Metal Roofing

How To

Install Metal Roofing

The following 8 instruction steps will guide you through the installation of a metal roof.

STEP 1: MEASURE THE ROOF AREA.

You will need to order enough metal material to cover the entire roof, and this process starts with measuring the full size of your roof (in square feet).
Once you’ve arrived at a total square foot estimate for the roof, the next step is to add on an additional 10 percent to take into account potential waste (i.e. human error).

STEP 2: ORDER THE MATERIALS

You’ll want to order metal panels that are an appropriate color and look to complement your house. Generally speaking, metal panels can be cut to size at a typical home improvement store.
If you need to cut these for a tricky area of the roof (such as around a vent or chimney), you can use your power metal shears for each sheet.

STEP 3: REMOVE THE OLD ROOF

You’ve already determined that you are going to install metal roofing rather than just putting up new shingles, so you need to remove the old roof. You will want to do this on a dry and sunny day in order to minimize the chance of any water or moisture damage to your house.
Remove any nails sticking out and reposition any metal gutters so that water flows properly off the roof. Then remove the rest of the roof, including all the shingles.
When you are done, you will see the bare bones of the roof frame and plywood sheathing (i.e. the old wood that was under the shingles). Make any necessary repairs as you get ready to put down the insulation.

STEP 4: ADD INSULATION

Your goal here is to minimize the chances for any moisture to get from the roof to the structure of your home, so you will need to add a layer of insulation.
Typically, a layer of roofing felt will be enough insulation, but in locations with very dramatic weather conditions (very hot or very cold), you may need to put another layer of insulation and then adhere the two layers of insulation together.
You will secure this insulation to the roof frame with a staple gun or roofing nails.

STEP 5: INSTALL THE EAVE FLASHING

The eave flashing, or edging, is just the steel metal strips used to cover the entire perimeter of the roof. You are essentially sealing off the metal roof with this flashing, and you need to make sure that is securely fastened.

STEP 6: ADD METAL PANELS

This is where you actually add the “metal” in the “metal roof.” Once you’re back up on the roof, start at the area with the longest square footage area.
This will be the part of the roof with the longest straight line between peak and eave. Visualize a straight line leading from the top of the eave.
Keep in mind that the metal panels will not just cover the roof – they will also hang off the edge. As a rule of thumb, this overhang should be at least ¾ of an inch.
In other words, you need to make absolutely sure that every square foot of the roof is covered in metal, and that means making sure all the edges are fully covered.
You will use wood roofing screws to secure the metal panels to the sheathing. Try to space the screws about 24 inches apart down the entire piece of metal.
Moreover, try to ensure that the screws are all aligned evenly. And for any exposed fasteners, try to avoid over tightening them. Each fastener already has a rubber grommet that helps to seal the roof from moisture.

STEP 7: FLASHING TO THE ROOF

Now comes the part where you adding some finishing touches to the roof, ensuring that it is completely protected against the elements (e.g. rain, snow, hail). The flashing is the metal trim placed over the joints in the roof where the metal panels meet.
You are essentially adding an extra layer of protection over the most vulnerable parts of the roof: the joints.

STEP 8: FINISH

By the end of Step 7, every square inch of the roof should be covered in metal, the entire perimeter protected with edge flashing, and all the roof joints protected with flashing.
Still up on the roof, your next step is to make sure that all the edges are smooth and finished, and that all panels are fully secured to the roof.