A roof is among the most critical components of any building. Proper roofing is essential for protection from the outside elements and helping to maintain structural integrity. Roofs even serve an aesthetic purpose since the design can contribute to a property’s overall look and feel.
When you have a roof installed, you want it to be resilient for many years.
A metal roof is a practical and eco-friendly option used for various building structures, including residential, commercial, and industrial.
When properly installed, a metal roofing installation offers several benefits, such as reducing energy costs and enhancing safety. We will discuss the advantages and jump into a guide on metal roofing installation.
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Benefits of a Metal Roof
Whether installing a new metal roof or repairing an existing one, this roofing material is a great option. There are quite a few benefits of metal roofing.
Safety
Metal roofing is one of the safest choices because of its fire-retardant properties, which make it impervious to burning in case of a blaze. Fires are unexpected, but they happen, and they can be disastrous. A metal roof gives you peace of mind that your property is protected in fire.
Additionally, because of the tensile strength, metal will resist moisture, heat, and extreme weather conditions better than other materials, such as asphalt shingles.
Durability
Metal roofs offer far greater longevity than many other roofing materials. With an anticipated life span of over 40 years, metal roofing provides an exceptional value for the cost compared to single-ply or asphalt shingles, which generally last only half as long.
Although a metal roof installation is pricier than alternative options, you will save money on repairs in the long run.
Lightweight
Metal roofs are much lighter than alternatives, such as asphalt shingles, making installing them simpler. A metal roof creates little stress on the load-bearing of support structures.
Energy Efficient
Energy costs have soared in recent times. Everyone wants to save energy, but heat loss and gain can be issues with poor roofing. Without suitable roofing material, a home is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, resulting in higher energy bills. A solution to this problem is to install metal roofing.
The reflective nature of metal prevents the heat from entering the home, keeping it cooler in the summer. Although metal roofing doesn’t provide good insulation, it can be paired with effective insulation material to keep your home warm throughout winter. If you install a metal roof, you can save money.
Low Maintenance
Metal roofs last a long time and require minimal maintenance compared to other materials, such as traditional asphalt shingles. The metal will not crack, split, or corrode. Also, rain and snow will run off the surface. Metal roofs are ideal for efficient, low-maintenance roofs that keep their good looks over time.
Eco-Friendly
Metal roofs are a great sustainable, eco-friendly choice for your roofing needs. Many of these roofing panels are made with a percentage of recycled material.
Furthermore, metal roofing can be entirely recycled after it has served its purpose, thus preventing any waste from ending up in landfills.
Increase Property Value
Metal roof installation contributes to making your home or building safer and more energy efficient and can also add to property value. Research has revealed that having a metal roof that is properly installed and insulated can raise the rent and resale prices of a property.
Categories of Metal Roofing Materials
Various metal roofing materials differ in style.
Corrugated Metal Roofing
This metal roofing is great for areas that experience extreme weather conditions. Corrugated metal is energy efficient, durable, lightweight, recyclable, and easy to install.
Copper Roofing
Copper roofing is a common choice for a metal roof because of its strength, natural beauty, and durability. It is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, which makes it an excellent choice for harsh climates. This metal material also has the advantage of adapting to any design.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is the most popular option for metal roofs, being a lightweight and cost-effective solution for those looking to put up their roof.
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum stands out among metals due to its remarkable longevity, fast installation, energy efficiency, resistance to fire, rust, and pests, and its lighter weight and versatility compared to steel.
Its natural resistance to oxidation and rust makes it an excellent material for coastal environments. Aluminum metal roof cost is also lower than other materials.
What Should Be Installed Under Metal Roofs?
Installing underlayment on metal roofs helps to protect the home and minimize exposure to wind and moisture.
Most roofers use three popular types of underlayment for metal roofs: self-adhering membranes, felt, and synthetic sheeting. Without underlayment, the roof is more vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.
What Are the Steps to Installing Metal Roofs?
If you have decided to install a new roof, you’ve seen that metal is a great choice. The process can be done on your own. Here is a guide to metal roofing installation.
Measure the Roof
It is vital to measure the area of your roof before buying metal roofing material. Remember that not all metals come in regular sizes, so it is ideal to buy slightly more than needed.
This way, you are sure to have enough materials for your roof. You must measure the height, length, and pitch of the roof.
Buy Tools and Material
Once you have taken the measurements of your roof, it’s time to buy the materials you will need. Along with the right tools for installing metal roofs, you will need the following:
- Metal Roofing Shingles
- Metal Roofing Sheets
- Galvanized Steel Frames (for support of the metal panels)
Remove Your Old Roof and Make Repairs
Now, it’s time to take off the old roofing. It could be a straightforward process that involves taking out nails or screws and lifting off the shingles, but this depends on how it was installed. If your old roofing has a vertical seam layout that calls for welding, you must cut through some metal panels before pulling them away.
Before attaching new metal roofing systems, you must fix structural damage or make any necessary reinforcements. This will create a strong base to which the panels can be securely fastened.
Install Underlayment
Before installing metal roofs, you must place an underlayment, an added layer to protect the roof’s decking from moisture.
Install the Drip-edge
Once you have your frame up, the next step is to put in the drip edge. The drip edge is a metal piece at the edge of the overlap between the two roof panels, stopping water from entering through seams or dripping onto walls below.
Install Metal Roof Panels
You can now begin installing each metal panel or shingle on your roof. Begin by attaching galvanized steel framing strips along the roof’s edge for stability. Depending on the material, secure them with staples, nails, or screws.
If metal shingles are being used, screw-on brackets should be installed. They will help keep the roof’s shape and connect any pre-cut sections that may be available, thereby saving you from having to measure each piece.
Add Ridge Caps
Ridge caps should be added next. Be sure to identify whether a vented closure strip or a solid strip is necessary. A vented closure strip should be used if the roof is made to vent at the ridge. Use a chalk line to mark the panels to ensure the ridge cap meets both sides of the roof evenly.
Next, place sealant tape along the ridge from the chalk line following the distance indicated by the manufacturer (typically an inch). Once more, repeat the same process for the other side of the roof. Make sure the closure strip is secured firmly.
To finish the installation, add another strip of sealant tape along the top of the closure strip on each side of the roof.
The Bottom Line
When you choose metal roofing, you get quality material that will stand the test of time. Installation depends on factors such as the type of metal and the roof size. You can hire a professional to install your roof, or you can opt to do it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about Installing Metal Roofing Panels
Below you can find out more about installing a metal roof:
Is it ok to put a metal roof over existing shingles?
You can put a new metal roof on top of your existing shingles (asphalt shingles, for example). One of the reasons why metal roofs continue to gain popularity is that tearing off the existing roof is not necessary for installation.
Can I install a metal roof myself?
Installing a metal roof on your own is possible. It can be done in just a few days. However, some roofing may require complicated procedures.
It’s recommended to get help and use fall protection equipment. For a successful DIY project, make sure you select the right brand of metal panels or shingles for the installation.