Techniques for Installing Metal Roofing

Installing metal roofing is a little harder than installing a standard shingle roof but can still be done by many homeowners once they understand the process. There are also a wider variety of choices with metal roofing and the installation process varies by material and style. The simplest type of metal roof may either be the R-panel or the V-crimp style roof and they both are installed in a similar fashion. Some of the panels can be quite large and working with a 12 foot section is always easier if you have a helper so consider this before you start.

The first thing you need to do is to prepare the roof surface for the new metal roof. This could involve you removing the old shingles, or installing furring strips on top of the old roof to mount the new roof onto. Either of these works fine and the choice is yours. Once you have this base ready, you need to start by installing the edging. This edging is attached around the entire perimeter of the roof and is secured with longer metal roofing nails. Once this edging is finished you can start attaching the metal roof panels to the roof. These are held in place with shorter metal screws and are attached to the roof every two feet to make sure they are mounted securely. If you decide to use the furring strips, be sure they are attached to the rood to accommodate this two foot spacing.

If you are using the R-panel style roofing panels, you can simply lay them on top of each other lining up the ridges so they interlock. Once they are aligned, you can simply screw these down to the roof or furring strips to secure them. If you are using the V-crimp style panels the process is the same but you are securing the panels to each other along the crimp so that the top sheet aligns over the top of the crimp of the bottom sheet. You continue along the roof until the entire surface is covered.

Once you have covered the entire roof up to the last full piece you will need to trim the edge. The best way to handle this is to measure how much of the last piece hangs over the edge of the roof and cut it with snips before adhering it to the roof. This makes cutting it much easier.

When you have all of the metal panels attached to the roof you now need to install the trim to seal them in at the edges. This trim is attached with ¼ inch screws at a distance of every two feet. If the R-panel system is used you also need to insert the foam sealers in the ridges before attaching this trim. Once the sides of the roof are sealed, you next have to seal the peak in the same fashion.

At this point you are finished with the process and can take a step back and enjoy your handiwork. Once you know the process for installing metal roofing, it is a pretty straightforward process that most homeowners can manage with a little preparation.