Installation Instructions for Metal Roofing
Metal roofing comes in pre-formed panels that are durable and long-lasting, but are more expensive than standard asphalt shingles. Modern metal roofing panels are usually steel with aluminum or polymer coating, rather than old-fashioned galvanized tin. Metal roofs are no longer only a dull silver-gray; the panels are now available in various colors to match the style of the home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Roofing felt
- Heavy-duty stapler
- Heavy-duty staples
- Gable trim
- Washered roofing nails
- Hammer
- Rubber stripping
- Construction adhesive
- Utility knife
- Metal roofing panels
- Power shears or tin snips
- Caulking gun
- Polyurethane elastomeric caulk
- Ridge cap
Instructions
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Lay roofing felt over the roof; tack in using a heavy-duty stapler and the same type of metal staples as the roofing panels. Install flashing around the chimney, skylights and any other structure protruding from the roof. Using dissimilar metals will cause a galvanic reaction and degrade the roofing panel and flashing, which will cause leaks and a shorter roof life span.
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2
Nail gable trim along the side roof edges, called the rake, with washered roofing nails every foot. Choose gable trim and nails according to the manufacturers' recommendations.
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3
Lay rubber stripping along the front and back edge of the roof, called the eaves, and glue in place with construction adhesive. Choose rubber stripping based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Trim the rubber as necessary with a utility knife.
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4
Lay the first panel, overhanging the eave by 2 inches, and nail in place through the pre-drilled holes in the panel.
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5
Lay the second panel overlapping the first by 12 to 18 inches, and nail in place through the pre-drilled holes. Continue to overlap panels by 12 to 18 inches and nail them down until panels cover the length of the roof and complete the first row. If a second row is necessary, lay the metal panels from the roof peak, called the ridge, overlapping the first row by 18 to 24 inches and nail in place. Make cuts to metal roofing panels as necessary with power shears or tin snips. Power shears are an electrical cutting device.
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6
Load a caulking gun with polyurethane elastomeric caulk, which is a highly durable, flexible caulk that seals holes and helps avoid potential leaks. Apply caulk to the roof ridge and immediately follow with the ridge cap installation.
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Lay the ridge cap, which is a pre-formed, molded cap that straddles the ridge and lays 6 to 12 inches on each side of the ridge, depending on the manufacturer. Nail the ridge cap in place through pre-drilled holes. Place the second length of ridge cap in place, overlapping the first by 12 inches. Trim the ridge cap as needed with power shears.
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Fill in enlarged nail holes with polyurethane elastomeric caulk.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves when working with metal as edges are sharp.
References
- Photo Credit Old Brick image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
