Install a Steel Roof
A steel roof is long-lasting and withstands inclement weather. It is also recyclable. You can order steel roofing from a metal roofing distributor. You can buy the tools needed to install a steel roof from a hardware or home improvement store. Use these tips to install a steel roof.
Steps
- Measure the roof.
- Use a tape measure to determine the distance between the ridge and eave of the roof.
- Add the amount of desired overhang to that measurement if you want the roofing to hang over the eaves.
- Determine the roof's width.
- Divide the roof's width by 3. The result gives you the number of panels that you need. For a roof that is 45 feet (13.7 m) wide, you will need 15 metal panels. Panels come in a width of 3 feet (.91 m) each, but are cut to desired lengths.
- Order your steel roofing panels. Give the roof measurements to a metal roofing distributor when ordering your panels.
- Cover the shingles.
- This is a good time to add a radiant barrier insulation for energy efficiency or you can cover the roof with 30-pound (13.6-kg) roofing felt to keep moisture away from the roof. Leave the old shingles on the roof.
- Use a staple gun or plastic cap nails to secure the insulation or roofing felt .
- Lay the batten boards. Batten boards help to secure the steel panels to the roof.
- Lay 1-by-4-inch (2.5-by-10.2-cm) pine boards over all of the roofing felt. The boards should run parallel with the ridge and the eaves.
- Place the boards 24 inches (61 cm) apart from eave to ridge.
- Use a drill to screw the boards into the roof.
- Install the eave flashing. Eave flashing helps water to flow off of the roof.
- Use a hammer and nails to attach eave flashing to the eaves.
- Install the eave flashing along the roof's entire width. If the roof has gutters, the eave flashing should cover over each of the gutter's sides.
- Apply closure strips. Closure strips help close gaps beneath the steel roofing panels where animals and pests may hide.
- Place closure strips onto the eave flashing.
- Place a drop of butyl tape sealant over the closure strip.
- Install the first steel roof panel.
- Place the first panel along 1 edge of the roof. The bottom end of the panel should hang 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) over the eave.
- Screw the panel onto each 1-by-4-inch (2.5-by-10.2-cm) board.
- Install the remaining panels.
- Lay the second panel along the first panel. The high ridges that run the length of the second panel should overlap the ridges on the first panel.
- Secure the second panel by screwing it onto the first panel. Place the screws into the overlapping ridges. Insert a screw every foot (30.5 cm) from the eave to the ridge.
- Repeat the process with the rest of the panels. Cover the entire roof.
- Install the gable trim. Gable trim gives the roof's edges a smooth appearance.
- Apply a thin line of butyl tape sealant along the side edge of the roof.
- Place the gable trim over the side edge of the roof.
- Screw the gable trim into the roof.
- Install gable trim on all edges of the roof.
- Install the ridge cap. The ridge cap helps water to flow off of the roof.
- Apply a thin line of butyl tape sealant along the roof's ridge.
- Place outside foam closures along the roof's ridge.
- Apply butyl tape sealant in a thin line along the length of the foam closures.
- Place the ridge cap over the roof.
- Secure the ridge cap on both sides of the peak with evenly spaced screws.
Tips
- Wear safety goggles and work gloves when installing steel roofing.
Warnings
- Do not install steel roofing in inclement weather.
Things You'll Need
- Steel roofing panels
- Eave flashing
- Gable trim
- Ridge cap
- Tape measure
- 30-pound (13.6-kg) roofing felt
- Staple gun
- 1-by-4-inch (2.5-by-10.2-cm) pine boards
- Drill
- Self-tapping wood screws
- Hammer
- 1 �-inch (3.2-cm) roofing nails
- Foam closure strips
- Butyl tape sealant
