How to Install Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is more durable than shingles and can lower homeowner insurance rates. However, metal roofing requires more advanced DIY experience compared to shingle projects. First-time buyers may want to avoid undertaking this ambitious project.
For work above the ground, you'll need a safety goggle, gloves and a ladder. You may also need a caulking tool with butyl or sealant.
Preparation
Metal roofing is a great way to add value to your home, lower energy costs and reduce leak risk. Metal comes in an array of colors to suit any aesthetic. It is also a durable option for low-pitched roofing due to its durability.
Metal roofs can be made from a variety of materials including zinc, aluminum, and steel. There are three different design styles: through-fastened panel, modular panel, and standing seamed (or crimped).
Before installing a metal roofing system, it is wise to perform an initial roof inspection. This will help you detect any damage to existing shingles.
Before you use your ladder to climb the roof, it is wise to conduct an inspection. Working from a roof ladder can be difficult and dangerous. For best results, use sturdy ladders with the right safety equipment.
Installing the Panels
As with any roofing job, having the right materials and tools is essential. These include butyl or metal sealant tape, caulking and butyl tape. They must be applied along the overlap points of the roof to prevent moisture from entering.
Slip sheets of smooth building papers should also be a part of your construction strategy. They can act as an intermediary to keep moisture at bay while also assisting in drainage towards your roof edge.
Start at the edge of the eaves. Place your first panel, carefully overlapping the trim by 1/2 to 3/4 inch. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions and fasten it from eaves up to ridge. Screws should be tightened to prevent bulging of the panels and damage. Instead, fasten them from the flat side.
Attaching the Ridge Cap
Depending on your roofing specifications and climate, a ridge cap is used to seal the point where two upward-sloping slopes meet. Depending on these factors, it can be vented or solid. Common materials include dense foam which fits tightly over roof panels ribs, while interlocking another piece. This is usually attached with either wood screws or self-drilling TEK screws.
Be sure to cover both sides of the roof with the ridge cap before installing it. Mark where the cap will rest by snapping chalk lines onto panels where the cap will rest. Run a length of closure tape along the length of the ridge from this point (typically around 1" away from where you snapped a line) to finish the installation.
Attach a piece of metal ridge cap, making sure to fit it snugly. Use tin-snips to shape the metal to any curves on the panels. Secure it to its position using metal-to metal fasteners at six-inch intervals.
Finishing the Job
Metal roofs have many advantages. They offer lower maintenance and repair costs than their shingle equivalents, lower homeowner's insurance premiums as they are fireproof. In addition, metal roofs provide superior wind protection, and are less likely to crack under stormy conditions.
By using the right tools, you can make your project safer and more efficient. These include basic items like socket wrenches or wrenches to more specialized items such as screw guns (not drilling machines). These tools help prevent overdriving screws, which can damage washers or panels by overdriver.
Step two is to accurately measure your roof in order for you to know how much material is needed. A ladder and tools such as a yardstick or tape measure, or a chalk line system will allow you to take accurate measurements.
Before installing a roof, you should consult the local building officials. Some jurisdictions will only allow one layer to cover, while others will require multiple layers to be removed before adding a new one.
Roofing Companies Birmingham AL
Metal roofing is more durable than shingles and can lower homeowner insurance rates. However, metal roofing requires more advanced DIY experience compared to shingle projects. First-time buyers may want to avoid undertaking this ambitious project. For work above the ground, you'll need a safety goggle, gloves and a ladder. You may also need a caulking…