Install Metal Roofing-The Easy Way

When it comes time to install metal roofing there’s one basic rule of thumb. If you cannot easily walk across the roof because it’s too steep, call a professional. Now that this rule is out of the way, if you want to have a metal roof but can’t afford what the professionals have bid, here’s how to install it.

The proper tools are essential. The list is a measuring tape, a chalk line with plenty of chalk, a good drill, a sturdy extension ladder and a reliable step ladder, pound of inch roofing nails, metal roofing screws, metal snips, and to hold the nails and screws a nail bag.

Measure the roof’s height and add the desired overhang, generally two to four inches. Make accurate measurements keeping in mind the handy man’s mantra “measure twice, cut once.” Then measure the roof’s length and height on both sides to figure out how much metal edging to add. Take these measurements to your roofing supply company. They will tell you how much roofing to purchase. Remember that 3 to 6 inches of unblocked air flow is needed between layers.

Although it is not necessary to remove the old roof before laying down a metal roof, it is best. Use a pitch fork, roofing shovel, or roofing pliers to remove the old shingles. Once this is done lay down 30 pound tar paper to serve 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. Apply metal roof edging once the roof is prepared.

Start placing the metal sheets running from top to bottom. They are screwed into the wood slats, using a screw every two feet on both sides of the sheet. Each sheet must overlap the last. At the edge cut the last metal sheet so it’s just past the edge of the roof.

When the sheets are applied to both sides of the roof apply the metal trim along the edges at the sides of the roof. The trim also goes on the peak, first scoring it in the middle so it can be bent over the peak.

That covers installing the tin barn roof type of metal roof. Other types of metal roofs need different methods for installation. But those can be tackled every bit as well by a do it yourself person who wishes to install metal roofing.