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How to Install a Metal Roof

March 10, 2022

Metal panel roofing was our initial option for your property because of its sleek, contemporary appearance. Even a small rain washes leaves and sticks off the roof since there are no obvious seams.

As a heat reflector, metal roofs save money on air conditioning because of their long lifespans of 50 to 70 years. As long as you have some basic knowledge of metal roof anatomy and some helpful recommendations, you can install one yourself in only a few days.

Step-By-Step

Do some roof measuring.

If you want to undertake some work on a roof but don't have any building blueprints, you may obtain an idea of the size of the roof by taking measures from the ground and estimating the costs of the project.

Taking measurements of hip roofs, dormers, or the roofs of hillside dwellings from the ground requires specialized skills as well as specialized tools. From the ground, you may take the measurement of a flat or gable roof if you have someone to help you.

For a more accurate estimation of the roof's size, measure the length and breadth of each roof plane, including dormers. Then, multiply the length and breadth of each plane together to find out how much square footage there is in all of them.

Finally, put the square footage of each plane together to get the overall square footage of your roof. If you want a detailed version of how to measure a roof you can always refer to our detailed article on our website.

Place an order for the required supplies.

Roofing metal that has been custom-ordered in the exact quantity and color that you want for your home is almost certainly what you will desire. It will be necessary to use a large trash can, a jigsaw or metal shears, staplers, drills, and a variety of drill bits for the remaining portion of the operation.

Self-drilling wood screws and metal roofing screws with a diameter of 11/4 inch are required in addition to the usual roofing nails and screws. Some of the tools and materials you may need are mentioned below.

Required Tools and Materials

  • Carpentry basics: basic hand and power tools
  • Aviation snips
  • Hand Seamer
  • Fall Protection
  • Metal Shears
  • Drill/Driver
  • Metal Roof Panels
  • Ice and Water Shield
  • Roofing Nails
  • Eave Trim
  • Gable Trim
  • Ridge Cap
  • Sidewall Flashing
  • Self-Tapping Roofing Screws
  • Metal Roof Sealant
  • Inside Foam Closure Strips
  • Outside Foam Closure Strips
  • Butyl Tape
  • Boots for Roofing Vents

Get rid of the old roof.

Even though corrugated metal roofing may be installed over shingles, it is recommended that all of the prior roofing be removed in order to provide the best possible foundation for the new roofing system. To prevent damage, maintain a steady pace and avoid ripping or dragging away an excessive amount of old roofing at a time.

Before you begin the demolition, make sure you have a construction permit and are familiar with your local building rules. Before removing the old material from your roof and replacing it with new, make sure the weather is clear.

Water may seep through the underlayment, but if it splits or blows away, your home is left vulnerable to rain damage, which can be costly.

If you ever have this problem, you may always refer to our extensive guide on how to fix a licking roof.

If you're replacing them, make arrangements with your contractor for the removal of the old roof shingles at the same time as the new ones are being installed.

 If you're taking on the job on your own, divide it down into reasonable parts to make it easier to handle. Before proceeding to the next stage, it is required to reshingle the area where the previous shingles were removed

Increase the quantity of insulation used.

Winter temperatures may drop to dangerously low levels, making roof insulation an extremely essential component of keeping your home warm throughout the winter. The use of insulation in the summer helps to maintain a comfortable temperature in your house by filtering out the sun's harmful UV rays, which are harmful to your health.

Having your roof insulated has several benefits, two of which are the cost and energy savings that you will get as a result of doing so. Investing in good insulation for your home can help you save 10–20 percent on energy costs while also lowering heating costs and CO2 emissions.

This, according to the United States Department of Energy, is the situation. Water from rain or melting snow may cause irreversible damage to a building and the growth of mold if there is inadequate insulation.

Certain forms of insulation may be placed by the homeowner, but others may require the appointment of a professional to accomplish the task successfully.

Install the eaves flashing

It is always best to begin work at the point where the space between the top of the roof and the eave is the greatest. Please make every effort to do so whenever possible. Position your first piece of metal on the roof such that it overhangs the edge of the first sheet of metal by at least 34 inches (1.9 centimeters).

Check the first piece against a ruler to ensure that it is perfectly square to the edge of the board.

Fasten the metal to the sheathing in place using the neoprene washer head screws that you purchased earlier. To ensure proper alignment, screws should be spaced about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart throughout the whole length of the metal sheet.

Whenever you're dealing with metal plates that have visible fasteners, double-check that all of the screws are in the proper position.

When working with exposed fasteners, it is best not to overtighten them. Each fastener has a weather-resistant rubber grommet connected to it, which helps to keep the roof protected from the impacts of the elements.

Tightening the fastener will aid in the sealing of the affected region. It is recommended that you remove and replace the grommet if you have overtightened it.

Add metal panels to the mix.

It is recommended that the metal panels be put in batches of one at a time, with the edges of each panel overlapping with the edges of the subsequent panel by at least one inch on each side of the installation (2.5 cm). This approach may be utilized to cover the whole roof surface area.

If at all possible, avoid roof gaps. Not only are they unsightly, but water may leak under the panels as a result of their installation.

You may reduce the length of your roofing metal to make it more appropriate for your roof. Because they are roughly 32 feet in length, they must be transported on a flatbed trailer to ensure safe transportation.

In order to get the panels onto the roof, you'll need a large lift to assist you. You will be compelled to acquire shorter lengths if you do not have one.

Apply a little bead of sticky silicone or 100 percent silicone to the edge of the bottom sheet prior to putting it on top of the sealant, making sure that it is as near to the edge of the sheet as possible. Due to the silicone's ability to press outward and toward the container's edges, a tight seal will be created on the container's mouth and lid.

Roof flashing should be installed.

Create extra movement in your design by using room flashing. The metal trim on the roof is similar in appearance to an eave flashing; however, this one is meant to hide roof seams where various sections of the roof meet together.

In valleys and as end caps over the tops of two crossing sides, this product is excellent for use as an end cap (points where two sections of less than 140 degrees meet). Before installing this metal, it is important to cut a suitable angle off of it at the right location.

In order to fit over a piece of the roof, the flashing might be bent into the shape of a "V." (The "ridge" of the roofing material).

If the diameter of the flashing you're using is larger than a certain size, you may need to use one or two rows of screws to keep it in place.

Finish

When the roof is being repaired or replaced. It is critical for a successful metal roof installation that all edges be clean, polished, and free of any loose components or debris. After you've finished removing all of the nails, screws, and other metal debris from your roof, you can sit back and enjoy the rest of your day.

FAQ

Is it possible for me to build a metal roof on my own?

When it comes to installing your own metal roof, you can do it yourself, but it is a complicated procedure that will vary based on the sort of panels or shingles you choose. Installing a metal roof should be done with the aid of at least one or two individuals and with the use of fall protective equipment as necessary.

Is it required to use underlayment on a metal roof?

If you have a metal roof, you will need to install an underlayment. The truth, on the other hand, is much more complicated. Underlayment is normally required by building regulations, although there are certain exceptions to the rule.

Corrugated roofing should overlap by how much?

In the case of 10° pitch roofing, a 150mm overlap is suggested; for 5° pitch roofing, a 300mm overlap is recommended. If you want to keep water from coming into contact with your rafters or purlins, you should always leave an overhang of at least 60-70 mm.

Is there a need for furring strips on a metal roof?

In order to avoid condensation, it is necessary to insulate the gaps between the wood strips before putting a metal roof over an existing one. Aside from that, furring strips are necessary. Furring strips on a metal roof are normally spaced at a 24-inch interval on average.

Is there a need for decking on a metal roof?

Despite its appearance, metal roofing may be attached directly to the roof structure of your building without the need for or expense of plywood sheets or other supporting materials.

Do metal roofs need to extend beyond the house?

Overhangs on metal roofs typically vary from 2 to 4 inches, although they may be as little as 1 inch. A drip edge flashing as well as a little overhang are both recommended to prevent water from entering the roof and causing damage to the underlying wood.

Is a metal roof a reasonable financial option?

Metal roofs are more costly to purchase and install at first, but they last longer and save homeowners money on their energy and insurance bills over the long term. In addition, the significant reduction in energy costs that metal roofing provides to households is an additional advantage of using metal roofing.

When should you replace the metal roof screws on your home?

A screw-down metal roof system's ability to provide a guarantee is dependent on the kind of paint that is used to coat the metal panels in the first place. Installed properly and with minimal care, screw-down panel roofs have the potential to survive for up to 20 years. It might last for up to 30 years, depending on how regularly you maintain it.

Is it possible to get away with it when installing a metal roof on top of a shingle roof?

When it comes to building a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof, the answer is almost always affirmative in most cases. Metal roofs are becoming more popular since they do not need the complete removal of the existing roof.

Is it true that metal roofs have an impact on mobile phone reception?

The use of metal roofs does not interfere with cell phone service, contrary to common assumptions. While the radio frequency of a mobile phone may be disrupted as a result of this, the underlying issue is with the tower itself rather than with the metal roof.

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