Buildings
Metal roofs are a popular roofing option due to their durability, aesthetic value, and longevity (last 50-70 years). It also comes in a wide range of colors, styles, and textures which can go with your unique preferences.
If you are thinking of installing a new metal roof on your house, then begin with our beginner’s step-by-step guide to avoid any costly damage, errors, and delays.
If you want to know how to install metal roofing, then this blog is for you. We are here to share our expert insights on some major factors related to metal roof installation.
- Prepare the Roof
Before starting, it is important to remove old roofing materials and repair any damage. Moreover, clean the whole surface thoroughly.
You can install corrugated metal roofing over shingles. However, it is suggested to remove the old roofing.
If you want to reposition the gutters, you can do so at this point. Additionally, remove the old roofing materials on the day when the weather is sunny and dry. If you remove it during rainy weather, it may cause moisture buildup in your house.
- Install Drip Edge
Drip edge is a metal roof flashing that prevents water from seeping underneath the roof. You should carefully measure and cut the drip edge to guide water away from the siding, foundation, and woodwork.
- Install Underlayment
Underlayment is a layer which is installed between the deck and roofing material to make it waterproof, enhance insulation, and protect against moisture.
So, after installing the drip edge, you will install the underlayment. For this, you can go for a self-healing ice-and-water membrane to protect the shallow pitched roof deck. Moreover, you should choose the best metal roof underlayment and in this regard, you can consult the best roofers like Ricks Main Roofing.
It is tricky to lay the underlayment flat and wrinkle-free. You can unroll the underlayment across the roof while removing the bottom half of the adhesive backing.
- Lay out Metal Panels
The next step is placing and fixing the metal panels. Before installing the panels, measure and mark where the panels will be and make sure that they are placed evenly. Use a saw or metal snips to cut the panels equally (or as required).
- You should always start working at the point with the longest peak-to-eave distance.
- Take the first metal sheet, place it on the roof so that it overhangs the edge approx. ¾ in (1.9cm).
- You can use neoprene washer head screws to secure the panels in the sheathing.
- Then, continue installing the panels, ensuring that the edges overlap at least 1 in (2.5cm) with the adjacent panel. Keep doing this until the whole roof is covered with panels.
- Make sure every metal panel is aligned perfectly with the one before it.
- Ensure Proper Insulation
If you want to ensure metal roof insulation, then follow these two things.
- Replace the old insulation in the attic with a more dependable insulation.
- Second, fix foam insulation at the end of the panel to add extra protection.
- Install Roof Flashings
After securing the metal panels in place, install roof flashing along each edge of the roofline and around vents, skylights, etc to prevent water leakage.
You can bend the flashing into a ‘V’ shape to fit it over the top of a roof section, if needed.
- Attach Ridge Cap
Cap the roof by adhering a line of outside closure strip with butyl tape 4 inches from the top of the peak. Install the ridge cap at this point with screws.
When you install a ridge cap, all the water that touches the roof will exit without ever coming in contact with the underlayment.
- Metal Roof Coating/ Paint
It is usually recommended to use manufacturer-finished panels. You can also coat and paint them after installation. If the metal panels do not have a pre-installed finish, it is crucial to coat them for weather protection, UV, and color retention.
- Final Inspection
Finally, after the entire working, perform a final inspection. Make sure that you have covered the whole roof with metal and all edges are finished and smooth. Ensure that there are no loose pieces. Moreover, clean up the area of all remaining nails, screws, metals, and debris
Hire Ricks Main Roofing for Metal Roof Installation
Although you can install a metal roof on your own after watching an installation video or reading a step-by-step guide. However, it is highly recommended to hire the best roofing contractors like Ricks Main Roofing in your area.
We at Ricks Main Roofing excel in installing high-quality metal roofs with great care and precision. With years of experience and expertise, our expert roofers can install any type of roof in the best possible way. With us, you can stay assured that your roof and property is in safe hands. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us right away and get a properly installed metal roof right in time!
