Monday, March 18, 2024
HomeHow To Cut Steel Roofing

How To Cut Steel Roofing

Minimize The Impact Of Warm Air

How I Cut Metal Roofing. Like Butter

As stated previously, it is that flowing of warm air that really aids to the buildup of water which then causes the ice dams to form. In order to prevent the ice dams from forming, you need to ensure that the warm air is kept to a minimum when flowing outward to the roof.

You can do this by first sealing the air leaks that can lead to the attic space. Do this by locating those little pathways where the warm air can rise up inside the attic and make sure that they are properly insulated. This is an effective long-term solution towards solving the ice dam problem that plagues so many metal roofs.

The first step is properly identifying those holes and then sealing them. You can use something like weather stripping to make sure that they are properly insulated and then make sure to seal all of the holes through which that warm air can escape into the attic.

Cutting Metal Roofing Panels

I am adding a lean-to on a storage shed. The roof will be galvanized metal roofing that I puchased used. What is the best way to cut these panels? I have heard some say you can use a skil saw with the blade reversed. Also wondering if a blade especially made for cutting metal would work. I dont have the special nippers made for cutting metal, and not sure if I can rent them in this area.

  • |#1

    You can indeed use a circular saw blade put on backwards and it will cut – albeit about as well as you’d expect. Better is a ferrous-metals blade which has the correct hook angles etc and won’t cost a great deal – but will still sound like a full battalion assault on your hearing.

    Somewhat better for noise is a ferrous-metal blade in your jigsaw or even a recip.saw. You have to be a bit more careful about keeping striaght edges though.

    The very best is to find a local contractor that actually knows how to use the snips really well. They will be able to do the job fast, neatly, quietly, tidily and accurately and probably in less than a day for a small job. You might even find someone happy to do a quick weekender for a crate of beer if you’re really lucky.

  • How long are the cuts you need to make, total length end to end? For a relatively small distance I’d be inclined to use an abrasive cutting blade.

    In any event, use full body armor — goggles, heavy shirt and pants, heavy gloves, and hearing protectors.

  • Why Are People Choosing Metal Roofs

    Barns, silos, and commercial buildings were traditionally familiar metal roofing candidates. However, that isnt the case anymore. Hundreds of thousands of homes in the US now feature metal roofs, and their popularity is only on the rise with homeowners. Take a look at the features of metal roofing that make it such an attractive choice for homeowners:

    • Longevity: A properly installed metal roof will typically last between 40 and 70 years. Of course, specific materials, installation, and weather conditions will factor in how long any roof will last. By and large, though, metal roofs typically last longer than shingle roofing.
    • Design: Metal roofing has come a long way over the last couple of decades. Metal roofing comes in different colors and can even mimic the look of natural roofing materials.
    • Flame-Retardant: Metal roofs are safer because they are flame-retardant. They will not spark up and will prevent the spread of flames in case of a house fire.
    • Impact and Wind Resistant: Metal roofing can withstand wind speeds of up to 140 miles per hour. They are also very impact-resistant, which is a huge plus if you live in an area prone to hail storms.
    • Lightweight: Metal roofing panels are lighter and less expensive to install than natural stone roofing and even shingle roofing.

    Recommended Reading: Add Overhang To Shed

    Choose Your Metal Material

    The vast majority of commercial metal roofing projects utilize aluminum or steel as the primary material. Both offer impressive resistance against the elements, meaning your employees can feel safe under sunny skies or heavy winds. With that being said, there are some key differences between steel paneling and aluminum.

    Steel Paneling is Particularly Popular for Large Commercial Projects.

    Steel: An Industrial Classic

    Few materials permeate so much of our American infrastructure as modern steel. That makes it a natural choice for protecting our rooftops, especially with its moderate price range. It rarely shows signs of aging either, maintaining that attractive sheen throughout its long lifetime. Most commercial contractors utilize either galvanized or galvalume steel, which provide substantial resistance against rusting.

    Aluminum: A Rust-Proof Solution

    While a somewhat softer metal than steel, aluminum still offers hardy protection against storms. You may notice small dings after a hail storm, however. The metal is extremely reflective, making it a wonderful choice in environments with long periods of intense sunlight. Because aluminum is naturally rustproof, you dont have to worry about long term corrosion either.

    How To Prevent Leaks Created By Metal Roofing Screws

    Pin on House ideas and projects

    As stated previously, it is essential that you double-check your work before walking away from the roof. Screwing in a screw with too much or too little torque can be a common cause, as can a screw that is placed at an improper angle.

    When you double-check your work, you ensure that there are no screws that will slip by you and you should not have to deal with leaks. But should there be leaks in your metal roof, you have a pretty good idea that the metal roofing screws are the culprit. Take a look around, inspect those screws, and make adjustments where you need to.

    Leaks in your metal roof dont have to be a catastrophe. Taking proper care and using common sense can save you a lot of headache and hassle and leave your roof standing up to the test of time and those pesky leaks.

    You May Like: How Many Screws Per Sheet Of Metal Roofing

    What About Power Tools

    Theres a school of thought among some roofers that power tools can speed up the production process in prepping metal roofs. While the use of tools like circular saws, electric shears, angle grinders and electric nibblers can save time on one hand, they may also require additional eye protection, face shields and hearing protection, and there are limits on how/where you can use the tools. In addition, with certain power tools, you sacrifice quality and accuracy for time saved, which in the end doesnt save as much time if youre making adjustments on the fly.

    Heres the good news: When it comes to the best ways to cut metal roofing, there are some excellent alternatives to both hand tools and power tools that can save you immensely on both time and labor costswithout the need for electricity. Lets take a look at some of the most popular metal roofing tools offered by Swenson Shear.

    Standing Seam Metal Roofing Cutting Tools

    One of the most popular types of metal roofing nowadays, standing seam roofs consist of concealed fastener metal panels consisting of vertical legs with a broad, flat area between them. The standing seam refers to the raised seams that rise above the levels of the panels themselves. Common types of standing seam profiles include snap-lock, mechanical seam and batten panels.

    If youre looking for the best standing seam cutting tool on the market, our Panel Cutter makes cutting standing seam sheet metal roofing panels a breeze. Get consistent, factory-quality cuts in just seconds all with minimal physical effort.

    Of course, preparing standing seam panels requires more than just cutting. Thats why we also offer a Standing Seam Notcher and an Eave and Valley Hemmer. And if youre really looking to level up your standing seam roofing game, consider the SnapTable PRO, which speeds up the preparation and installation of sheet metal roofing panels by bundling our three core standing seam tools into a single, all-in-one panel preparation system.

    Another standing seam tool we offer is the Eave Master.

    This lightweight, easily transportable machine produces roofers with consistent notches and hems on straight runs for metal sheet roofing panels in mere seconds making it perfect for any commercial standing seam job that does not require angle cuts.

    Read Also: How Much Does A Roof Cost In California

    Cutting Metal Roofing By Hand

    If none of these methods look like something you would like to use, then you can always cut your metal roofing by hand.

    Use a straight edge and marker for drawing lines on the sheet that need cutting. Place an angle grinder at one end of the line with light pressure until it cuts through.

    1. Use water This is helpful if you are using steel sheets because they will not heat up when they are wet.

    The water will also help you see the cut line clearly so that your cuts stay straight and even.

    2. Use a hammer If you have a piece of sheet metal, then it is easy to punch holes in it by using a ball-peen or cross peed style hammer.

    All you need to do is lay the sheet on a solid surface and use the hammer to punch holes in it.

    3. Use tin snips If you have an old pair of tin snips, then they are very helpful when cutting metal roofing by hand.

    Just cut along your line with them after drawing out where you need to make cuts.

    Cutting With Tin Snips

    Standing Seam Metal Roofing. FAST WAY TO CUT IT!

    Tin snips are best when making short, small, or detailed cuts. They work the same as scissors, so if your cut begins at the edge of the panel, theres really not much to it just be sure to follow the cut lines you made carefully.

    However, if your cut needs to begin in the middle of the panel, you will need to drill a pilot hole. Using an electric drill with a ½ inch metal-cutting drill bit, bore a small hole at the starting point of your cut. Then, simply use your snips to get into the pilot hole and begin your cut.

    Recommended Reading: Shed Eave Overhang

    Advanced Tin Snips & Aviation Snips

    Lets face it, its fun to own power tools They make quick work of any project and who doesnt like quick work? But theyre also a huge budget-killer, and most of the time, theyre unnecessary. We feel thats the case with cutting metal panels. If you were installing metal roofing for a trade, you would have a set of power tools designed to get the job done fast and easily. However, DIYers will generally want to use basic tools an not have to invest big money in tools that may get used for only a single project.

    With that, while installing your new metal roofing a set of tin snips will do you. Most of our DIY customers successfully use them. They can easily cut through 26 or 29 gauge metal panels, and probably heavier. But there is a RIGHT way to do it!

    We highly recommend reading this article and watching the videos before you start snipping away at your new metal roof panels. Itll make the job much better for you!

    Cutting Metal Roofing With A Nibbler

    A nibbler with its metal blade is the best tool for cutting metal roofing. A nibbler tool, unlike electric metal shares, can be more easily moved around to cut around corners quickly and easily without jamming the metal cutting blade.

    An electric nibbler is what a professional roofer would use, it punches its way through the metal in a fast and tidy way to leave a clean-cut.

    Nibblers work great because they cut a decent amount of metal out with each punch so that the blade doesnt jamb as shears and tin-snips would.

    Nibblers cut sheet metal materials like butter but there are actually 4 different variations of a nibbler tool a Makita nibbler is the most popular.

    Don’t Miss: How Much Does A New Roof Cost In California

    Using Proper Safety Equipment

    Its very easy to cut yourself when youre working on metal roofing. Youll need to wear cut resistant gloves at all times when youre cutting or handling metal roof panels. Youll also need safety goggles to protect your eyes from metal shards as you cut.

    Professional roofers take every precaution to keep themselves safe when theyre working on a roof. If you do choose to walk your roof on your own, you should always wear rubber-soled boots for extra traction, and make sure you use the proper ladder. It needs to be firmly braced or tied off, and it should be equipped with rubber safety feet.

    A professional roofer will install toe boards and roof brackets to keep them safe when working on your roof. They also will have the expertise to remove them without causing permanent damage to your home. California state law requires all contracts to use a fail restraint system on sloped roofs where the fall height is greater than 7 ½. Any roofer working on your house will be using safety harnesses to prevent severe injury from falling off a roof.

    Once that youre ready to work safely, its time to consider the right tool for the job.

    Purpose And Types Of The Valley

    July 2017

    Valley is one of the roofing units, a kind of an internal angle which is formed at the place of the two pitches. Main purpose of this element is gathering of precipitation.

    There are two types of valleys the bottom and top. The bottom one must ensure the reliability and hermeticity, and the top one mainly fulfills decorative function. Therefore, the bottom valley is made of durable galvanized steel strip that protects space under the roof from water. Its edges are bent so that the water does not run over. And the bottom valley is placed above the cornice.

    The open valley is the simplest solution. But it is only possible to use for the roofs with gentle pitch. The closed valley is used on roofs with acute angles between the roof planes. The twisted valley is fully covered by the roof, but some rows of roofing sheets on the adjacent planes are intertwined.

    The decision on how to cut metal roofing and selection of the valley type depends on the pitch angle, the roofing material and the shape of your complex roof.

    Recommended Reading: How To Extend A Metal Roof Overhang

    More About Lightning Strikes

    Knowing more about this natural occurrence can help you better understand lightning strikes that occur in our lives. Lightning has been studied for hundreds of years now and we have a pretty good base of information about it. What is unknown is how it forms and where it strikes. This makes behavior unpredictable.

    Lightning is actually a rapid discharge of atmospheric static electricity. As such, there are three major types of lightning strike that can occur: cloud-to-cloud discharges from a highly-charged cloud into a less-charged cloud Intra Cloud discharges inside of a single cloud from a highly-charged area in the cloud to a less-charged portion in the cloud, and cloud-to-ground discharges from a cloud that is highly-charged down to the earth. We best understand CG and it is the type that we are most concerned with when it comes to property and life.

    While there is uncertainty about where lightning discharges appear, the exact location depends on topography, geography, as well as movements from the storm. When lightning is ready to discharge, it simply will. This happens whether there is a roof in the area or not.

    There is faulty logic at work in assuming that metal roofs attract lightning strikes in a similar way to a lightning rod. This is because lightning rods are not actually made to attract lightning. They are made to channel that lightning safely to the ground if and when a strike hits the building.

    Expected Rust Protection For Different Roofing Types

  • Galvanized Steel Roof Surface layer protection only, and corrodes on cut edges.
  • Zincalume OR Galvalume Roof Both basically the same thing, standard, and good lasting protection in general settings.
  • Aluminum Roof Long lasting around the sea but the roof expands a lot with the change of temperature, this can sometimes break fixings.
  • Zinc Roof Very high life, around the sea, but scratches easily.
  • Copper Roof Extreme long life around the sea. But any steel metal shaving left on the roof well rust through a hole. Copper roofs are bad for the marine environment when water run-off makes its way to the sea via stormwater pipes.
  • Don’t Miss: Cost To Reroof A House In California

    Everything You Need To Know About How To Cut Metal Roofing

    Hi guys, Doug Schmit here, your roofing Bloomington IN expert from Equity Builders, coming to you again with more tips and tricks. Today were going to talk to you about how to cut metal roofing.

    Weve got a big house behind us with a big beautiful red metal roof. We got a lot of do-it-yourself-ers, that are asking all the time, can I do this myself?

    It looks really easy looking at some YouTube videos and indeed you can do it.

    Theres not a lot of difficulty about putting these type of roofs, as long as you understand the ABCS of what youre doing.

    Tools For Cutting Metal Roofs

    How to Cut Corrugated Sheet Metal or Roofing | Best Tool For The Job?

    Now that you know why so many people opt for metal roofs, its time to prepare yourself to install this increasingly popular roofing material. There are a few tools that you will want to keep handy if you plan on cutting metal roofing:

    • Tin Snips: Tin snips are your basic metal cutting hand tools. They can work well if you are dealing with a particularly thin sheet of metal roofing or if you need to make small, detailed cuts.
    • Circular Saw: Circular saws work well when you want to cut multiple sheets of the same length. You will want a circular saw around when you need to make long, straight cuts as well.
    • Nibbler: A nibbler is used to cut through sheet metal. For roofing, its best to use a power nibbler so you can make rounded cuts when needed.

    Recommended Reading: Cutting Roof Trusses

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular