Measure The Roof And Measure Again
Before you do anything, you must get accurate measurements of your roof. Youll need to know the square footage, the length of each section, and the width of panels youll need to order. Youll measure from the roofs ridge down to the eaves. Then measure the width and determine your square footage for each section of the roof.
Its easier when you have just two sides, but separate areas like over the garage or any dormers can complicate measurements, so keep that in mind. You can then order your materials based on square footage, plus add a few extras for mistakes or waste.
Advantages Of Metal Roofs Over Shingles
Theres already plenty of advantages by choosing a metal roof, and theres even more when you decide to put a metal roof over shingles. They include:
Advantages of metal roofs in general:
- Metal roofs have increasingly become a more popular option for homeowners due to their reputation for longevity and curb appeal.
- They can last much longer than shingles. In fact, they can last for about 40-70 years depending on the material.
- They can withstand almost any type of weather condition to keep your home safe, comfortable, and dry. Rain will quickly and easily drain, and snow will be able to melt slide off easily. They can also sustain wind gusts up to 140 mph.
- Many of them also come with the ability to resist fire and withstand a hail storm without taking damage.
- They can come in a wide variety of colors and finishes. These include the appearances of natural cedar shakes or stone.
- They can improve your homes energy efficiency by reflecting solar radiant heat, which may even reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.
Advantages of metal roofs over shingles:
- Metal roofs over shingles will also provide an extra layer covering your home, helping to further insulate it.
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.
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Step : Measure Your Roof
Without getting up on the roof itself, you can get the measurements simply by measuring the length and width of the roof and then multiply these together. If the roof has a peak, then you will need to get the measurements of both sides of the roof.
Also remember
You will need slightly more than the measured amount of material due to the need for overlap on the roof. The suggested overlap for a roof is 4 inches.
Whats The Screw Pattern For
Perhaps the biggest confusion arises when dealing with -inch corrugated metal roofing. Thats because different manufacturers recommend different faster placement spacing.
First off, we believe that you decide the best screw pattern based on whether you have the screws on the highs or lows of the corrugated roofing sheets.
Many people prefer installing the screws on the high as it makes installation easier. This method also allows water to flow freely down the roof and reduces the risk of roof leaks because the screw holes are on the high ridges.
However, we often recommend installing the screws in the troughs. Although it increases the risk of leaks because of flowing rainwater, screwing in the troughs guarantees a more secure connection. The screws are also less likely to distort the metal roofing panel.
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How To Install Metal Roofing
This article was co-authored by David Bitan. David Bitan is a roofing professional, licensed contractor, and the owner and founder of Bumble Roofing based in Southern California. With over 12 years of construction industry experience, David specializes in restoring, repairing, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial roofs. With over 60 years of combined experience, Bumble Roofing provides easy, friendly services to structures including residential, commercial, industrial, multi-family, and government buildings along with hospitals, hotels, and churches.There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 18 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 905,535 times.
Metal roofing is becoming popular because it is durable, adds beauty, and helps reduce the energy costs for your home.XResearch source This type of roofing is available in an array of colors, textures, and styles which can suit anyone’s aesthetic preferences. Install your own metal roofing to increase efficiency and add style to your home while saving money.
Avoid Improperly Tightened Metal Roofing Screws Or Fasteners
It is important to drive or install the screws correctly. This is a really simple procedure, but quite often it is done incorrectly. If you mess this up your roof will leak, so taking the time to correctly fasten the screws is exceptionally important. This video will be an excellent guide that will clearly demonstrate the correct way to tighten a screw.
The screws that you will be using will have a rubber washer with a metal cap. The rubber washer is just a bit smaller than the metal cap. You want to tighten the washer so that it spreads to the edge of the metal cap and not past the metal cap.When you tighten the screw its critical that you dont drive it too far.
Its a natural reaction to exert too much pressure and tighten the screw as much as possible. This will over compress the washer by expanding it too much and breaking the washer. If this happens back out the screw to relieve some of the pressure. If you over-tighten the screws then they might leak and will also need maintenance sooner.
Conversely, it is common to under-tighten the screw. The easiest way to determine if the screw is too loose is to see if you can spin the washer. If the washer spins, then the screw is too loose and should be re-tightened. You will develop a feel for fastening the metal panels correctly, but just pay close attention to ensure that the screws are installed correctly.
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Corrugated Metal Roof Screw Placement
I recommend that you should place the fasteners on the high seam of the panel. Heres why:
Are there any screws that you should place on the low seam? Yes, if you are screwing along with the gable trim, you should place the screws on the low seam. The screw will be protected and not interfere with the gable trim. It will also keep the panel secure if the gable trim is ever to come undone.
What Can Affect Installation Speed
The time required to install a metal roof is given under ideal conditions. However, some factors can slow down this process. The most common reason for delays in work is bad weather. The roof is not installed during rain or snow.
The speed of roof installation also depends on its complexity. The process can be complicated by many roof slopes and additional elements. A professional company will calculate all the difficulties in advance and tell you the exact time required to install a metal roof in your particular case.
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Install Metal Roofing Flashing
Flashing installation is the final step when installing your metal roof. Flashing is the metal trim used to cover all the joints where the metal sheet panels meet on your roof. Follow the manufacturers instructions for attaching and securing the flashing to your roof joints. Once installed, the flashing will act as an extra layer of protection against the external elements and give your metal roof installation a finished look.
Large Visible Gaps Of Any Kind
Gaps can cause leaking in your steel roofing panels. Therefore, there should not be any gaps anywhere in the metal roof. If your panels have any gaps during metal roofing installation, they should be fixed immediately. Gaps will not only cause leaking but will also allow entry of unwanted guests such as rodents, insects, or other dangerous critters.
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Is It Possible To Install Metal Roofing Over A Shingle Roof
Yes, you can install a metal roof over existing asphalt shingles. As long as you meet all the requirements of your local building department, the shingles do not necessarily have to be removed before installing metal roofing.
That’s the short answer to the question: can you install metal roofing over a shingle roof? However, just because you can doesn’t mean that you should. Before deciding to go this route, there are several important factors to consider. You probably have questions about the installation process, as well as the pros and cons of not removing your existing shingle roof. All of that and more will be answered in this article. Lets begin.
Under Or Overtightened Fasteners
As a general rule of thumb, your screws or fasteners should extend around 3/4-inch into your roof sheathing or base roof decking boards. If youve selected the proper length of screws and fasteners, then over-tightening them once the screw or fastener heads are flush with your roofing panels or shingles wont further seal your roof. In fact, they can structurally weaken your metal panels or cause small cracks or gaps, which will not be readily apparent.
- Free estimates based on your roof, no phone call required
- Typically costs between $1$25 per square foot
- Get your quote in 30 seconds
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How To Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles
Reviewed by Tomas Kalkys. President.Qualifications: More than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial exterior remodeling.Founding farther of Legacy Service.Written by LegacyUSA Team
Get Estimates From Roofing Pros
So, you need a new roof. You may have shingles now, but are shingles your best choice for the years to come?
Maybe, but have you considered your other options? Metal roofing is one of the best types out there for any building, including all kinds of homes. Not only are they visually appealing, but theyre also much more durable than shingles. If youre considering getting a metal roof, you may be wondering if you can install it over shingles. Were going to answer that question in this blog, so keep reading or give our Legacy Service team a call at 215-798-9790 if youre considering a metal roof replacement.
Types Of Metal Roofing Available
There are a few types of metal roofing available on the market today. Its come a long way since just large metal panels were being used for pole barns or lean-tos. Metal roofing shingles today can nearly imitate asphalt or slate shingles, but with the benefits of metal.
Also, the type of materials used to manufacture metal roofs vary and are most commonly tin, zinc, steel, aluminum, and copper. There are four main types of metal roofs: metal shingles, through-fastened or corrugated panels, modular panels, and standing-seam panels.
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Formula For Determining How Many Screws Will Be Needed
Here are two easy formulas for determining the amount of metal roofing screws:
Example: 3,000 square feet X 80% = 2,400 screws
Example: 30 roofing squares X 80 screws = 2,400 screws
Do Not Forget To Order Metal To Metal Screws For The Trim And Panel Sidelap
Example: 3,000 square feet divided by three = 1,000 then divide that by 1.5 = 667 screws
You dont need metal to metal screws for the sidelap if using Corrugated. You will only need sidelap screws for R Panel/PBR Panel and Western Rib/7.2 Panel.
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Drive Screws Just Right
- Fastening the panels just right is the key to a watertight roof. Here is what you should know:
- At the eave, place screws on both sides of every rib and lined up to go through the foam closure strip.
- Each row should be spaced no more than 24 inches with one screw at each rib on the overlapping side.
- Start at the bottom, fastening across the panel in rows, working toward the ridge.
- Drive screws to seat flat on the roof a crooked screw wont seal.
- Dont over-tighten or under-tighten. Tighten just enough to compress the rubber gasket to the edge of the screw head, not past it.
- Clean up any metal shavings or burrs right away. They will rust.
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Where To Screw Down Corrugated Metal Roofing And Other Metal Roof Questions Answered
DIY roofing is definitely your thing for your Denver CO home. Youâve been doing it splendidly so far and the results are rewarding each weekend. Youâve just finished putting on the roof sheathes. Next, youâve rolled the underlayment nicely. Now, youâre just having some problems with where to screw down corrugated metal roofing.
Truth be told, itâs as simple as using a screw drill bit to drive home the screw and keep your roof in place. However, it isnât that easy. Corrugated metal roofâs exposed fasteners are often the first to introduce leaks into your underlayment and through your attic. Unfortunately, all corrugated metal roofs will introduce this problem sooner or later.
So, how can you deal with it? Where to screw down corrugated metal roofing while making sure no leaks ever happen? The question isnât where, but what and how to screw down corrugated metal roofing. Weâll answer this along with other common corrugated metal roofing questions below.
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The Benefits Of Installing A Metal Roof:
There are many reasons homeowners switch to metal roofs vs. standard asphalt shingles or other roofing materials. Metal roofs have one of the biggest ROIs you can get with longevity, durability, and beauty improvements.
While other roof materials might diminish in value as they age, metal roofs offer lasting benefits, including:
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Can You Install Metal Roofing Over A Shingle Roof
In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity their installation doesnt require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.
Metal, although super-strong, is very light, weighing less than a pound per square foot compared with as much as four pounds per square foot for asphalt shingles. Adding a metal roof over existing shingles doesnt significantly increase the overall load for the home structure to bear.
Along with saving the cost of completely removing the existing roof, installing a new metal roof over a current roof also brings the benefit of additional insulation above your home to prevent heat and cool from escaping.
And since we mentioned insulation, we should also mention that metal roofs are heat-blockers they reflect heat away from their surfaces rather than absorb it. This means the extra insulation from your shingle roof will not act as a heat trap for heat emanating through your metal roof.
Choose The Right Roofing
There are a multitude of materials to choose from for your metal roof installation project. Be sure to research all of the available options beforehand to choose the right material for your home, make sure to read our comprehensive metal roofing types blog. Listed below are various options and a short blurb regarding each one.
- Tin: This is the most common and affordable metal roofing choice. The downside is that it creates noise when it rains.
- Copper: A copper metal roof is the nicest to look at but costs a pretty penny. However, it does withstand extreme weather and fire.
- Aluminum: This choice is lightweight and rust proof but it does need to be painted often.
- Steel: Another one to break the bank but be worth the investment.
- Zinc: This metal roofing choice is not only long-lasting, but it is corrosion-resistant and recyclable
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Tear Down Old Roofing
You may need to rent a dumpster to haul away any waste from the disposal of your old roof and the installation of your new one. Begin at the peak of your roof and methodically work your way across and down.
If any nails are sticking up, either hammer them all the way in or dispose of them if you choose. Inspect your roof substrate as you go.
Once all of your construction debris is ready for disposal or is out of your way, you can begin setting up your workspace.
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.
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