Jeff Smith from Al Smith Gutters demonstrates the installation of a modern metal roof panel. After sliding the panel into place stainless steel clips are installed which will allow the panel to expand and contract during its thermal cycle while still firmly adhering it to the roof underlayment. A hand crimper is then used along the entire length of the panel and finally an electric seamer seals the deal.

Bob is with Rich Melo of Newton Roofing Company for the installation of the copper roof on the Rowley addition. The 16-ounce copper panel is prefabricated with a standing seam. The cleat, or fastener, is integral to the panel and is called a Dutch seam by the manufacturer. The copper is applied on top of two layers of underlayment. There is an ice and water barrier directly on top of the decking and a slip sheet or rosin paper on top to facilitate the installation of the copper panels. Stainless steel clips are screwed into the deck every one to two feet on center, then the panels slide into clips to lock down tight. The three hips on the eave points are specially manufactured by Atas to lock into the main roof panels. The only bending done on site is for the hook at the drip edge. The metal will age over the next two to ten years, first turning a brownish bronze color, then to a green patina that will last for the lifetime of the roof. The Dutch cleat system has a crimped edge and a receiver on each panel for an interlocking design. The total cost for this small roof is between $2,500 and $3,500, depending on the copper system selected. A copper roof is inherently beautiful and durable. This roof carries a 50 year warranty, but is likely to last up to 100 years on this home.

Bob meets with Peter Merianos and the crew from Coastal Heating and Air Conditioning who are fabricating the AC ductwork on site. With the Kenmore air handler already installed in the attic, the crew begins assembling the ductwork using five-foot lengths of pre-crimped sheet-metal ducting as the basic material. The sections snap together and are secured with sheet-metal screws and foil tape. To add a new line off the main trunk, the crew cuts a hole into the the trunk with a special tool. A starting collar from which the new line will extend is then inserted into the hole. The ductwork is insulated using vinyl wrap, which is a one and a half-inch vinyl-coated fiberglass blanket.

Bob and Ted look at the Quechee home's standing seam steel roof and then flashback to the installation. For the job the roofing crew basically brought a portable sheet metal shop to the site. The material comes pre-painted in large rolls. It's unrolled into a metal brake that fabricates the individual pieces to the desired length. They are then attached to the roof with clips and screws. Valley sections are individually cut and crimped to fit.

Bob meets Todd Skulksy of Perfection Fence as he installs the classic New England-style vinyl picket fence. This product has a wood look and is made of mono-extruded vinyl so that it has only one layer and will not show nicks or discolorations over time. The fence is installed without mechanical fasteners and has been engineered with the crimps molded into the rails. The rail locks into the post piece and the crimp holds it in place. Perfection Fence vinyl fences come in different styles, this one with traditional New England features like the Colonial cap and ball finial for the top. Skulsky explains that these fences are moderately priced and cost less than finished wood fencing, but more than an unfinished wood fence. They are maintenance free, however, which will save money over time.

Bob is in the basement talking with Erling Andersen from A.I.M. Radiant Heating. A.I.M.'s "Boiler Room In A Box" has been installed and the baseboard tubing is being run throughout the house. Made of a cross-linked polyethylene material, the pipe is routed behind A.I.M.'s decorative baseboards. The baseboard itself has been trimmed out to fit the Colonial's design scheme. Technician Dave DuVerger is on location installing the last few stretches of tubing. Once the tubing is connected to the boiler system, hot water will run throughout the house to create radiant heat that maintains a consistent temperature in each room.

Kevin Corcoran from Englert Roofing systems explains to Bob benefits of the company�s environmentally friendly (56 percent recycled material), maintenance free, metal roofing product. The product applied to the project house is made of carbonized steel and carries a 50-year warranty. The exterior is bonded with aluminum and zinc then coated with a layer of acrylic. The cost is generally less than stone or tile roofs, but higher than standard shingles. Mike Worsky and Jeff Smith from Al Smith Gutters demonstrate the metal cutting and crimping machinery brought to the job site. The portable roll former transforms a flat roll of steel to the standing seam panel in the proportion on the job site. Metal roofing is now being widely distributed across the US especially in areas where wildfires are an issue as metal roofs are much harder to light and may protect your home.

Bob meets with the President of the Metal Roofing Alliance and demonstrates installation of metal roofing panels.

Bob Fulmer from Harraseeket Restoration, Inc. joins Bob on the roof of the breezeway to install a double-lock standing seam copper roof. Before installing the copper, a plywood deck is applied, followed by a layer of bituthene for moisture resistance and then a resin paper slip sheet. The resin paper helps absorb the condensation generated on the back side of the copper panels by temperature changes. Additionally it insulates the copper from touching asphalt-based underlayment or bituthene on which standing water creates a diluted form of sulphuric acid which will degrade the copper. The copper panels are brake-formed at the shop and brought on site ready to install. The panels are joined in a double-lock standing seam in a two-step process. First the male edge is locked over the top of the female seam. Then a second seamer completes the second lock producing a one inch high profile double-locked at the top which is rolled over into the finished standing seam using hand crimpers.. This 16-oz. standing seam copper roof should have a 75 year life expectancy. Proper application is critical. Lack of provisions for thermal expansion such as permanently attaching the copper to the roof will create stress in the panel and eventually cause material failure. Also fasteners should be from the copper family or electrolysis will set up.

The plumber Steve Bowton shows Bob how to sweat a joint in copper plumbing. First he cleans the pipes with an emery cloth. Then he explains that plumbers no longer use lead solder and instead use a tin and antimony mixture to protect homeowners from lead poisoning. Then he puts flux on the pipes and the fittings. Places the fixture on the pipes and levels it, then solders the joints. The flux helps draw the solder into the space.