Install Metal Roofing

Let’s start with one simple rule for people who want to install metal roofing. If you cannot easily walk on the roof because it’s too steep, call a professional. Now that the rule is out of the way, if you have a building that needs a metal roof but can’t afford what the professionals have bid, here’s how to tackle it.

The proper tools are needed. These include a measuring tape, a chalk line with plenty of chalk, a good drill, a good extension ladder and a good step ladder, ½ pound of ¼ inch roofing nails, metal roofing screws, metal snips, and a cloth nail bag to hold the nails and screws.

Measure the roof’s height and add the desired overhang, generally two to four inches. Take multiple measurements keeping in mind the handy man’s mantra ?measure twice, cut once.? Now measure the roof’s length and height on both sides to determine how much metal edging is needed. Take these measurements to the selected roofing supply company. They will tell you how much roofing is needed. Keep in mind that 3 to 6 inches of unblocked air flow is needed between layers.

Although it isn’t necessary to remove the old roof before laying down a metal roof, it is best. Remove old shingles with a pitch fork, roofing shovel, or roofing pliers. Once this is done lay down 30 pound tar paper as the base for the new roof. If there’s only one layer of shingles on the old roof, lay down 1?x4?x building length pine wood boards screwed onto the old shingles. Once the roof is prepared the metal roof edging can be applied.

Start placing the metal sheets running from top to bottom. Screw them into the wood slats, using a screw every two feet on both sides of the sheet. Each sheet overlaps the last. When you reach the edge cut the last metal sheet so it’s just past the edge of the roof.

Once the sheets are applied to both sides of the roof apply the metal trim along the sides of the roof at the edge. Also apply it at the peak, first scoring it in the middle so it can be bent over the peak.

Of course these instructions are useful only for installing the standard type of tin barn roof seen in industrial buildings, garages and the like. Other types of metal roofs require different methods for installation. But those can be tackled equally as well by a do it yourself person who wants to install metal roofing.