How to Build a Corrugated Tin Roof

Corrugated tin roofing is one of the most resilient roofing materials available. It comes in sheets of 42 inches wide and lengths of 10 feet. Tin roofing offers an alternative to asphalt shingles, and it is cheaper to install. It reminds us of days long gone when we sat on our grandpa's front porch and listened to the pitter-patter of the raindrops as they fell on the rusty tin roof. But tin has come a long way since those days of old. Now, it can be purchased in almost any color, and, with a little careful attention, can be installed by any ambitious homeowner. The time for installation depends entirely upon the installer. As for the difficulty, it really can be done by just following the steps found here and setting aside a day or two for its completion.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Tin cutters
• Chalk line
• Ridge cap
• Vapor barrier
• Metal screws

1. Roll out the vapor barrier over the roof. It doesn't matter if you already have shingles on the roof. The tin can cover the shingles. The purpose of the vapor barrier is to prevent sweat from accumulating on the bottom of the tin on a hot, sunny day. Staple the vapor barrier about every 3 feet horizontally and vertically. It is OK if the barrier hangs over the existing roof edges; you can trim that off after the tin has been installed.

2. Choose the side of the roof where you will start. The tin will run vertically along the roof from the bottom overhang and up to the roof ridge. Because the tin is 42 inches wide, you will measure out 40 inches from the edge of the existing roof overhang and make a mark. Do this at the top of the roof ridge and at the bottom. Have a helper hold the end of the chalk line on one mark while you place it on the other. Snap the line on both sides of the roof.

3. Align the tin with the chalk mark. Your tin should run the entire length, vertically, of the roof from top to bottom. Begin at the bottom of the roof with the first 10-foot piece, making sure that you have an overhang of 2 inches on the outside. Screw the tin down with metal screws. Overlap the next piece 2 inches over the first. Place the tin down in this order until you have reached the ridge. If there is a measurement left that is less than 10 feet, then cut the last piece at the top with tin cutters and place down in the same way as the proceeding pieces. You should place the screws about every 12 inches apart and up and down the tin. Make sure the screws go into the concave part of the tin. The retailer will supply you with screws that are the same color as the tin.

4. Overlap the next run of tin, moving from right to left and back at the bottom of the roof. The convex rib of the next sheet wraps over the convex rib of the previous sheet.

5. 
    
   Ridge cap

   After you have completed the tin across the entire roof, then install the metal ridge cap. The ridge cap comes in 10-foot lengths and must be overlapped about 2 inches. Screw it down with the supplied screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when working with tin.The sharp edges will cut very easily.

Resources

• General information on roofing