Thursday, March 21, 2024
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How To Keep A Metal Roof Straight

Can Metal Roofing Be Installed Directly To Plywood

Building a Mancave 5: How to Install a Straight Metal Roof

Metal roofing should not be installed directly over the top of bareplywood. You do not have to install roofing shingles or other roofing material, but a felt sheet over the plywood is the bare minimum. You may also want to install a slip sheet to protect the felt sheet from potential damage caused by the metal roofing.

If you install your metal roofing directly on plywood without the protective layers, you greatly increase the odds of the roof leaking. You also run the risk of premature wood rot, as the felt sheet provides a layer of moisture prevention that keeps the wood dry. Even without heavy rain, humidity can build up between the metal roofing and the plywood and ruin the wood.

The slip sheet is also an important layer. This smooth, industrial paper is laid on top of the felt to protect the felt from the metal roofing material. The metal can heat up from exposure to the sun and adhere to the tar-infused felt sheeting. When the metal expands or contracts with changing temperatures, it can tear or wear away the felt sheeting.

How Is Your Standing Seam Metal Roof Installed

Are you ready for a new roof? Did you decide that you want a metal roof over the standard asphalt roof?

If so, you need to know the process it takes for your roofing contractor to install your new standing seam metal roof. But what does that process look like?

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided the residents of Nashville with high-quality metal roofs since 1990. We know what it takes to make your standing seam metal roof last for decades. When you work with us, youll never worry about your roof again.

So, how is a standing seam metal roof installed? Always eager to educate, Im going to answer that question.

Lock The Ridge Capping Into The Z Bar

Once the Z bars are installed, your standing seam metal roof will be ready to lock in into the ridge capping or transition metal. Ridge capping is the trim installed at the peak where the two slopes of a roof meet. On your standing seam metal roof, it will be the same type and color as your metal panels.

If your panels are coming from a low slope roof to a steeper slope, youll need transition metal instead of ridge capping. The transition metal should come down the roof and out 6 inches to ensure there’s a straight plane all the way across and then lock onto the Z bar.

Once your ridge capping or transition metal is installed, your metal panels will be completely locked in, and youll have your new standing seam metal roof.

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How To Cut Sheet Metal Using Tin Snips

Tin snips are an excellent option if you want to make curved cuts. Also known as aviation snips or compound snips, these scissor-like tools are color-coded based on the direction that you need to cut.

Yellow-handled snips are used to cut a straight line, red-handled ones are designed to cut to the right, and green ones to cut to the left.

After selecting the one for your particular project, use the tin snips as you would a pair of regular scissors:

  • Hold the side of the material with your non-dominant hand to keep it in place.
  • Align the blades of the snips with the line you want to cut, placing the upper blade of the tin so that its touching the sheet metal.
  • Press on the handles to make a cut and release them to free them.
  • Push the snips forward, and repeat the process to make short, quick cuts along the marked line.
  • Using tin snips can be a bit slow, and since it also requires some effort, we dont recommend using them to make long cuts or on large sheets.

    Metal Roofing Ridge Cap Installation Steps

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  • Center a piece of ridge cap on the building peak. Make a mark at the caps lower edges , at one end of the ridge. See the illustration below.
  • If the ridge is only 15-20 long, repeat step 1 at the opposite end of the ridge. For a longer ridge, move along the ridge repeating step 1 every 15 or so, until you reach the opposite end.
  • Set the piece of ridge cap aside, and snap a chalk line between the marks. You should end up with 2 chalk marks one on each side of the ridge, and running along its full length.
  • Following steps a-c below, place outside closure strips along the full length of the ridge, on both sides of the roof. The edge of the closure should be 1/4 above the chalk line .
  • Run a strip of sealant tape the full length of the ridge, about 1 above your chalk line. Repeat on the opposite side. If there is a paper backing running along the top of the sealant strip, remove it.
  • Run closure strips the length of the ridge, interlocking them end to end as you go, and pressing them down on top of the sealant tape.
  • Run another strip of sealant tape along the top of the closure strips. Leave any paper backing in place, for now.
  • 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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    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.

    How To Put On A Metal Roof

    How to Put on a Metal Roof A steel roof is long-lasting and withstands inclement weather. It is also recyclable. You can order steel roofing from a metal roofing distributor. You can buy the tools needed to install a steel roof from a hardware or home improvement store. Use these tips to install a steel roof.

    Contents

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    Put Down High Heat Ice And Water Shield

    Once the lock strips are put on the rakes and eaves, your underlayment will be installed. Underlayment is usually a felt material used over your decking to provide additional protection.

    However, for your standing seam metal roof, your underlayment will be a self-adhering, high heat ice and water shield. The ice and water shield must be installed over the top of the lock strip at the eaves.

    If the lock strip is installed over the underlayment, the condensation under the ribs will run down the fascia board behind the lock strip. This will leave lines down the fascia board when the water starts running behind the lock strip and eventually causes it rot.

    Its absolutely crucial that the underlayment is installed over the lock strip on your standing seam metal roof.

    Rhino: The Best Way To Avoid Leaks In Steel Buildings

    Pole barn kit: How to install metal roofing straight.

    RHINOs metal building kits include many waterproofing features, such as formed base trim, die-formed ridge caps, closure strips, and double-sided tape sealants for the ultimate in waterproofing.

    RHINO options like standing seam roof panels, overhanging roofs, pipe boots, and gutters and downspouts provide even greater weather protection.

    Learn more about the ways RHINO steel buildings stand out from the common herd of metal building companies. Call us today at and find out how you can get the best deal in steel with RHINO-tough metal buildings.

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    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.

    Flashing Seams And Sealants

    Flashing is a transitional material providing a watertight seal between roofing materials, roof sections and other non-roofing material like vents, chimneys and skylights. A metal roofs seams must be completely sealed and panels lapped correctly.

    Incorrect attachment and improper sealing of the flashing will allow water to enter between the roofing systems and the roof structure. As a worst-case scenario, poorly installed flashing could cause roof sections to blow off in a heavy windstorm. Sealants and butyl tape seal out water, dirt and other debris that could compromise a metal roof. If these are damaged, missing or applied incorrectly, leaks can occur. A sealant should be applied to the underside of the panel or trim where it is shielded from the elementsexposed sealants disintegrate over time.

    Also Check: How Do You Seal A Tin Roof

    Add The Flashing To The Roof

    Now comes the part where you adding some finishing touches to the roof, ensuring that it is completely protected against the elements . The flashing is the metal trim placed over the joints in the roof where the metal panels meet.

    You are essentially adding an extra layer of protection over the most vulnerable parts of the roof: the joints.

    How Long Will Your Standing Seam Metal Roof Last After It’s Installed

    Professional Flat Roof Instillation

    Now you know the process to install your new standing seam metal roof. Knowing these 6 steps helps you understand what your roofing contractor will do when its time for your new metal roof to be put on.

    As long as your new standing seam metal roof is installed properly, you can sit back and enjoy it for many years to come. But how many years of peace of mind do you get out of your new standing seam metal roof?

    Because the lifespan of your new metal roof is something every homeowner needs to know, we broke it down for you.

    The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been installing standing seam metal roofs in the Nashville area since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get the most out of your new metal roof.

    To learn how much life you get out your new metal roof, check out this article on How Long Your Metal Roof Should Last.

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    What Is A 3 4 5 Triangle

    The 3, 4 ,5 triangle is based upon the Pythagorean Theorem. It’s a true right angle triangle that starts out with measurements of 3 out, 4 up, and 5 across. Hence, the name of 3 4 5 triangle.

    For larger roofs, simply use any multiple of 3, 4 and 5. For example, doubling the size of your roof would be 6 over, 8 up, and 10 across. Quadrupling it would be 12, 16, 20.

    Metal Roofs Are Not Just A Novelty

    Once, metal roofing was found only on high-end, architect-designed homes. That’s no longer true. Metal roofing is increasingly found in conventional houses, thanks to increasing availability and improved manufacturing processes. According to industry statistics published in 2017, market share for metal roofing increased at a rate of roughly 3 percent each year for a few years and about 15 percent of all roofing installations used metal roofing materials. At the same time, the market share for asphalt shingle roofing fell, and accounted for about 59 percent of the total roofing installed.

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    Which Is Better: Steel Or Aluminum Roofing

    Neither type is better than the other its all about your preferences. However, if youre trying to choose between steel and aluminum roofing, do as much research as possible before you make your decision. In the previous sections, you can read about the pros, cons, and costs compared to the other types.

    To make the most informed decision, contact your local roofing experts to schedule a consultation. Our team at Legacy Service will guide you throughout the process, from helping you determine the best choice during the inital consultation to communicating with you every step of the way if you decide to go through with the project.

    Other Metal Roofing And Ridge Cap Types

    Metal Roof Set-up

    The steps above explain steel roofing ridge cap installation for the most common metal roof and cap designs. There are other types as well, such as standing seam and shingle-style panels, vented ridge cap, skylight ridge cap, and formed ridge cap. Details of how to install these special types are given in the instructions that should come with them, and in other articles.

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    Tin Snips Aviation Snips And Compound Snips

    Tin snips, standard issue, have a single point of pivot. Theyre workhorses and get the job done, but youll work harder with them. They resemble a large pair of safety scissors, except with roomy handles meant for gloved hands. That single pivot and less complicated construction means they can last decades if kept sharp. They have two blade types, the normal blade and the duckbill.

    • The duckbill-bladed tin snip is better for cutting in tighter curves, but the tapered design of the blade makes it less robust for cutting thicker-gauged sheets.
    • The normal blade or straight pattern blade is best for making long, straight cuts.

    Standard straight pattern tin snips.

    Aviation sips are made with a double pivot and are spring-loaded, with a safety lock on them. The double-pivot with spring-loading means its easier to use over the course of a long day. The gauge-appropriateness depends on the snips in question, so check their rating before purchasing. Aviation snips are often sold in sets of three, with each snip being designed for a different cutting purpose, which well explain in the next section.

    Aviation snips. Straight cut version shown.

    Compound snips have added leverage in them, making them well-suited to heavier-gauge metals, particularly things like ducts and seams.

    Compound aviation snips. Designed to cut 18-gauge cold-rolled or 23-gauge stainless steel

    Metal Roofs Are More Energy

    Industry studies show that metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent. In climates where cooling costs are higher than heating costs, coating a metal roof with a shiny or granular coating can maximize the reflective capacity of the roof and improve energy savings.

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    So What Do I Really Need

    There are a few options for how to install lightning protection: a wire from the antenna mount to a grounding source , or a surge arrester.

    How to decide? Generally, if you have a metal antenna mount on your roof that is over 5 feet tall, you will want to ground that using a long copper wire. If the mount is shorter, or doesnt rise above the roof line, then you can just use a surge arrester. Even if you arent grounding the hardware on the roof, and just using a surge arrester, that arrester will need to be grounded. This is typically easier, as it can be done at ground level, and done near an existing ground to make wiring easier.

    Ridge Vents Are More Obvious

    Sheet Metal &  Downspout Commercial Flat Roof Flashing ...

    On most homes today, attic venting is provided by a continuous ridge vent that runs across the peak of the roof. On a shingled roof, this continuous ridge vent is a strip of shingle-like material that runs the entire length of the peak of the house, masking outflow holes on the sides of the ridge. You likely have seen this countless times, but probably never really noticed because the CRV usually lies very flat and blends in perfectly with the surrounding roof.

    On many metal roofs, especially standing-seam roofs, the CRV is also metal, and it stands out further and is thus much more noticeable. These thick, prominent lines or ridges are inherent in metal roofs and add to their distinctive look.

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    Whats Better Straight Tin Snips Or Offset Snips

    Straight tin snips can do some curved cutting, but what makes it handy to have slightly offset snips around is that the offset handle means your hands are above the cut, not in line with it, and so its easier to do long, straight cuts. And easier means an added touch of safety when working with sharp metal edges.

    And narrower blades on yellow straight snips make them good for cutting tighter curves. A 90-degree offset handle can be great to have for tight spaces or if you need to cut upside-down.

    Whatever snips you buy, buy high-quality. Itll be worth it when your metal isnt getting jammed or twisting between blades.

    In a perfect world, your kit would have a set of red, yellow, and green aviation snips, a compound snip, and an off-set snip. That way, youre good to go for nearly any cutting dilemma.

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