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How to Install Metal Roofing

March 6, 2020

In the world of residential roofing, it seems there are a countless number of options when it comes to materials and supplies. However, metal roofing is quickly becoming one of the most popular roofing materials among DIY home-improvers due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, and energy efficiency.

In this article, we’ll give you a brief overview of how you can install metal roofing, either on a DIY basis or with the aid of several professional roofing assistants. If you don’t have the equipment specified in this guide, be sure to contact Express Roofing before you try to get started. The last thing we want is for you to fall from your roof onto the hard and dusty floor of the Arizona desert!

Let’s get started with this how-to guide on installing metal roofing.

Materials and Tools

First things first, you’ll need some protective gear to ensure no injuries occur during the installation process of your metal roof. Be sure to lace up some work boots, slip on some welding gloves, and swap out your sunnies for a pair of safety glasses. 

Next, assemble your tools and make sure you have everything you’ll need. 

When it comes to tools, you’ll need claw hammers, drills, electric staplers, circular saws and blades, and a cordless jig saw. Additionally, be sure you have screws for the sheet metal, self-drilling screws, patches and sealant, roofing adhesive, and a waste bin.

If your roof doesn’t already have vent pipe flashing, a drip edge, transition flashing, or other gutter accessories, you’ll want to acquire these products as well before beginning your project.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll need a metal roofing material of your choice, which may come in copper, tin, zinc, aluminum, or even steel varieties. Each of these metals has different properties, benefits, and drawbacks, so some might be more suited for your climate and household needs than others.

Copper is commonly chosen for its visual appeal and light weight, but it’s also an attractive choice because it doesn’t corrode or rust and does not require any paint to mask its appearance. Copper tends to be on the pricier side, but DIY homeowners tend to think it’s worth it, given that the sheet metal can withstand pretty intense weather conditions, from brush fires to droughts.

Zinc is also a corrosion-resistant material, but it’s a bit softer and more malleable than other types of metal roofing. For this reason, it can be dented and damaged by extreme weather conditions like hail or dust storms. 

The most commonly used type of metal roofing is tin. It’s actually considered easier to install than shingles, and it tends to fare better for the long haul because most sheets are strengthened (galvanized) with steel or aluminum. What’s the catch? Not much, other than that the tin might be a bit noisy if it gets pelted with raindrops. 

Corrugated metal roof panels are often considered the ideal material for this genre of roofing installation. Corrugated metal roofs are super strong, energy efficient, and corrosion resistant.

Getting Started

Once you’ve gathered all of your tools, materials, and protective gear, it’s time to remove the old roof and get ready for the new. 

If you had shingles previously, then you’ll start from the top of the roof and progressively work your way down as you strip them off. After the shingles have been removed, you’ll also need to get rid of the previous roof’s flashing, underlayment, and ventilation system components. 

Once all of this is done, measure the dimensions of the roof so you can confirm you have adequate square footage of sheet metal. 

Live On the Edge

Okay, not literally — we’re just talking about edging! Also called metal eave flashing, this process of piece placement is critical to establishing the foundation of your future metal roof.

Installation Process

The installation process of metal sheets or shingles will require some specific measurements, which may vary from household to household. However, a good rule of thumb seems to be to align the first-laid sheets in such a way that it overlaps the jut of the edging by approximately ½ to ⅔ of an inch. 

After the laying of metal sheets on the roof is completed, you’ll also need to install appropriate ventilation systems and flashing (metal trim).

Final Thoughts 

The overall metal roofing installation process can be a bit tedious and complicated, which is why Express Roofing is here to help. Whether you need advice on which metal material to choose or you need a few extra hands to pitch in with laying shingles, we’ve got the expertise, equipment, and experience to get the job done.

Contact one of our professional Mesa roofers today to learn more about how Express Roofing can take your next DIY roof project to a whole new level of quality. 

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Mesa, AZ 85210-9313

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