The Problem
The term “picture framing” was coined to describe the way roof shingles appear to bulge in a a pattern of “frames” around panels when using insulated roofing panels. When sunlight washes across the roof, it is easy to see the outline of every insulated panel. Most clients are not happy with the appearance of their new roof. Something appears to be wrong, and even though there are no leaks or other failures, the new roof simply looks terrible. Understandably, many Owners want the problem fixed before the end of the first year warranty period.
In fact, appearance may be the only problem. Properly installed insulated roofing systems with shingles regularly “picture frame.” The manufacturers of the individual components and the installers generally state that they will stand behind their products and installation for the full term of the warranty. In practice, this is no consolation to the Owner who has a new roof that looks flawed and a nervous feeling that the joints will fail (leak) by cracking before the warranty is up.
Should an Owner want to try to use the warranty to repair or replace the roof, numerous trades could become involved:


- The specifier of the roof
- The general contractor who oversaw the job
- The insulated panel supplier
- The panel installer
- The manufacturers of related roofing parts: eave vents, ridge vents, vapor barriers, ice and water barriers, saturated felts, and roofing shingles
- Roofing installers
- The polyisocyanurate insulation edges are right below the joints. The unprotected edges are capable of absorbing and slowly releasing moisture. They are a natural sponge.
- Some heat can escape from the building between the insulating panels. Warmer air can hold more moisture and rises between the panels through the 1/8 inch nail board gaps to be absorbed by the felts.
- Always use appropriately vented panel systems or create a built-up vented space above the insulated panels and include eave and ridge venting.
- Wherever practical: use a vapor barrier under the insulation panels.
- Increase the number of panel fasteners, particularly along the edges.
- Do not install asphalt saturated roofing felts unless they are reinforced to prevent bulging, buckling, and lifting shingles.
- If the area of roofing is small, consider using an ice and water barrier over the entire roof (under the shingles). This should only be done over vented insulation/nail board panel systems and can make roof replacement in the future considerably more difficult.