Before Installing Metal Roofing Consider Installer's Abilities

If a homeowner has no experience and little knowledge of hand tools, when installing metal roofing it may be best to allow a professional to do the job. While the job is not usually that hard, there are some tricks that can make it easier. It is also one of the jobs that knowing the tricks can prevent leaks and stop the birds and bees from taking up residence in the roof.

Ideally, installing metal roofing is done on a new or cleaned roof with no existing shingles or roofing paper. If an existing roof has been cleared of old materials, all the old nails must either be pulled out or pounded into the wood. Additionally, all of the roof's surface must be analyzed to insure none of the wood is rotten or weak. It is easier to replace the wood sub roof before applying a new roof surface and is also cheaper.

If the existing asphalt shingles only consist of a single layer they do not necessarily have to be removed. Using one-inch by four-inch boards, spaced two-feet apart running from crown to edge, installing metal roofing over the existing shingles is possible. If the old roof is removed, a layer of 300-pound roofing felt will be needed to seal the underlayment before installing metal roofing.

Overlapping Sheets Prevents Leaks

Once the first metal roof sheet is installed, the second sheet has to be placed on top to overlap the initial sheet. When installing metal roofing with a ribbed finish, it should lay over at least the width of one rib. For the sheets with a hump along one edge, laying the next sheet over the hump will prevent rain and snow from being blown under the seam.

Along the lower edge of the sheet ends, at the roof edge, a fascia piece will need to be installed to put a finishing edge on the roofline. When installing metal roofing this can also help close the gaps at the end of the sheets, preventing birds and bees from making a new home in the roof. For The steel sheets with the hump on one side, gluing a foam rubber strip in the gap, at least three-feet deep, will add additional insurance against critters making it their home.

At the peak of the roof, where the sheets come together, additional closures and sealants will be need to also bock that end of the sheets. Additionally, a roof cap needs to be screwed down while installing metal roofing to prevent wind and water damage to the roof.