Failing To Adequately Overlap The Panels
Metal roof panels are designed to overlap with one another, helping you keep water from leaking where two panels meet. The amount of overlap that is required generally depends on the overall slope of your roof.
During the installation process, start by calculating the pitch of your roof. Then, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the amount of overlap that you should use.
Metal Roofing Installation Guide Step By Step
When installing a metal roof, there a many steps you will need to take to make sure the roof is installed properly. Following this metal roofing guide will help to ensure you do not run into any issues installing your metal roof or afterward the metal roofing shingles are in place. To install your metal roof, follow these steps:
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.
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Which Standing Seam Panel Is Most Common
The Snap Lockpanel is the most common type of standing seam panel. It offers excellent performance and style, while also offering a greater value than nail strip and an easier installation than mechanically seamed. However, mechanically seam panels are excellent for a low roof slope and should be used in areas with extreme weather conditions as they are extra weathertight.
Snap Lock is a clip system that, unlike mechanically seamed, does not have the additional labor of seaming each panel together. This makes for a faster installation.
Watch how to install clips on a Snap Lock standing seam panel here:
Install The Metal Roof Panels
Installing the metal roof panel depends on the type of metal roof product you have, but start at the edge and make sure your first panel overlaps the existing edging by an inch, if applicable. Otherwise run your first panel flush with the rake edge of your roof and 1 over the eave if you have gutters 3 if you dont have gutters.
The top of the metal panel should be flush or no more than an inch below the peak of the gable roof. Screw in your panels according to manufacturer directions. See above for rules about how many screws to use our rule was 80 per square of roofing.
If screwing into the rib of the metal panel, be careful to not screw too far and dent the rib and overly compress the neoprene washer. If you have metal panels overlap at a rib you can also use metal lap screws, which connect the panels but do not go into the sheathing. These are also used for roof edging that go over metal roof rake ends.
If your metal roof product says you need mastic tape and sealant to put beneath the panel seams, then go ahead and apply. Do it slowly as the tape can be difficult to work with.
Chances are your final piece of roof will need a lengthwise cut to fit the width of your shed roof. If so, a circular saw with a metal cutting blade works really well. You can also use tin snips but cutting long pieces with snips is awkward and arduous.
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How To Install Solar Panels On A Metal Roof
Metal roofs and solar panels are a great combination. Solar panels can be installed on most types of metal roofs with the right precautions in place. Lets get into the steps on how to get the job done:
Always make sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid any damage to your roof.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to consult with a solar installation professional before beginning the installation process.
Metal Roofing Installation Difficulties
Metal roofs installation protects your home for years. However, if not done correctly, you can run into issues down the road. There are some difficulties that you need to be aware of when planning how to install your metal roof.
One of the biggest challenges of installing a metal roof is improperly cutting the sheet panels. If your sheet panels are cut too short, the rough edges could be exposed to the elements and rust more quickly. If your roof is not properly protected, you will also risk roof coating failure and potential weather damage, critter and insect infestations, and water leaks.
When measuring your roof, it is important to be precisely measure the length and slope of your roof. Follow the rule of thumb measure twice, cut once to ensure you have the exact panel size you need for your metal roof installation.
Skylights, curbs, chimneys, and other penetrations from your roof also add additional challenges when installing a metal roof. When detailing your steel roof installation, these extra features will need to be measured and included in your installation plans. Make sure you have all the dimensions of each fixture measured and outlined accurately before installing any panels or flashing. If the roof has skylights, check the weathertight warranty and engineering requirements before you begin to install the metal roof panels.
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Finish With Ridge Caps And Gutters
Lastly, you can finish by installing the ridge caps and gutters. Ridge caps are metal or plastic panels that run along the roofs uppermost edge to protect it from water damage. At the same time, a gutter is a system for directing runoff rainwater away from your homes foundation. These will be the finishing touches and give your new roof nice clean lines and no exposed seams or edges.
Metal Roofing Ridge Cap Installation Steps
Vented closure is installed in much the same way, except that it is unrolled rather than laid down in 3 pieces.
5. Starting at the end of the ridge where the first panel was installed, install the first piece of ridge cap.
7. Lap the next piece of ridge cap 6 over the first, and repeat steps 5 and 6.
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Resistance To Moss And Algae Growth
Asphalt and wood shingles often have a lesser life expectancy, and one of the reasons for this is their susceptibility to moss, mildew, and algae growth. Metal not only is resistant to this fungal growth but is also impervious to rodents and other pests that might be able to chew through other roofing types.
Myths About Metal Roofs
MYTH: They attract lightning.
REALITY: Metal is no more attractive to lightning than any other roofing material. Thats why there are no building codes that require grounding or special protection for metal roofs. Typically, lighting strikes the tallest object in the vicinity, like a chimney or a tree. But if a bolt does hit a metal roof, it wont catch fire.
MYTH: Theyre only for farmhouses.
REALITY: While metal roofs are a familiar sight in rural areason houses, barns, and industrial buildingsthey can work on almost any architectural style. Todays metal roofing products can mimic wood shakes, slate, clay tile, and even granule-coated asphalt, making it likely theres a version to match your house style.
MYTH: Theyre vulnerable to hail
REALITY: Hail can damage roofing of any kind, if the hailstones are big enough. In areas where hail occurs frequently, you want metal roofing with a Class 4 rating. This rating indicates that the roofing has withstood ULs most severe impact test standarda 2-inch diameter steel ball dropped from 20 feetwithout tearing, fracturing, cracking, or splitting. If a heavy-duty hailstormor foot trafficputs dents your metal roof, it may look bad, but the roofing itself isnt compromised.
MYTH: They heat up a house.
Metal can also reflect significant amounts of heat when the sun is up, but its reflectivity varies depending on its color and coatings.
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Position And Fix Venting
Once your metal panels are in place its time to cut any holes for your roofing venting, chimney or other outlets. Use a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade they have lots of small teeth. You can also use power shears or tin snips, but youll need to then use a different saw to cut through the roof sheathing.
When you install your vents or chimney be sure to use lots of silicone above and below the opening.
Lightweight Design Relieves Pressure On Homes Structure
If your home is older or isnt built to withstand such heavy weight on the roof, it can be detrimental to your homes integrity and foundation. Luckily, metal roofs are incredibly lightweight compared to other roofing materials. For example, some roofing materials such as slate, clay, or even premium asphalt shingles can weigh 2 to 6 pounds per square foot, while metal roofing might weigh around 1.5 lbs.
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Can Solar Panels Be Installed On A Metal Roof Be Careful
If you are considering installing solar panels on your metal roof, you need to be careful! It is possible to do, but there are some things you need to take into consideration.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of the safety precautions to take when installing solar panels on a metal roof. We will also provide some tips on how to install the panels properly.
Can You Put A Metal Roof Over Shingles
Yes, its possible to put metal roofing over shingles. Before you get started on your project, though, you will need to check with your local building department to see if theyll allow you to. Some areas will only allow re-roofing over one layer of shingles while others will allow over two layers. There are also some disadvantages to installing metal roofing over shingles that youll want to know about before starting. Contact your local roofing company to learn more and see what they can do for you.
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Remove Or Begin Placing Metal Roof Over Existing Roof
Most building codes only allow two layers of roofing, so if you plan on installing a metal roof on top of an existing roof, make sure to check the layers. Also, consult with a building inspector to be sure, as building codes can vary. If you plan on replacing your roof, start tearing it off. Check the weather before you start removing the roof. Youll need a day or two of clear weather to get the job done.
Purchase All Of Your Materials And Tools
After youve measured your roof, the next step is to purchase all the materials and tools youll need for installation. Again, refer to our list of tools and materials above, but now you will know more accurately how many materials youll need to purchase based on your roofs measurements.
Metal Roofing Sheets: These are usually available in three lengths and can be purchased in either the sheet form or in pre-cut lengths.
Metal Roofing Shingles: They come with a variety of widths and have an option for round shapes used on steep pitches.
Galvanized Steel Frames: These frames are available in different sizes and are installed first to support the metal panels.
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How To Remove Metal Shavings From The Roof
Swarf is the metal shavings and chips that are caused by cutting and drilling roof panels. These fragments tend to rust quickly if they are not removed from the roof in a timely manner. Leaving swarf on the panels after drilling will cause red corrosion spots to form and permanently stain the roof. This can and does happeneven overnight.
Contact Us For All Your Metal Roofing Needs
A metal roof is a smart investment. However, you also need to make sure that you choose the best roofing system and work with experienced metal roofing contractors. At Ironclad Roofing, our Tuscany metal roof panels are highly durable, lightweight, and dependable while also adding a touch of timeless elegance to your property. We know what it takes to provide and install a metal roof that can last a lifetime.
Across our many installation projects, we have proven that Ironclad provides reliable service that lasts. Get in touch with our team to learn more and receive a free estimate.
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What Is The Advantage Of A Metal Roof Over Shingles
There are a couple of advantages when it comes to installing metal over shingles. The first is that it helps you save the labor costs of removing the shingles and prevents them from being thrown into landfills. The second is that the shingles provide an extra layer over your home, which helps insulate it further. Metal roofs over shingles also present a number of problems. Contact your local roofing company to learn more.
Install Metal Roofing Edging
Install the insulation. Insulation protects your home from heat escaping and water getting in. Generally, one layer of felt insulation should be enough to protect your home, however in areas where climate temperatures are extreme, you might want to add a second layer of insulation before you install your metal roof.
Next, install eave flashing, drip-edges and closure strips. Cover the entire perimeter of your roof to fully protect your home. Use 1 ¼ in galvanized roofing nails to hold the flashing and drip-edges in place. Apply sealant tape one inch from the top of the drip-edge and apply a closure strip over the tape. As part of your steel roof installation, make sure everything is evenly applied and straight to prevent stretching, bare spots and misalignment.
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Metal Roof Over Shingles Condensation
Metal roofs must be laid flat on a vapor barrier because steel will condensate if theres any air space underneath it. It doesnt matter if the air space is a half-inch or six inches because the condensation factor will remain the same. Put the steel down directly on a vapor barrier. You can either leave the shingles on or put down felt paper during new construction.
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.
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How To Easily Install Metal Panels For Walls Ceilings Porches And More
You might be surprised just how easy it is to install metal panels and how incredible they can look anywhere in your home!
Long gone are the days of using metal for covering only the roof or exterior sides of barns. Now, the clean look of metal can be used all over the home. And you will be amazed at all of the incredible finishes and colors available
Whether installed as a bold look for an interior or accent wall, or used to beautifully cover ceilings, porches, garages and more, metal panels have come a long way.
Metal panels can be found in all types of styles and colors
Perhaps best of all, they can be a HUGE savings on the budget! When compared to the cost of installing and finishing drywall, or paneled wood ceilings and walls, the choice to install metal panels can bring savings of 50% or more. Especially when you do-it yourself!
We have utilized metal panels in nearly every structure at the farm. From the steel roof panels that cover our home, barn, garage and outbuildings to metal panels for walls and ceilings.
We even used corrugated panels in the garage as wainscoting for the interior walls. Not only did it add an attractive touch, it has proved extremely durable and easy to clean. And that is a must when it comes to the punishment our garage takes from projects! See : Finishing A Garage On A Shoe String Budget
