A Simple Metal Roof Installation Guide
A metal roof installation can be a little more work than using standard materials, but has become very popular with residential customers because of its benefits. A metal roof can be a great alternative to a standard shingle roof and even though it is typically more expensive, it can add a lot of value to your home. It looks great and can easily last for 50 years or more. It also raises the value of your home and won’t stain or fade like shingles do over time.
Installing a metal roof is a simple process that requires a little preparation and will take a little longer than installing a standard shingle roof would. The first thing you need to do is prepare the roof for the installation of the new metal roof. This could include removing the old roof if it is damaged, or if you decide to install the new roof over top of the old roof, you need to secure furring strips to the roof to mount the new metal roof onto. Once this is done you can start the installation.
The first thing that needs to be attached to the roof is the edging material all around the roof edges to seal them from the elements. This material is secured with longer screws and will ensure that water and snow are kept out and ensures a good tight seal with the metal panels. Once you have finished this edging you can start to mount the panels, which is the easiest part of a metal roof installation. This is a pretty straightforward process and is actually a little faster than a shingle installation because these metal panels can be 12 feet long each. If you have a helper with you it will make this process quicker. You start by laying the first panel down at the ridgeline of the roof and secure it to the roof at two foot intervals. It is secured to the roof with smaller screws and once it is tight to the roof, you lay the next panel on the roof below it making sure to interlock the two panels. There are different styles of metal roofs but the R-panel and the V-crimp are the two most common. Both of these have ridges or crimps that are used for the interlock. Once they are locked together and screwed down to the roof, they act as a single large panel. This allows them resist a high wind and rain. Continue this process until you reach the edge of the roof. When you are about to mount your last panel, trim it to width so that it touches the edge of the roof before you secure it.
Once all of the panels are in place and secure you can go back and install the trim. This trim is installed around the edges of the roof and at the peak and seals the roof panels into the edging for a secure and weatherproof fit. Once you have completed the trim, you are done with your metal roof installation and can enjoy your new roof for decades to come.
