Maya Ellison
Metal roofing is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, longevity, and ability to reduce energy costs. With proper installation, a metal roof can last between 50 to 70 years, or even up to 100 years in the case of zinc roofing. Before installing a metal roof, it is important to prioritize safety and gather the necessary tools and materials. The process typically involves removing the existing roof, preparing the plywood substructure, installing the underlayment and slip sheet, and finally laying and securing the metal panels. While it can be a complex and hazardous process, some homeowners choose to install metal roofing themselves, while others opt for professional installation to ensure a proper fit and avoid potential issues.
Characteristics and Values Table for Metal Roofing Installation
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Always wear gloves and safety goggles to prevent injury, especially when using tools such as saws or power drills. Use a ladder and fall protection equipment, and ensure no electrical wires or low branches are hanging over the roof. |
| Materials | Metal roofing panels, plywood or OSB roof deck, underlayment (felt, asphalt, or polymer), insulation, edging or eave flashing, roofing nails, screws, and washers. |
| Preparation | Remove old roofing, measure and order materials, prepare the work site, and inspect the plywood underneath for damage. |
| Installation Process | Install the underlayment, followed by the slip sheet, and then the metal panels. Ensure proper alignment and fastening of the panels for a watertight roof. Add insulation and edging. |
| Maintenance | Metal roofs are low maintenance, lasting 50-70 years. They require occasional inspection and fastener tightening. |
| Challenges | Metal roofs can be loud, especially under trees, and are susceptible to damage from falling objects. Installation can be complex and hazardous. |
| Variations | Through-fastened corrugated metal panels, modular panels, standing-seam panels, steel, zinc, aluminum, copper, and tin roofing. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare work site and materials
Before you begin installing a metal roof, it is important to prepare the work site and materials. Here are the steps you should follow:
Choose a Contractor
If you decide to hire a contractor, choose one with care. Review their bid or quote, which should be based on field measurements, site inspections, and product choices. Discuss how unforeseen problems, such as issues with the original roof, will impact the cost. Once you've accepted a bid, decide on an installation date.
Prepare the Property
If you are doing the installation yourself, make sure you have the right amount and length of materials. Know the square footage of the roof and the length of each section from the ridge to the outer edge of the eave. Decide where contractors will put their vehicles, equipment, and disposal units. Prepare your pets, children, and neighbours for the loud noises that may occur during installation.
Safety First
Understand the safety measures required for roof work. Wear gloves, safety goggles, and safety shoes at all times. If you are cutting metal roofing, use power tools with caution. Have one or two helpers and use fall protection equipment anchored to your roof studs. Secure your ladder at the base and at the point of roof contact. Ensure there are no electrical wires or low branches hanging over the roof.
Prepare the Roof
Remove the existing roof and inspect the plywood underneath for damage. Protect the plywood substructure by covering it with an underlayment, such as felt, asphalt, or polymer. This will add a layer of protection against adverse weather and direct water away from the plywood. On top of the underlayment, install a slip sheet made from materials such as rubber or plastic to protect it from tearing and allow for the expansion and contraction of the metal during different seasons.
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Remove old roofing
Removing your current roof is an essential step in the roof replacement process. It makes way for the new roof and helps you find any hidden damage so that it can be fixed. In some cases, replacing the entire roof deck is necessary before the new roof can be installed.
Roofers will typically start the tear-off at the top of the roof. They will remove the ridge caps and begin pulling up the top course of shingles, working their way down the roof. After the shingles are removed, the roofers will pull out old nails from the roof's decking. In some cases, the nails can be hammered down into the decking to ensure the old nail heads are out of the way for the new materials.
Once all the shingles are off the roof, do a sweep of all the flashing, roof deck, and other roofing elements to check their condition. This is your chance to replace them, repair them, and locate any potential leaks that occurred with your old roof. You will always want to remove your valley flashing and any step flashing before laying your new shingles. Flashing does not last nearly as long as shingles, so it’s a good idea to always replace it fresh with a new roof.
After pulling everything off the roof, you’ll need to give it a once-over and pull out any remaining nails or chunks of shingles. Remove any old insulation or roof decking and flashing, and sweep off the entire roof. Use a push broom to easily brush nails, debris, shingles, and junk off the edges of the roof.
Finally, clean off the roof to remove any tripping hazards and create a safe environment for installing your new roof. Pick up all the large shingle pieces and other debris and toss them into a dumpster or onto a tarp. Then, use a broom magnet to pick up any loose nails in the grass, keeping everyone safe from injury.
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Install insulation layer
Installing insulation under a metal roof is a crucial step to enhance energy efficiency, minimise noise, and prevent condensation problems. Before installing insulation, it is important to wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, a hat, and a face mask. Additionally, it is essential to prepare the workspace by clearing any items from the attic and ensuring proper ventilation by opening vents or windows.
The first step in installing the insulation layer is to measure the square footage of the attic space to determine the amount of insulation material needed. This step is crucial to avoid underestimating or overestimating the required amount, which can lead to unnecessary expenses or challenges with returning unused materials.
The next step is to cut the insulation material to size. For foam board insulation, use a tape measure, a marker, and a utility knife to mark and cut the foam boards accordingly. If you are using fiberglass insulation, cut the batts to size, ensuring they fit snugly between the rafters without compression, as this can reduce their R-value, or heat flow resistance.
After cutting the insulation to size, it is time to attach it to the roof. For foam board insulation, use roofing nails or screws to secure the boards to the underside of the roof within the attic space. Be sure to use enough fasteners to hold the boards in place. For fiberglass insulation, you can staple the batts directly to the roof paper and sheathing.
Finally, seal any seams or gaps between the insulation panels to prevent air leaks and moisture accumulation. For foam board insulation, use tape or caulk to seal the seams. If using fiberglass insulation, add staples around the seams to secure the panels in place and leave a small gap of about 1/8 inch between panels.
It is important to note that different types of insulation may require specific installation techniques. For example, foil-faced blankets should be laid directly on the roof deck before installing the metal roofing, while spray foam insulation may require professional installation. Additionally, proper ventilation and moisture control are crucial to prevent condensation and ensure the longevity of the roof structure.
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Install edging
Installing edging, or a drip edge, on a metal roof is a simple but essential addition to keep water out of places it shouldn't be and to protect the edges of your roof from wear and tear. Before you start, ensure you have all the right tools and materials. You will need:
- Measuring tape
- Drip edge flashing
- Aviation snips or another metal cutting tool
- Roof cement or roofing nails/screws
- Hammer or power drill
- Safety gear, including gloves, a helmet, and non-slip shoes
Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Roof Surface
Check your roof for any damage or loose areas. Address any obstructions or uneven spots, and tighten or replace any loose or missing fasteners. If there is any rust, treat those spots to avoid further damage. It is also important to remove any debris, such as leaves, dirt, or old roofing materials, to ensure a smooth installation process.
Step 2: Measure the Roof Edge
Use the measuring tape to determine the length of the roofline where you plan to install the drip edge. Be precise in your measurements, as the drip edge should fit snugly along the roof's edges.
Step 3: Cut the Drip Edge to Size
Using aviation snips or another suitable cutting tool, cut the drip edge flashing to the required length. Be careful when handling the metal to avoid any injuries.
Step 4: Align the Drip Edge
Position the drip edge along the roof edge, ensuring it hangs directly into the gutter. If it does not align properly, you may need to adjust the gutter or purchase a new drip edge flashing.
Step 5: Secure the Drip Edge
Use a hammer or power drill to fix the drip edge in place with nails or screws. Ensure you use the correct fasteners to attach the drip edge securely.
Step 6: Check Local Building Codes
Make sure that your drip edge installation complies with local building regulations. For example, in Florida, using roof cement is a legal requirement.
By following these steps, you can effectively install edging on your metal roof, providing essential protection and ensuring a long-lasting roofing system.
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Add metal panels
Installing metal roofing can be a complex and hazardous process, so it is important to take the proper safety precautions and understand the process thoroughly before beginning. When adding metal panels to a roof, there are several steps to follow:
First, ensure that you have the correct length and amount of materials. Measure the square footage of the roof and order panels that are long enough to run the full length from the ridge to the eave, avoiding seams if possible. Order roofing supplies by the square foot, adding 10% for waste.
Next, prepare the plywood base by removing the existing roof and inspecting the plywood for any damage. Cover the plywood with a layer of roofing underlayment, such as felt paper, a rosin slip sheet, or a self-healing ice-and-water membrane, to protect it from the elements and provide an additional layer of protection.
Then, install a slip sheet on top of the underlayment to protect it from tearing and allow for the expansion and contraction of the metal panels. Secure the slip sheet to the underlayment with nails.
Now it's time to lay the metal panels. Place each panel on an inside foam closure strip, which will help keep bugs and water from getting underneath. Run a bead of sealant on top of the closure strip, then set the panel so it overhangs beyond the eave by about one inch. Adjust the panel so that it is aligned with your reference line. Fasten the panels securely with screws, starting at the bottom and working towards the ridge. Use galvanized metal screws and ensure that they are seated flat on the roof without over-tightening or under-tightening.
Finally, attach the gable trim to clean up the edge of the panels and prevent rain and snow from getting underneath. Cut and bend the trim to fit around corners, using aviation snips to make tabs that can be folded with a hand seamer. Fasten the trim to the roof deck over the underlayment with roofing nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Always wear gloves and safety goggles to prevent injury, especially when using tools such as saws or power drills. It is recommended that you have one or two people assisting you and that you use fall protection equipment designed for roof work. Ensure that there are no electrical wires or low branches hanging over the roof and that your ladder is secure.
You will need roofing metal in the amount and colour specific to your house, a large garbage can, a jigsaw or power metal shear, a staple gun, a drill, drill bits, roofing nails, metal roofing screws, and self-drilling, self-sealing wood screws.
First, measure the length, width, and rise of one section of your roof and order your materials. Prepare your workspace by setting up your scaffolding or ladder, and storing your materials in a readily accessible area protected from the weather. Remove the old roofing and replace it with the new metal roofing. Install the edging, or eave flashing, using metal strips to cover the perimeter of the roof. Add an insulation layer using roofing felt and a breathable membrane. Finally, add the metal panels, placing the first sheet on the roof so that it overhangs the edge. Use neoprene washer head screws to secure the metal to the sheathing.
