How to do Metal Roofing
Thought of installing metal roof yourself? Don’t even bother to think about it. Putting on new metal roofing and even doing repairs is not as easy as you thought it is. Learning how to do metal roofing is a complicated one. It entails several procedures, special techniques and would require the use of quite a number of assorted metal tools and accessories. Metal roofing is mostly done by professional installers, as this is not simply a do-it-yourself project. It is wise to hire a skilled roofing expert to install a moderate to complex metal roof. Let us have a quick learning of the procedures and the needed requirements on how to do metal roofing.
The very first step on how to do metal roofing is to know how much metal roofing is needed and this will be determined by measuring the height and length of the roof and its edges. If you are up for a change of your old roofing, it is important to do careful inspection of loose roofing or damaged protrusions. Check the roof pitch using a measuring square and a level and take note of the minimum requirement as recommended by the manufacturer.
The next requirement is to determine the roofing underlayment which helps prevent unnecessary moisture on the metal roof during certain weather conditions. The underlayment must protrude on all roof edges by 1 ½ inches, expand on vent pipes by at least 1 ½ inches, and on sidewalls by at least 6 inches. If your metal roof is situated right against the underlayment, it is best to put on red rosin paper over the felt paper to avoid sticking on the metal.
The next few steps on how to do metal roofing will deal more with the metal sheets. Bend each sheet against the building to easily reach and pull it up. Screw the metal roof into the wood slats with the use of ¼ inch metal wood screws every two feet on both sides. Then, overlap the first sheet with the next one. Do the same procedure with the entire roof until the last sheet is covered. If there is extra space left past the edge, cut this with a tin snip and finally screw in the last sheet. Fasten the metal sheets by putting in 5/16 inch lap screws every four feet where two sheets overlap each other.
Start working on the sides of the roof with the metal trim to cover its edges as well as the roof ridge which should be bent over to fully cover it. Use ¼ inch metal wood screws for the metal trim. The last step will be putting in the closures which are pieces of 3 foot foam rubber. Since it has glue underneath, it will stick itself when placed on the opening along the edges.
These are just the basic procedures on how to do metal roofing. The entire process is much more complex if you care to ask a professional. But if you wish to try the roofing work on your garage, for instance, just make sure to carefully follow the steps and use the appropriate working tools.
