Blog

How to Install Metal Roofing

March 14, 2022

It's a complete guide on how to install metal roofing. By following this guide step by step, anyone can easily install metal roofing on their home.

Here are the things that I'll focus on in this article:

  • What is metal roofing
  • Benefits of installing it
  • Tools and materials necessary to install it
  • Precautions to take before installing it
  • How to install metal roofing

Let's get started.

What Is Metal Roofing?

Although you may not have heard of metal roofing before, it's a popular roofing material growing in popularity. As the name suggests, metal roofings are made from metal sheets and come in various colors and styles.


Metal roofs are durable, long-lasting, and can withstand severe weather conditions. If you're considering installing a new roof, here's what you need to know about metal roofing.

Benefits of Installing It?

In 2018, the metal roofing industry was estimated at $4.21 billion, and the prediction is to grow is up to $20.39 billion in the next 4 years.


One of the benefits of metal roofing is that it's long-lasting. A metal roof can last up to (if not more) 50 years, compared to 20-25 years for a shingle roof. Metal roofs are also more durable and can withstand high winds and hail better than other types of roofs.

Metal roofs reflect the sun's rays, which helps keep your home cooler in the summer. It makes them energy efficient and can save you money on your cooling costs.

Furthermore, metal roofs are highly secure to use in areas that experience frequent wildfires, while on the other hand, standard roofs can quickly spark or ignite into flames during such events.

Metal roofs are the most sustainable option for your home. They have 25-95% recycled content and can be 100% recyclable at the end of their life.

Tools and Materials Necessary to Install It?

Knowing what tools and materials to use can make a lot of difference and even help with the workflow. Some essential tools & materials are required for installing metal roofing. These necessary tools and materials are:

Tools

  • Basic carpentry tools
  • Hand Seamer
  • Metal Shears
  • Fall Protection
  • Drill or Driver
  • Aviation snips

Materials

  • Metal roofing panels
  • Roofing nails
  • Ice and water shield
  • Eave trim
  • Metal roofing sealant
  • Gable trim
  • Butyl tape
  • Self tapping roofing screws
  • Sidewall flashing
  • Ridge cap
  • Outside foam closure strips
  • Inside foam closure strips
  • Roofing vent boots

Precautions to Take Before Installing It

Installing metal roofing can be a dangerous task, and following the safety, protocols should be of grave importance. While doing the installation, keep the following instructions in mind.

  1. Make sure that the children and pets are in a secure enough location so you can work without any issues.
  2. Relocate any vehicles on the premises.
  3. No decorations should be on the walls while working.
  4. Ensure that all the stuff in the attic is covered.
  5. Nothing should be on the patio while working.
  6. Pure the trees before starting.
  7. Find accessible power outlets.
  8. Before starting, clear the roof of anything (e.g., antennas and satellite dishes).
  9. Acquire proper safety equipment.
  10. Keep note of what's around you while installing.

Many try to ignore the safety aspect of such works, and in some cases, it is true, but all I would say is, "Better safe than sorry."

How to Install Metal Roofing

Let's start with the installation process.

Step 1: Apply the Underlayment

Start by making sure that the underlayment (a type of protective layer) will be flat and wrinkle-free. The underlayment protects the roof from water damage by providing an ice-and water-resistant surface.

Make sure that while unrolling the underlayment, there are no wrinkles. Remove the bottom part of the adhesive side and overlap the previous layer by 6 to 8 inches. Cut the unnecessary underlayment and make it flush.

Step 2: Order Panels to Fit

Now order the metal panel according to the dimensions of your roof.

Step 3: Bend Trim Ends Closed

Make sure to cut and trim the edges of the panels so that they can fit accordingly.

Step 4: Fasten Eave Trim

It is crucial to install the eave trim tight against your house and fasten it with one-inch nails. It'll ensure that water can't get into any of its cavities, which would damage whatever you have structural integrity over.

Step 5: Splice and Overlap Trims

When trimming end pieces, always cut the bottom hem at an angle first. It'll allow you to slide one piece over another with ease and prevent any wrinkles or creases in your finished product.

Step 6: Snap a Square Reference Line

Start by making a mark along one side three feet from the corner. From there, measure four more feet and locate where it meets up with another intersection.

Step 7: Set the Panels

Now you're all set to put your metal panels on. Fasten them with foam strips, which will keep bugs and water from getting underneath. Position them with each other and stick them with butyl tape.

Note: Make sure they align with the reference lines.

Step 8: Drive Screws Through Them

Next, fasten the panels with the help of some screws. There must be screws on each rib of the eave, and there shouldn't be any extra space than 24 inches. Use a rubber gasket to keep the panels and screws fastened.

Step 9: Overlap the Panels

The underlapped side of the rib has channels to prevent water from pooling and spilling. Overlap these last ribs together so they can nest perfectly into each other's grooves.

Step 10: Cover the Rake Edge

Now, use a gable trim to cover the panel's edges. Use the butyl tape to help it stick with the panels. It prevents the rain and snow from getting underneath the panels.

Step 11: Secure the Ridge Cap

In this last, Cap the roof by adhering a line four inches from the top with butyl tape and sealant. Fit one ridge cap on each peak, fastening them using two-inch screws through every rib in between, which will ensure durability for years to come.

Takeaway

By following these steps, anyone can easily install metal roofing on their house. It can be a little dangerous to do it by yourself. That is why it's necessary to have professional help and guidance.

Top Quality Remodeling & Restoration

When an unexpected disaster hits your home or business, you need an honest and dependable company available to help you 24/7.

Get in touch