How To Install Metal Over Shingles
Installing a metal roof is a big job. It can be a tricky process due to the materials and tools needed. If you have experience working with roofing or other difficult home improvement projects, you can DIY installing a metal roof over shingles. Your experience level may affect which type of metal roofing you install.
Installing an overlay – placing metal over shingles – requires placing an underlayment over the shingles to provide a safety barrier to reduce condensation and prevent damage to the metal. On flat, even roofs, you can place the metal roofing directly on top of the underlayment barrier.
place down purlins
Another option for placing metal roofs over shingles is to place down purlins – long straight boards – over top of the underlayment and then screw the metal to these boards. This method is preferred for installing metal siding or for standing seam panels.
Before you lay down your metal, you have to install edging – metal eave flashing – along the outline of the roof. Then you lay down each metal piece, using the appropriate method for your type of roofing.
With standing seam panels, which are long straight pieces, they run vertically from the eave to the ridge on the roofline. Metal shingles lay horizontally in stacked rows.
How To Tie Metal Roof Into Shingles
Every year, more and more residential homeowners across the country are taking advantage of the benefits of metal roofing. As a result, metal shingles, standing seam metal roofing, and other designs are En vogue. Many property owners are wondering how to tie metal roof into shingles to mix and match designs.
Why are metal roofs so popular today? Well, metal roofing offers various benefits over other, more traditional materials like asphalt. They last longer, are more robust, and have fewer seams. Overall, metal roofs are more weather-resistant and give any property an instant modern look.
Another great thing about metal roofing is the customization options. While installing an entire metal roof on your home or commercial property, you can also mix and max metal accents into your asphalt or tile roof. For example, some of the latest trends include installing metal awnings over entrances, patios, and windows. The combination of metal and other roofing materials increases curb appeal and offers more performance for property owners.
But how do you tie metal roofing into shingles? If you own a shingle roof, then installing metal roofing into certain parts of your roof requires careful planning and execution. Thankfully, tying metal into shingles is totally doable by following specific steps. So, lets explore how you can start this project right and see it through to a successful finish.
Fire And Wind Resistant
Fire is a serious threat to any home, and metal roofs help reduce the risk posed by it. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles, a metal roof conducts electricity quickly so any electrical charge that strikes the roof travels through the material and dissipates before producing heat which makes it less likely for lightning strikes to start fires. Additionally, since most metal roofs panels interlock or overlap in some way, they are far more wind resistant than other roofing materials.
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+ Year Life Expectancy
While other roofing materials like asphalt shingles can diminish in value and quality as they age, are exposed to wind and rain, and undergo snow and ice exposure, metal roofs provide long-lasting benefits as they are more resistant to weather elements. Most metal roofing has a life expectancy of 50+ years.
Benefits Of Sturdy Metal Roofs
When you install your new metal roof over an existing shingle roof, you immediately save money that normally would be spent to have the old roof torn off. But this is just one of many benefits of a metal roof. Here are four more:
1. Long life: A properly installed metal roof should last for 40 or 50 years or more before a replacement is needed.
2. Virtually impervious to damage: Metal roofs hold up in the most intense weather events from pounding hail and ice storms to gale-force winds and searing summer heat.
3. Very low maintenance: Because of their strength, metal roofs wont require regular, expensive repair jobs. Year after year, decade after decade, they retain their soundness.
4. Lowered cooling bills: As noted above, special coatings on metal roofs allow them to reflect and block heat rather than absorb it. This results in cooler interior temperatures in the summer and less need to use your AC system.
If youd like to know more about metal roof installation or metal roofing in general, contact the experts, Advanced Aluminum of Lakeland, FL. We manufacture top-grade metal roofing products used by leading contractors across the Lakeland region. Reach us with questions at 648-5787.
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Prepare The Roof Surface
You can use metal roofing over old shingles. If you opt to do this, youll benefit from using furring strips and a waterproof barrier first. If you think that is overkill and youll have an unheated shed, then you can screw directly through the shingles.
Again, if you opt for battens, then you are reducing the weight of your structure and increasing the likelihood of condensation beneath your roof surface. Battens, however, are cheaper than solid decking and totally adequate for a simple, unheated shed.
Underlayment is not necessary, as mentioned above, for an unheated shed. You can screw your metal panels directly to the surface of your sheathing.
Finally, as you prep the roof surface for underlayment and/or your metal roof panels, plan out any roof venting that you intend to install. Mark it out but do not cut a hole yet. You will make your cut after the roof is installed to ensure the sheathing and metal roof panel cut align perfectly.
Do I Need Underlayment For Metal Roof Over Shingles
Yes, you do need underlayment. The underlayment adds additional protection against moisture buildup in your roof. Steel rots too. Yes, your asphalt shingle roof acts as underlayment. But moisture buildup between the two deteriorates both materials.
What underlayment can you use?
You may think your old asphalt shingles provide the best roof underlayment for metal roof installation. Some experts may even suggest that it is suitable. I beg to differ.
Prevention is better than cure. Add some underlayment before putting metal roofing over your existing asphalt. Rubberized asphalt is a good option.
If you do not add this layer of underlayment, you may lose the warranty on your metal roof materials.
If you want to be more thorough, add purlins to create space between your old and new roof. Purlins provide ventilation while keeping the metal from resting on the shingles beneath.
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How To Tie Metal Roof Into Shingles Start Small
If youre worried about how to tie metal roof into shingles, then give it a try on the back of your home or a shed first. Starting out small is a fantastic way to wet your beak and get a feel for the details of the project. Youll feel more confident going into other parts of your roof once you have a bit of experience.
Flashings To Enhance And Protect Your Steel Roofing
Weatherproofing is a vital part of keeping your roof sheets and the inside of the building in good condition. A ridge flashing covers where two metal roofing sheets meet at the roofs apex, while barge boards can be used to weatherproof and neatly finish the edges of steel roof sheets.
Many flashings are available to suit our full range of metal roofing sheets for more information please head to the flashings section. Flashings enhance aesthetics, helps protect roof sheets against potential water intrusion and are an integral part of any steel roofing project.
Be sure to check through our Frequently Asked Questions for an overview of the most common queries we receive at Cladco Profiles about our metal roofing sheets . For everything else, either email or call us on 01837 659 901 we look forward to helping in any way we can.
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How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost
To the surprise of many, some metal roofs do not cost much more than an asphalt roof. The difference often lies in the installation costs. Simply put, more roofing companies do asphalt shingles. The more competition, the lower the price.
If you are using a commonly found brand and style of metal roofing, then expecting to pay around more than you would for asphalt shingles. Of course, that price can balloon if you want a different color, style, or brand of tin roof.
For instance, one square of asphalt roofing will cost around $100. Metal panels are commonly found in 10, 12, and 16 lengths. A panel that is 10 long and 36 wide would require 3.5 panels to make a square. If one panel is $30, then you are looking at about $115. Of course, that is for the cheapest type of metal roofing.
How Much Should A Metal Roof Overhang
A metal roof should overhang the eave end of a roof 1 to 1.5 if you have gutters. If your roof does not have gutters, your roof can overhang up to 3. A minimum overhang of 1 is always recommended to prevent rain and other moisture from blowing up under the metal roof edge.
You should not overlap the rake ends of your roof with your metal panels. While some overhang is acceptable on the eaves, you should never overlap rake edges as too much surface area of the panel would be exposed to wind and you would risk the panel failing in extreme weather.
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Is Metal Roofing Worth The Cost
This really depends on how long term youre thinking. In the short term, shingle roofs are cheaper than metal. However, that changes as you consider longer periods of time.
Metal roofs will last much longer than shingles. That alone improves the value of the metal roof. The fewer replacements you make, the more it saves you. This also applies to the durability of your roof. You will save money on repairs with metal.
Additionally, metal roofing will save you money on cooling your home. It may not be much per year, but these things add up over time.
If you arent planning on living in your house very long, then go with shingles. However, if you plan on living there for a long time, metal roofing will be the best choice you can make.
All of the benefits of metal roofing apply whether installed on their own or over shingle roofing.
What To Do Before Reroofing Over Existing Roof
Before doing anything, hire an inspector to check your roof. The inspection identifies problems like leaks and damages. You also want to ensure they examine the rafters for signs of decay.
Look for signs of other structural issues before adding more weight to your roof. Metal roofing material is lightweight. But added to an already buckling roof system, it will do more harm than good.
Make the necessary repairs before adding new metal roof shingles on top of old shingles. I suggest getting curled and damaged shingles fixed as well.
Otherwise, there may be many problems and an even more costly roof replacement in your future.
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Buying Your Tile Form Box Profile Sheets And Corrugated Roof Sheets
When it comes to working out the quantity of roof cladding you need, whether itâs corrugated roof sheets, box profile roofing sheets or Tile Form roof cladding sheets, our handy roofing calculator will do the hard work for you. Simply select your roof type and measurements and let us know which type of flashings and fixings and accessories you need. We also have a great range of Z Purlins and Roof Lights to complete your agricultural, domestic commercial or industrial roofing project.
If you have any questions about our range of roof cladding and other roofing supplies, contact our expert team on 01837 659 901 or email us at
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Can Moisture Get Trapped Between The Metal And Asphalt Shingles
One of the benefits of a metal roof is that it is resistant to rotting and mildew. However, this benefit is cancelled out if moisture is able to get in between the new metal roofing panels and the old asphalt shingle roof.
Moisture between these surfaces can result in mold and rotting which will ultimately lead to costly repairs.
Here are two ways to eliminate trapped water vapor:
Every roof is different and must be analyzed by the roofing contractor to determine whats best for your specific roof. However, all metal roofs should have roofing underlayment regardless of whether its a new installation or being installed on top of an existing shingle roof. Roofing underlayment creates an added layer of protection from moisture.
To learn more about how ridge vents will increase airflow and lower energy costs, we suggest reading:
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You Wont Get To Replace Crucial Roofing Materials
When you get a metal roof-over, you bypass the tear-off process of getting a new roof. This will save you money, but you miss out on replacing crucial materials that are included in a full roof replacement.
For example, one of these crucial materials is the underlayment. Its your roof systems last line of defense for keeping your decking dry. When you roof over your asphalt roof with a metal roof, you have to rely on the underlayment from your old roof. You also wont get the proper kind of underlayment specifically designed for a metal roof.
Roofing materials arent meant to last forever. Thats why if youre already going to invest in a metal roof, I recommend starting from scratch with clean decking.
To learn more about the crucial materials that are replaced when you get a new roof, read this article on the 9 materials included in your roof replacement.
Installation And Repair Usually Requires A Professional
DIYers have been known to install and repair metal roofing, but it is generally not advised. Metal roofing is generally available only through select retailers, and the techniques for installation and repair are specialized skills. If you opt for metal roofing, you will likely be calling a specialist should problems occur. Fortunately, such problems are rare with metal roofs.
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Does The Building Code Allow For A Metal Roof To Be Placed Over Shingles
The choice is easy when there isnt a decision to be made. Local building code can make your decision simple if it specifies that the existing shingles have to be removed first.
Its common to find building codes that will allow for two layers of roofing on a structure, but that is not always the case. Check your local building codes to see what is allowed in your area. Not complying with building codes can result in expensive fines.
Install Edging And Underlayment
Install the underlayment as per the instructions by the manufacturer. If you are installing edging, which is essentially flashing that works with your metal roof panels, then you should first install the eave edging.
When installing your eave edging, youll fit it to the underside of your eave and onto the face it should cover the entire face of your eave. Screw the eave edging to the underside of the eave, through the lip of the flashing. Then nail the faces with stainless steel finishing nails of the same color as your flashing.
Then install your underlayment so that it covers the eave edging edge. Install the rake edging over the underlayment. It attaches in the same way as your eave edging, except that you use roofing screws to face screw the rake flashing. Ensure the eave end of the rake edging goes over the eave edging.
Note that some rake edging may go over the installed metal panels, not under. In that case, install the metal panels first and the rake edging afterwards. It depends entirely on the manufacturer of your metal roofing panel.
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Are There Advantages To Installing A Metal Roof Over Shingles
Its not just convenience or expediency, though these things do matter. Installing a metal roof over shingles takes far less time than trying to remove the shingles first. But there are other advantages, such as reducing sounds, improving insulation, and increasing water resistance. Installing a metal roof over shingles can save you money because the original shingles dont need to be removed.
Can You Put Steel Roofing Over Asphalt
Can you avoid tearing off your old asphalt shingle roof by putting a steel roof over it? Maybe. Most codes now allow no more than two layers of roofing before requiring a complete tear-off. So, if your roof has two layers, it may require a complete tear-off, even though steel is lighter than asphalt. Codes vary, so call your local building department to know how to install metal roofing over shingles properly, code-wise.
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How To Install Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingles
Whether youre looking to install a steel roof over shingles or another type of metal, its a good idea to learn the know-how. Knowing how to install a metal roof over shingles is important for a homeowner whether theyre looking to do it themselves or hire professionals. Remember that if you choose to install metal roofing over shingles, its best to add an underlayment or purlins.
