How to Install Metal Roofing?
If you're thinking about replacing your old roof, metal roofing is an excellent option. Not only does it last longer than asphalt shingles, but metal roofs also improve energy efficiency by insulate your home better.
If you're not confident with DIY projects, it is best to hire a professional for installing your metal roof. However, if you feel confident taking on this task yourself, here are some basic guidelines to follow:
Pre-drilling
Pre-drilling is an essential step when installing metal roofing. Doing so ensures the screws penetrate into the panels properly and hold them firmly in place.
It is also essential to predrill if attaching panels to solid wood substrate. Doing so will reduce the chances of screws being driven in at an angle and leading to leaks later.
Metal roof installations often call for fasteners with various head styles, such as flat, flush and countersunk.
Additionally, self-drilling screw fasteners require no predrilling and are an ideal choice for regions with corrosive environmental elements.
Underlayment
Underlayment is an essential step in the metal roof installation process. It provides additional insulation, shields the deck from damage and guarantees compliance with building codes.
Synthetic underlayments provide numerous advantages to building owners. Not only are they long-lasting and fire resistant, but many of these underlays are recyclable as well.
Another advantage is their adaptability; they can be installed even during cold weather conditions, making them contractor-friendly and increasing safety levels.
Finally, synthetic underlayments don't wrinkle and can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight. This is especially advantageous for installers as it enables them to install roofs without fear of drying out or compromising its performance.
Underlayment material commonly used on roofs is felt paper, also referred to as roofing tar paper or asphalt-saturated felt. This product is composed of natural fibers or cellulose with a waterproofing agent such as asphalt. Felt paper underlayment has become popular due to its affordability and ease of installation – ideal for new construction projects!
Panels
Panels are the main element of your metal roof, and how you handle them can have a major effect on their longevity. Long panels (over 30 feet) may require special handling or lifting, so it's best to team up and utilize multiple lifting points beneath each panel in order to avoid damage during transport.
Installing metal roofing panels correctly and squarely is essential for their longevity. Doing so will guarantee their modularity, which ensures their structural integrity.
Once the first panel is in place, position the next one atop it so it overhangs by an amount recommended by your roofing manufacturer (usually about an inch). Finally, fasten each panel with two 24-inch screws on their outward-facing sides.
Finally, install ridge caps at both ends of your roof to protect it from ice and rain damage. These prevent water from seeping into gutters and onto the ground instead. Depending on your ventilation system, you may also require closure strips along the ridge for additional security.
Flashing
Flashing is an integral component of metal roofing installation. It shields vulnerable edges where leaks often occur and directs water away from your roof and exterior walls.
Flashing can be made of a range of materials, including metals. It is commonly used to seal around joints and roof projections but may also be installed beneath shingles for extra strength and protection.
Before attaching other roof components, a strip of flashing is usually applied around the edge. This serves to protect it from rain, snow or strong winds that might lift shingles off the edge.
Another type of flashing is aprons, which look like an "U" and help collect water where a roof slope meets a wall. These flashings are typically manufactured onsite by your Denver roof installation company.
Aprons are not the only flashings used around roof penetrations such as chimneys and skylights; valleys, joints, grooves and projections must also be safeguarded.
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If you're thinking about replacing your old roof, metal roofing is an excellent option. Not only does it last longer than asphalt shingles, but metal roofs also improve energy efficiency by insulate your home better. If you're not confident with DIY projects, it is best to hire a professional for installing your metal roof. However,…