Metal Roof Installation: A Step-By-Step Guide

Installing metal roofing is no small undertaking. This isn’t a task that you should be considering unless you have considerable DIY expertise or are a professional installer yourself. If in doubt you should always consult with professionals. That’s especially the case if you’re needing to complete roof repairs to metal roofing. Depending on the repairs required certain aspects of the roof might need to be worked on. The last thing you want is to spend time and effort on a project that either fails or causes you issues down the line.

How To Install Metal Roofing

If, however, you’re ready to undertake a metal roof replacement or you’re simply interested in the process then you’re in the right place. The following guide might not cover every single aspect of the installation, but it’ll give you a general outline of what the major steps are to take you from a bare roof to a new roof.

Underlayment

This step assumes that you’ve already got a plywood or OSB deck in place for your roof. This foundation of the structure first needs to be covered with underlayment. Which underlayment you choose will depend on your local climate and the prevailing conditions. Many people will opt for a self-healing ice-and-water protective membrane.

When completing the installation it’s important that you pay close attention to keep the membrane flat and without any ridges. Ridges and wrinkles are spots where moisture and water can accumulate and cause issues. Make sure you carry out a thorough roof inspection before moving on. Almost all underlayment has an adhesive backing to help make installation as simple as possible.

Order Made To Measure Panels

When you’re ordering your metal roof panels, make sure that you order the full length of your roof. This makes them easier to work with, reduces seams and connection, and makes for a more energy-efficient structure. Whether you can manage this part of the installation yourself or not depends on the length of your roof. If you’ve got a long roof, chances are you’ll need a crane or hoist, or you’ll need to work with shorter lengths.

Pick A Trim Method

Trim ends come in a few different types. There are eave trims, sidewall flashing trims, gable trims, and more. You’ll quickly work out which trim method will work best for you given your current situation and position of the end.

Bend The Trim Ends

It’s well worth bending the trim ends before you begin to install them. Once installed manipulation is far more difficult, in fact, you might find that it’s near impossible. Fold them tabs in using a tool of your choice and aim for the piece to be flush against a wall or corner. The key here is to plan ahead and consider which trim you’re going to complete.

Add Your Eave Trim

Your eave trim should be fastened to the roof deck and positioned so that it’s flush with the edging of the fascia. How and when you install the eave trim depends on your climate. Generally speaking, colder climates have eave trims installed above the underlayment, whereas warmer climates might install eave trims before the underlayment.

Overlap And Splice Trim

Splice any trim that meets by cutting the hem of the underlapping trim and then prying open the overlapping trim’s hem. Slot the two together and seal.

Set Panels

The first step is to install the inside foam closure strips. These strips follow the contours of your panels and help them to stay in place and offer a handy place to bond the panels to the roof. The closure strips are in place to prevent insect infestation and water from entering the roof space. They should be installed around an inch from the roof edge.

Screw Down

Now the panels are in place, it’s time for the all-important screwing. If you want your roof to be secure, hold against the elements, and stay waterproof then you need to know how to screw the right way. Working from the edge of the roof, make sure to screw through into the foam closure strips mentioned previously. Then space screws no more than 22-24 inches. Work row by row toward the ridge driving in screws so that they’re as flush as possible. Screws that aren’t flush, or screws that have gone in on an angle will cause more damage than good. Always use rubber washers or gaskets to get as strong a seal as possible.

Overlap Panels

As you install panels, make sure that the edge of each panel overlaps the previous panel, this keeps the structure tight and waterproof. By design, this should be easy to do, with each panel fitting snuggly into the next.

Cover Rake Edge

Now that you’ve reached the edge of the roof you’ll need to attach a gable trim to seal the roof and protect the edging. To get a good seal first use tape on the underside of the trim and then screw down.

Secure Ridge Cap In Place

The final step is capping the roof. As with the lower edge, start with a closure strip and some sealant, and then apply the ridge cap. Screw the cap in place through the foam as before. Once the ridge cap is in place you’re done!

Metal Roof Installation Costs

It’s very difficult to give an exact price as the range of prices for materials and the labor required is vast. For a 2000-square-foot roof, you could pay anything between $8,000 to $60,000. Copper sheeting, for example, can cost up to $2,200 per 100 square feet. Whereas corrugated metal sheeting will only cost $180 per 100 square feet. Labor costs vary across the nation, but expect to pay between $350-500 per 100 square feet depending on the installation type and if you need seems.

Key Takeaways

There’s a lot to consider when planning and undertaking a new metal roof installation. Remember that if you ever have any doubts, consult a professional for some sound advice. After all, your roof is what protects your home and your loved ones from harm.

• Work carefully and methodically when completing a metal roof installation.
• Planning ahead will be your greatest friend.
• If in doubt, call in the experts.

Need some expert advice and assistance, you’re in the right place. Trenton Roofing is on hand and ready to share a free estimate whenever you need one.