Maya Ellison
Replacing a plastic roof is a challenging task that may require assistance from one or two friends. The process involves removing the old roof, which is typically held together with screws and nails, and installing a new one. Before installing a new roof, it is important to check for and fix any damaged wood. When it comes to attaching the new corrugated plastic roofing, you can use nails, screws, or a combination of both. Screws provide more stability, but a combination of nails and screws will usually yield the best results.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the old roof
The old roof will likely be held together with a combination of screws and nails, so you will need a screwdriver, claw hammer, and a pry bar to remove it. Once you have removed the old roof, you will be able to fix any damaged wood before installing the new roof.
If you are replacing a polycarbonate roof, you will need to consider the flashing on the right-hand side to prevent water from blowing underneath the roof and inside. You may need to trim a barge capping to suit the angle and gap, and use Sikaflex to stick the flashing to the gutter and the edge of the sheeting.
Before installing the new roof, it is important to ensure that the wood you will be attaching the roof to is not damaged by rotting or any other negative conditions. This is also the best time to fix any damaged wood, as it will be more difficult to do so after the new roof has been installed.
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Cutting the sheets
Once you have removed the old roof, you will need to cut the new corrugated plastic roofing sheets to the proper length before installing them. You can use the old roofing sheets as a guide for the dimensions, or you can use a measuring tape to determine the dimensions you need.
Firstly, measure the correct dimensions on the sheet of corrugated plastic and use a marker to draw a line marking your cuts. Then, use a band saw to cut through the corrugated plastic to achieve sheets of the proper length. You can use a scrap butt end as a straight edge to scribe your line on the next sheet that you are going to cut.
Before installing the new sheets, check that the wood you will be attaching the roof to is not damaged by rotting or any other negative condition. It is also recommended that you fix any damaged wood while the roofing is off.
You can use nails, screws, or a combination of the two to attach the corrugated plastic roofing to the rafters. Screws will provide more stability, but a combination of both will usually be best. Start by using a nail gun to drive nails through the corrugated plastic into the ridges of the roof. When you reach the end of one sheet of plastic, simply overlap the pieces to achieve a seal. Once you have nailed the sheets in place, attach screws with watertight washers into the flat areas between the roof ridges.
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Fixing damaged wood
Firstly, identify the location and extent of the damage. Inspect your home for leaks, looking for stained drywall or wood on ceilings, in attics, or crawl spaces. On a rainy day, water stains will be easier to spot. Remove drywall and insulation as needed to locate the source of the leak.
Next, remove the roofing material, such as shingles, felt paper, or old roofing sheets, to expose the damaged wood. You may need to pry up shingles and pull up the felt paper underneath to access the wood. If you're removing shingles, be careful not to damage them, especially if you plan to reuse them.
Once the damaged wood is exposed, use a circular saw to cut away the affected area, ensuring you cut a little extra to expose the trusses and remove all rotten wood. Set the depth of the saw to match the thickness of the roof decking. Then, pry out any nails or screws securing the damaged wood with a claw hammer or pry bar and remove the cut piece.
Now, replace the damaged wood with a new piece of plywood, cutting it to the required size if necessary. Ensure the new wood is securely attached to the trusses or rafters, using screws for added stability.
Finally, replace the roofing material, such as shingles, over the new wood. If you're reusing shingles, carefully nail them back into place, ensuring a watertight seal.
By following these steps, you can fix damaged wood while replacing a plastic roof, creating a sturdy and leak-free roof for your home.
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Using nails, screws, or both
When replacing a plastic roof, you will first need to remove the previous roof. This is usually held together with a combination of screws and nails, so you will need a screwdriver, claw hammer, and pry bar to remove the old roofing material from the roof framing.
Once the old roof is removed, you can choose to use nails, screws, or a combination of the two to attach your new roof. Screws typically offer better stability, but a combination of both will usually be best.
If you are using nails, use a nail gun to drive nails through the corrugated plastic into the ridges of the roof. When you reach the end of one sheet of plastic, overlap the pieces to achieve a seal.
If you are using screws, squeeze a blob of silicone into the hole before the screw goes in. You can also use a primer and paint the screw head. Make sure not to tighten the screws too much, so the washer does not touch the roof, and the seal can squish slightly.
If you are using both, start by nailing the sheets in place, and then follow by attaching screws with watertight washers into the flat areas between the roof ridges.
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Installing flashing
Roof flashing is a thin material, usually made of galvanized steel, that professional roofers use to direct water away from critical areas of the roof. It is typically installed under shingles, surrounding roof features such as vents, chimneys, and skylights. There are different types of flashing for different parts of the roof, and the type of flashing you need will depend on your roof shape and features. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing flashing:
First, determine the type of flashing you need and the appropriate material. Common materials include aluminum, copper, or steel, and you will generally need at least 26-gauge galvanized steel. If you live near the ocean, flashing with a galvanized coating is recommended.
Next, prepare the area by installing the underlayment with waterproof tar or felt on top. If the roof is already shingled, you will need to remove the shingles first. Then, nail your starter shingle in place along the edge of the roof.
Now, you can begin installing the flashing. Place a piece of step flashing along the edge of the roof, where the roof face meets the wall, and nail it into place with one nail on each side. Grab your first shingle, line it up with the edge, and nail it down about 6 inches from the edge and 1/8 inch from the wall.
Overlap your second flashing with the first shingle by at least 2 to 3 inches and secure it with nails. Add your second shingle, and continue this process until you cover the entire seam between the roof face and the wall.
For pipe flashings around soil stacks, shingle up to the bottom of the stack, then slide the flashing over the soil pipe and into place. Use nails sparingly and avoid driving them close to the pipe. Continue shingling, cutting to fit around the stack, and apply a bead of asphalt plastic cement to each cut shingle.
Finally, apply a dab of asphalt plastic cement over the exposed nails to seal against leaks.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a very difficult job to complete alone, so it is recommended to enlist the help of 1 or 2 friends.
You will need a combination of a screwdriver, claw hammer, and pry bar for removing the existing roof. For cutting the new sheets, you will need a band saw. To attach the new roof, you will need a nail gun, nails, and screws with watertight washers.
First, remove the previous roof using the tools mentioned above. Cut the new sheets to the proper length, using the old sheets as a guide or measuring with a tape. Before installing the new roof, check the wood for any damage and fix it if necessary. Attach the new sheets using nails and screws.
Choose the right roofing materials and work with a reputable contractor if you are not doing it yourself. If you are painting the roof, choose a paint that acts as a primer and sealant.
