Installing metal roofing is now becoming popular because it is durable and adds beauty, and helps reduce energy costs for your home.
The advantages of metal roofs are hard to ignore. They are strong, able to withstand storms, hail, and forest fires.
They are durable, enjoying a life span of up to 40 years or more. They can save energy, thanks to their ability to reflect the sun’s heat. And installed correctly, they require almost no maintenance.
This type of roof is available in a variety of colors, textures, and styles to suit anyone’s aesthetic preference. Install your own metal roofing to increase efficiency and add style to your home while saving money.
How to Install Metal Roofing
First, make sure your roofer has experience with metal roofing installation. Then, follow these steps to properly install metal roofing for your new home or business construction project.
Preparing Your Site
Before installing metal roofing, you’ll want to prepare your site by ensuring there are no wooden parts on your existing structure that could catch fire from any welding that might be necessary for installation. If you can’t get rid of these wood elements before installing metal roofing, it’s best not to proceed.
Read Also: How To Roof Repair To Be Safe When it Rains
Installing Underlayment
Before installing metal roofing panels, you need to install a layer of underlayment. Underlayment provides an additional insulation barrier and helps prevent ice dams by keeping water from penetrating into your home’s attic.
It also creates a vapor barrier that keeps moisture from damaging your shingles and sheathing. Typical underlayment is composed of asphalt or fiberglass with a plywood core, but other options are available.
Installing Sheathing and Base Decking
In addition to protecting your structure, installing sheathing can also help make your installation go more smoothly. To install metal roofing on a new construction project, start by installing sheathing.
Next, you’ll want to install base decking over top of your sheathing. Base decking provides extra support for your new metal roof—ideally, it should be installed prior to adding insulation and exterior walls.
Installing Roof Trusses
An Explanation of How and Why You Need Them. Aside from shingles, metal roof trusses are another important part of your roof.
The trusses provide strength and support for your roof and also provide a final look to your ceiling when exposed. Here’s how you can properly install roof insulation.
Installing Panels
If you’re installing metal roof panels, it’s best to work on a sunny day. If you can find helpers, get them involved right away; ideally, they can help hoist up and hold down panels while you secure them. For smaller jobs, such as repairing or replacing damaged panels, you might be able to do everything yourself.
Larger projects may require multiple people or special equipment—or both. For example, if your home has an existing asphalt shingle roof that needs to be removed before new metal panels are installed, you might need scaffolding and power tools (e.g., jackhammers).
You should also check with local building codes before starting any project—especially if you plan on selling your home in the future. Some areas have strict rules about what types of roofs are allowed for new construction or for homes being sold (see Resources below).
Fastening Panels
The very first step is determining which type of fastening method best fits your installation project. Dry-fastened, mechanically attached, or fully adhered? Factors like wind loads, ice damming potential and local climate should all be considered before making a final determination.
Each type has its pros and cons, and choosing one over another could come down to as little as just a few dollars per square foot. Just make sure you’re making an informed decision that meets all of your needs.
Installing Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters help divert water away from your home, which is great for keeping it safe and dry.
But they’re not all created equal: some are made of inferior materials that rust and deteriorate over time. If you’re thinking about installing gutters, here are a few things you should know before signing on with any roofer.
Cleanup and Inspection
Carefully remove all debris from your roof before installing a metal roof. A metal roof can be extremely heavy, so we recommend hiring an experienced crew to help with demolition and cleanup.
Once you’ve removed your old shingles, thoroughly check for rot or damage; damaged areas should be patched or replaced before installation. If you have questions about whether it’s safe to install a metal roof over existing asphalt shingles, talk with a professional contractor.
7 Benefits of Installing Metal Roofing
The most important benefit is the excellent insulation it provides against high temperatures in the summer and low temperatures in the winter, thus saving you on your energy bills.
Another benefit of metal roofing is its resistance to rust, making it ideal for coastal areas as well as areas that get heavy snowfall during the winter months, as metal roofs are able to withstand the accumulation of snow better than other types of roofing materials.
1: Aesthetics
A metal roof can change a house’s appearance, replacing ordinary asphalt shingles with a more luxurious, durable material. Different metals are available in different colors, so you can pick one that compliments your home’s siding and other exterior features.
2: Energy savings
If you’re planning to sell your home in years to come, a metal roof might be one way to make sure it gets the maximum value they tend to increase house values. On average, installing a metal roof can save between $60 and $100 per year in energy costs. Over time, that adds up.
3: Fire safety
Fire is one of our top concerns for commercial buildings, but when you install metal roofing, it doesn’t require ventilation and resists fire and sparks. Even if a fire does break out, a metal roof is less likely to burn than asphalt or wood shingle roofs. Note that some manufacturers offer warranty protection for damages due to fire for up to 25 years.
4: Easy maintenance
Metal roofs are known for their durability, but it’s important to note that they’re also easy to maintain. There’s no painting required, and keeping your roof rust-free is simple if you keep up with cleaning as recommended by a professional. 5: Energy efficiency: Like any other type of roof, metal roofs come in different styles and colors to complement your home’s design.
5: Environmental benefits
If you’re looking to make a big difference in your carbon footprint, consider replacing traditional asphalt or wood shingle roofs with metal.
According to GBA Green Building Advisor, metal roofs require 80% less energy to produce and install than do their composite counterparts.
If you care about protecting natural resources and reducing your environmental impact, metal roofing could be right for you. And as an added bonus: If installing metal roofing reduces your heating and cooling bills, it can save money too!
6: Durability
The high-quality steel that makes up a metal roof can last for decades, which is why metal roofs are considered to be a good long-term investment. Although there are some maintenance requirements that need to be met, installing a metal roof is well worth it.
7: Cost savings over time
Since metal roofs last longer than asphalt or wood, you’ll see lower costs over time. For example, over a 20-year period, an asphalt roof with a life expectancy of 30 years will cost about $4,000 to replace two times.
On average, a metal roof with a 50-year lifespan will cost about $2,800 over that same time frame and would still be in good condition upon replacement.
Installing metal roofing over shingles
Before you can install metal roofing over your shingles, you must first tear off and dispose of your old shingle roof.
It’s also possible to remove just some of your shingles, then install new ones underneath.
However, it may be less costly and more straightforward to simply remove all of them. You’ll need a steeply pitched roof in order for these panels to sit on top without an additional base or support structure and if that doesn’t describe your home, make sure you research other options before making a final decision.
Once all of your old shingles are removed, use any leftover nails and caps as good replacements for any lost nail heads. Then frame out each panel with rafters or 2x4s before snapping it into place.
Labor cost for installing metal roofing
Get free estimates from qualified contractors for labor costs for installing metal roofing.
Use our free online service to request quotes and compare estimates, prices, and reviews from top professionals in your area for labor costs for installing metal roofing.
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Installing metal roofing on a shed
Sheds are typically used for storage, and many homeowners like to install metal roofing on their sheds in order to keep them weather-tight.
However, there are some things you should consider before taking up your first hammer. For example, before installing a new roof, you’ll want to make sure that your shed is level.
Why? Because it’s difficult and expensive to fix a shed that’s already partially built; once you’ve erected a half-built structure on its foundation, it’s easier (and cheaper) just let it be and build from scratch.
Installing metal roofing ridge cap
ridge caps are long strip of metal that attaches along either side of a roof’s ridge (top edge).
They’re used to secure shingles in place and protect them from damage caused by water or other elements. The easiest way to install a metal roof is on new construction because you don’t have to worry about disturbing your home’s exterior design.
For that reason, if you have a new home or plan on building one, installing a metal roof can be simple. The only thing you need is a flat, level area on which to lay down panels.
Installing metal roofing panels
There are several different types of metal roofing panels available. Some come with factory-applied polyurethane foam insulation, which helps lower energy costs by providing an extra layer of protection from sun and heat.
Others include self-adhesive patches for fast installation. Choose a panel size and color that blends well with your building’s architecture.
