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How to install metal roofing






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Home » Remodeling & Repairs » How to install metal roofing







How to install metal roofing

Metal roofing used to be the domain of sheds and shanty towns but technology has progressed the humble metal sheet into something that can add a designer finish to your home.

Metal roofing is growing in popularity and no longer just being confined to architect houses.  With the correct materials and proper fitting a metal roof can last a lifetime. Metal roofing isn’t just confined to steel and iron. With copper aluminium, polymer, zinc, and tin as options they are environmentally friendly, recyclable and visually pleasing. Due to the expense, a degree of DIY skill is required but the finished result can make your house stand out in the neighborhood.

 

Instructions




1

Metal Roof installation – tools required

Before installing a metal roof gather together all the tools you are going to require. Installation will be made earlier by not having to scramble up and down ladders for items as you need them.

You should have

Stepladder

Extension ladder

Measuring tape

Chalk line

Heavy duty drill and bits including screw in attachment

Heavy duty hammer

Rubber mallet

Roofing nails

Selection of wood and metal screws

Metal snips

These are just the basics, other tools you might find useful are nail gun and nail bag plus any specific pieces of kit for dealing with pipes and other obstructions.

2

Measuring up for a metal roofing installation

Measuring determines the quantity of metal roofing materials that you need. This is ascertained by measuring the roof’s height and then including the length of overhang that is required usually between 2 and 4 inches.  To determine the amount of metal edging you will need to measure the length of the roof.  Measurements should also include an allowance of 3-6 inches of space for airflow between each layer.  Trim pieces are measured by length whilst shingles and sheets are in square feet.

Suitable materials for a metal roofing installation in residential properties are of two main types; R- Panel, a sheeting with high ridges which uses 5/16 inch screws for fixing and V-crimp roofing which is easiest to install.

3

Preparation and foundation

If it is a replacement metal roofing installation it is optimum to remove the old shingles with a roofing shovel or pitchfork.  A good base for the new roof can then be made with spread roofing felt or 30lb tarpaper.

If the existing roof is just a single layer of shingles it is worth considering making a new foundation using wooden slat boards. Slat boards are made from pine wood used in construction. They measure 1 by 5 inches and can be fixed over the existing roof with 3-inch screws. The best way to make a good base is for the slat boards to be laid lengthwise in 2 foot intervals moving bottom to top. The new metal roof is then attached to these boards.

Once you have a solid foundation, installation can begin.

4

Carrying out the installation

The first task of a metal roofing installation is the metal edging. Attach it all around the roof’s perimeter with 1 ¼ -inch nails.

5

Next is to fix the first sheet. Using ¼ inch wood screws fix the metal sheet to the wooden slats. Remember safety is paramount at all times so if the sheets are more than 12 feet in length it is a 2 man job.  The first sheet should also be fixed across the centre. This is not required for subsequent sheets as they will be fixed by edge trimming.

6

For guidance a chalk line can be made across the length of each sheet at every 2 feet so that you can see from both sides where the screws are to be placed. Working on one side of the roof only, the next sheet is laid overlapping the first. For a V-crimp sheet overlap the first by a single crimp or dip. If an R-Panel is being used one lip or ridge will overlap a ridge of the sheet already laid and fixed.

7

Continue fixing the sheets until there is space left for the last sheet. Measure to fit according to space to be filled plus any overhang. Use the snips to cut to desired length then fix.

8

Once the one side of the roof is covered the process can be repeated on the other.

9

For R-Panels, once all the sheets are in place and the entire roof covered, fix in with 5/16 lap screws at 4 foot intervals ensuring they are positioned where there is no overlapping of sheets.

10

With the sheets all securely attached it is time to fix the metal trim. This finishes off the edges and top ridge.  The metal trim will have to be notched in the middle so it bends more easily over the roof ridge. The trims are secured using ¼-inch metal wood screws at intervals of 2 feet.

11

If R-Panels have been used, closures will be required. Available in 3 foot lengths they are made of foam rubber and are designed according to the holes of the R-Panel.  To prevent animals and birds getting into the new roof ridges the closures are pushed into the openings along the edge of the roofing. They are self adhesive which stick and form a seal.  The bottom of the sheets can then be screwed down.  If V-Crimp panels have been used the bottoms can be secured as they are being installed.

12

Finally, the ridge can be worked on. Again, the R-Panel will require foam closures for filling the gaps at the top of the sheets. Once the R-Panel gaps have been closed the metal ridge can be screwed into place using 5/16 metal lap at every 2 feet. The screws on the R-Panel should be fixed at the high point of the R. For the V-Crimp, ¼-inch metal wood screws should be used on either side of the V at a high point but not directly on the highest point and again at distances of 2 foot.

13

Once the ridge is finished you should have a professional and beautiful metal roof installation you can be proud of that will last for many years to come.

Tips & Warnings

If you are not skilled in DIY or have a particularly odd shaped roof it is probably preferable to employ a professional contractor to fit a metal roof.

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