was built with a roof of asphalt shingles; the house is now on its 4th roof, and I've had to make plenty of repairs to the interior due to multiple roof leaks over the years. The garage was built with a corregated galvanized steel roof that has endured almost 100 years of neglect - including a large limb that fell on it and put in a big dent some time in its life. The garage roof has no rust and has, so far as I can see, never leaked a single drop in the past century that it has been there. I can say for sure that the garage roof was not painted any time in the past 50 years, and I doubt it was ever painted. The metal roof was placed directly on purlins that are widely spaced on the rafters, so most of the underside of the roof is visible. The underside of the metal roof looks like it was put on the garage yesterday. Pretty good evidence that a corregated galvanized roof can be high quality and zero maintenance.