How to Install Metal Roof Shake
The word “shake” traditionally refers to a roofing shingle made of timber. However, many companies manufacture products known as metal shakes, or metal roofing shingles designed to look like their wooden counterparts. The exact process of installing metal shakes depends on the type of shake you use, but the installation process generally follows a basic pattern. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Metal shakes
- Installation manual
- Drill
- Fasteners
- Work gloves
- Work boots
- Ladder
- Hammer
- Broom
- Weatherproof sealant or caulk
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Read the installation manual for your metal shakes to prepare yourself for the installation. Contact the manufacturer of your shakes to get a manual if you don't already have one.
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2
Set up your ladder for easy access to your roof. Place your metal shakes at the bottom of the ladder for convenience.
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3
Prepare your roof. Metal shakes install on top of roof sheathing or a roofing membrane, as would shingles or other types of metal roofing. Remove any existing roof shingles or panels with a hammer or your drill.
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4
Clean the roof for installation by sweeping away all loose debris with your broom.
Installation
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5
Bring your first row or set of metal shakes to your roof using your ladder. Regardless of the type of shakes you use, they usually install horizontally in rows or sections.
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6
Install the first metal shake at the bottom corner of your roof. Affix it to the roof sheathing or weatherproof membrane using your drill and fasteners recommended by your installation guide. Base the placement of the shingle on the manuall; whether you install the first shake in the bottom right or bottom left corner of a room might depend upon the orientation of shake seams.
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7
Install the rest of the first horizontal row of shakes across the surface of the roof, attaching each unit as recommended by the manufacturer using your drill.
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8
Bring the second row of shakes to the roof. Align the first shake of the second row over the first shake of the second row as instructed by the manual. Properly setting rows together ensures optimal protection from moisture presentation.
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9
Affix the shake with your drill, repeating the process for each shake in the second row. Repeat this process, carefully following manufacturer's installation instructions, for each subsequent shake and row of shakes until you cover the whole roof.
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10
Follow any special instructions for attaching shakes to the apex of a roof, or the point at which the sides or a roof come together in a point.
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11
Apply weatherproof sealant or caulk as recommend by the manufacturer of the shingles to the gaps between individual shakes or rows for additional protection.
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Tips & Warnings
Find resources on finishing roofs at your library. Use these resources to familiarize yourself with the purpose, procedures and practices of roof installation. When it comes time to install your shakes, you should have a solid base of knowledge.
Practice shake installation before working on your roof. You can practice by setting up and securing rows or shakes on wooden planks or boards.
Use a harness to prevent yourself from falling off the roof. Roofing harnesses work like those you use during rock climbing, and attach to the top of the roof to hold you if you slip or fall.
Never work on your roof in bad weather. Check the weather forecast before starting work on shake installation to ensure rain or other other inclement conditions are not on the horizon.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
