Install Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is becoming very popular because it adds durability, beauty, and helps reduce the energy costs of your home. This type of roofing is available in a wide array of colors, textures, and styles, and can suit anyone's aesthetic preferences. Install your own metal roofing to add efficiency and style to your home while saving money at the same time.

Steps

Readying Your Roof

  1. Measure the area. Before you can begin to update your roof, you will have to get an accurate measurement and order your materials. Always try to measure from the ground first in order to keep yourself safe. If you must climb onto the roof to measure the space, be sure to use caution.
    • Find out the slope of your roof. The slope is given as rise-over-run, meaning the distance up over the distance over. This measurement will typically be a measurement over {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}, something like 4/12 or 8/12. Convert this to the equivalent in degrees and as a decimal.
    • Use the slope factor to determine the area of the roof. Measure the area (length x width) on the ground, and then multiply this by the slope (in decimal form). This means the slope factor form is: length x width x slope. This will give you the number of square feet that need to be covered.
    • For example, if your roof measures {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} x {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} and the slope of the roof is 12/12 (45 degrees, which converts to 1.414 in decimal form), you would multiply 10 x 10 x 1.414, to get the total of 141 square feet of roofing.
    • Find the square footage for the entirety of your roof, and add up the total to find out how much metal roofing you need to order.
    • Allow for a minimum of 10% waste (extra roofing).[1]
  2. Get your materials. You will most likely have to order the roofing metal in the amount and color specific to your house. You will also need a large garbage can, a jigsaw or power metal shear, a staple gun, a drill and assorted drill bits, 1¼ inch roofing nails, metal roofing screws, and self drilling, self-sealing wood screws.
  3. Prepare a work site. In order to make your installation as easy as possible, it is important to have a well-organized work area. You will need a large bin for trash (old roofing and debris), a place for tools, and your scaffolding or ladder set up.
    • Make sure that if you are using electric tools that none of the chords are in the way.
    • Store the material in a readily accessible area, protected from the weather. The panels are weather-proof but staining can occur if left open to moisture
  4. Remove the old roofing. Although you can install corrugated metal roofing over shingles, for the best foundation it is recommended that all the old roofing be removed. Work at a slow and steady pace, not trying to rip-up or carry-off too much old roofing at once.
    • Start from the highest, furthest point and take up all the old shingles, flashing, vents, and boots. You should be replacing all these with the new metal roofing.
    • If you come across any large nails that are sticking out, either remove them and put them in your debris container or hammer them in deep so that they aren’t a danger to anyone working.
    • If you need to reposition your gutters, do so at this point.
    • Always remove the old roofing on a day (or set of days) when the weather is expected to be dry and sunny, as you don’t want any rain or moisture to seep into your building.
  5. Repair any damage. With the old materials removed, the bare bones of the roof frame or plywood sheathing will be exposed. If there is any damage to the sheathing (the wood under the shingles), insulation, or ventilation, fix it now.
  6. Add your insulation layer. This helps to block out moisture from getting trapped between the metal roof and the sheathing. Use roofing felt to cover the entirety of the roof and secure it with a staple gun or nails.[2]

Installing Your Roofing

  1. Install the edging. The edging, or eave flashing, is metal strips that are used to cover the perimeter of the roof. Use your 1¼ inch nails to secure the flashing to the roof. It should overlap the edge of the gutter (if you have them).
  2. Add the metal panels. Always begin working at the longest peak to eave point of the roof. Take your first sheet of metal and place it on the roof so that it overhangs the edge at least ¾ of an inch. This panel must be aligned perpendicular (square) to the edge.
    • Use your neoprene washer head screws to secure the metal to the sheathing. Space the screws about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} apart down the entire piece of metal.
    • Make sure that the screws are all aligned evenly, as you will be able to see them from the ground if they are exposed-fastener metal plates.[3]
    • For exposed fasteners, avoid over tightening the fastener. Each fastener has a durable rubber grommet that seals the roof from the weather. Tighten the fastener just enough to seal the site. If you over tighten and the grommet is displaced, remove and replace.
    • Continue installing the metal panels, making sure that the edges overlap at lease one inch, or as required, with the adjacent panel. Do this until the entire roof is covered. If you feel the need for sealants, lay a bead of 100% silicone or adhesive silicone before laying the sheet down and make sure the bead is towards the edge of the bottom sheet. This will allow the silicone to squeeze out towards the edges, making it a more tight seal.
  3. Add the flashing. This is the metal trim similar to the eave flashing, except that it is placed over joints in the roof where different sections meet. This should be used in valleys (points where two sections less than 140 degrees meet) and as end caps over the tops of two sides that meet. Be sure to Cut Expanded Metal at the correct angle before installing it.
    • The flashing can be bent into a ‘V’ shape to fit over the top of a section (ridge) of a roof, if necessary.
    • Depending on how wide the flashing you’re using is, you will either have to use one or two rows of screws.
  4. Finish your roof. Make sure that you’ve completely covered the entire roof with the metal, that all edges are smooth and finished, and that there are no loose pieces. Clean up all remaining metal, nails, and screws and enjoy your new roof![4].

Tips

  • If your roof has sky lights or a chimney, consider hiring a professional to help you with that section.
  • Your new metal roof may be installed over shingles if the deck is good and a vapor barrier is used such as felt paper or tar paper.

Warnings

  • The edges of metal roofing materials can be very sharp, so always wear thick safety gloves while doing any work.
  • If you did not install gable trim it may void any wind resistance warranty.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.easymetalroofing.com/pdf/measuring-guide-ver3_1.pdf
  2. ↑ http://www.easymetalroofing.com/pdf/presentation-ch09-ver-1_0.pdf
  3. ↑ http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/bennett126.html
  4. ↑ http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/repair/how-to-install-metal-roofing.htm

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