Texas is no stranger to weather extremes. From scorching summers to sudden downpours, the state experiences various weather conditions that can take a toll on homes and other possessions. This is why many Central Texas residents opt for corrugated metal roofing installations.
A 2008 study by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory revealed the economic benefits of metal roofing. Metal roofs boast superior insulation qualities compared to conventional materials, significantly reducing energy expenses.
Specifically, they can reduce the average metal roof and other energy costs by as much as 40% in the summer and 15% in the winter, making them a wise investment, particularly for those who want to save energy and money.
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What Are the Steps to Installing a New Metal Roof?
Here is a step-by-step guide for a properly installed roof that can save money and energy in the long run:
Take Roof Measurements
When purchasing materials for roofing, you should add an extra 10% to 15% to your estimate to account for potential errors and cutting adjustments.
Ensure to accurately calculate the flat roof slope, which can be determined by the “rise over run” formula. Measure the height from the starting point of the asphalt shingle roof using a ladder and a level.
Tear Down Your Old Roof
You should consider renting a dumpster to remove waste when replacing your roof. Start the removal process at the highest point of your existing roof and work your way downwards in an organized manner.
Address any protruding nails by hammering them down or disposing of them. Inspect the roof’s base structure as the waste removal progresses. Once your roof area is clear of debris, you can prepare your workspace.
Prepare the Area
Perform removal and workspace preparation on a day with no precipitation to avoid water damage to the roof. Arrange your tools and metal roofing materials in a well-organized manner for easy access.
If the decking shows signs of decay or damage, replace it during this stage. Remove debris or dirt before proceeding to the next step.
Roll the Roof Underlayment
Roofing underlayment materials are usually available in rolls that cover an area of 100 square feet and have a width of three to four per square foot. Start by unrolling the insulation materials with the adhesive side down, allowing a few inches to hang over the metal roofs.
Lay it lengthwise across the roof, moving slowly to ensure a smooth and even surface. Ensure that each pass overlaps one to two inches for complete coverage.
Install the Edging
Eave flashing protects the bottom edge by lining it near the gutter location. The flashing extends slightly over the gutters to enhance water runoff. It comes in 10-12 ft sections that overlap each other by two-three inches and spread over the edge by the same amount.
You should seal the overlapping edges with caulk. Cut the flashing to size with tin snips and fold the excess over the roofs. Attach the flashing to the using metal-to-wood screws, placed every eight inches starting eight inches from the roofs.
Install the Metal Panels
First, mark screw points using chalk lines on your panels. Begin six inches from each panel’s top. Then, every two feet down, snap another line. The fastening sites in each row of screws should be roughly a square foot apart.
Begin at the top of your roof’s most excellent squared portions. Each piece should ideally reach from the roof’s peak and overflow your eaves by 3/4-inch. Before securing your panels, cut them to size.
Attach each panel along the snapped lines with #12 metal-to-wood screws. Use your #12 self-tapping screws to link your panels where they overlap and join at two-square-foot vertical intervals.
After that, go to the less squared-off areas of your roof. Measure these regions precisely and cut your panels to fit at ground level.
Install the Flashing
The final touch on the roofing project is flashing. These parts close all joints that are smaller than 140 degrees. You can stretch these to match your exact shape requirements using the above panel bending equipment. It often does not extend beyond a square foot on either side of the corner it covers.
Once cut to fit, fastening these will be simple, requiring only one row of screws on each end of the covered seam. Because this is the final step in the sealing process, butyl tape or caulk should be applied an inch within each side of the flashing before fastening it.
Can You Put a Metal Roof Over the Asphalt Shingles?
In almost every scenario, the answer is yes; you can use new shingle roofs over old asphalt shingle roofs. One of the reasons metal roofs are becoming more popular than asphalt roofs is that their installation does not require removing the previous roof entirely, which can be time-consuming and more costly than getting asphalt shingles.
Can I Install Metal Roofing by Myself?
Even though you can theoretically install a metal roof by yourself, this sort of roofing takes experience many people lack. As a result, never try to build your new roof unless you have some understanding and the correct staff to assist you. When in doubt, always hire an expert roof tradesperson to complete the task.
Does the Metal Roof Need an Underlayment?
Yes, metal roofing requires an underlayment.
Asphalt shingle roof requires a felt and synthetic underlayment; the new roof requires a unique solution since the contraction and expansion of standard underlayment compromises its integrity. The underlayment for metal roofing must have high heat, ice, and water protection.
The cotton-like threads in a high-heat, ice, and water shield will not attach to the metal roof system when it expands and contracts. This keeps the underlayment from being damaged, allowing it to protect the roofing if water gets under the panels.
While this shield is required as an underlayment, the metal roof is also routinely placed with premium systems such as synthetic, granite, and cedar shake. Just be aware that the new metal roof installation costs more than the other varieties of underlayment.
Final Thoughts
Installing a metal roof in the Austin area can be a complex process, but following a step-by-step guide can make the outcome successful and efficient.
Water damage can be a significant concern regarding roofing, and choosing a suitable material to withstand harsh weather conditions is crucial.
Metal roofing is a popular option due to its durability and resistance to water damage, making it an excellent investment for many homeowners.
Labor and contractor expenses, such as equipment rental, primarily drive the cost of installing metal roofs.
On average, these labor costs make up two-thirds of the total price.
According to Roofing Calculator, the labor costs of installing a metal roof per 100 square foot range from $350 to $400. For a seam roof, which is more challenging to install, you can expect to pay around $500 for the same area.