Installing a steel roof

One of the reasons steel roofs have become so popular is the simplicity and economy with which they can be placed over an old shingle roof.

Follow a few simple guidelines and your roof will look appealing as well as last your lifetime. After completing construction on a new barn, the customers asked me about the possibility of putting a metal roof on their home to match the roof on the barn. A little reluctantly, I agreed and thus began a year journey of installing more than metal roofs. The life of steel roofing has greatly increased in just the past five years due to a technologically advanced paint process that no longer fades.

No more. The same baked-on enamel coating used in the automobile industry is now used for metal roofing, and it barely fades at all. This has been noted in the warranties which have changed from a vague year guarantee against rusting to, in many cases, a year guarantee against even fading. Another factor that has increased the popularity of metal roofing is the logistics.

Why would you pull all those shingles off and haul them to the landfill, just to have to put down a new vapor barrier to replace the now-gone shingles?

Not to mention the wear and tear on your back, the precarious time you spend on your roof, and the time everything under it has to be exposed to adverse weather during the installation. Says the man in the back. Shingles typically weigh in at to pounds per square square feet.

Steel, at 65 pounds per square, is not dead weight, it makes your roof stronger. In every instance, after making attempts to rectify either a faulty product or a faulty installation, the homeowner was left in the lurch, being told by the installer to go chase the manufacturer or the manufacturer to chase the installer.

This ultimately led them to seek out a roof they would never have to worry about again. My own estimate is that a properly installed modern steel roof will last 50 years before it needs to be touched. It is also my contention that the paints you would use to eventually repaint them are steadily improving and will be even better by the time you see your roof fading.

Therefore, why fill up the landfill? Why go to all that trouble, expense, and waste? Still, if you decide to install a steel roof over old shingles, there are five things you have to keep in mind:. Steel will condensate if there is any air space under it.

Steel has to be laid flat on a vapor barrier. Anyone who has stepped into a barn on a sunshiny, frosty morning and forgot his rain coat can attest to this fact. Whether the air space under the steel is a half inch or six inches, the condensation factor is the same.

So, put the steel directly down on a vapor barrier. Either leave the shingles on or, in new construction, put down felt paper. Otherwise, avoid them. Whichever way you do it, ensure you have adequate attic ventilation, summer and winter.

The steel should be fastened with screws in such a manner that the spacing creates an appealing pattern when viewed from the ground. The screws should be applied as the manufacturer specifies, which is in the flat of the steel, not on the rib. The screws should be spaced between 24 and 30 inches, skipping every other rib, thereby creating no more holes in your new steel roof than are absolutely required and necessary and to make it look professionally installed.

You can increase the length to accommodate two layers of shingles. When installing a product that is going to last 50 years, how necessary is a warranty? Metal Roofing Screws — For the metal screws that attach the panels to each other and fasten them down. Wood Roofing Screw — For the screws that attach starter strips to walls. Screwdriver — One for each type of screw you will need to use on your project.

Roofing Felt — For under your panels, this provides an extra layer of protection. Jigsaw — This is especially used in metal roofs too, because your metal needs power from the saw itself. If you want to install your metal roofing yourself, make sure to wear safety protective equipment, such as:. To protect eyes from debris while working high up on the roof, wear safety glasses or goggles.

When working on the roof, wear work boots that are sturdy and grip well to avoid slipping off of it. Hearing protection should be worn if necessary as metal roofs tend to echo noise back down at you from all angles.

There are many benefits to choosing a metal roofing for your home or business. Some of these include:. Clean lines may not be your thing depending on what type you choose. This is why it is extremely important that you consult a contractor to determine if your home can support the weight. Environmental Impact : Although metal roofs are made from recycled materials, they still require a large amount of energy and transportation during manufacturing compared to other types of roofing materials.

Pricing : Metal roofing is usually more expensive than other types of roofing, but the benefits far outweigh that initial price tag if you take into consideration how long it will last and its energy efficiency properties!

In summary, metal roofs have many benefits over traditional materials such as asphalt shingle or clay tiles. They are extremely energy efficient, extremely durable and can be more aesthetically appealing depending on the design you choose. Install the edging. The edging, or eave flashing, consists of metal strips that are used to cover the perimeter of the roof. It should overlap the edge of the gutter if you have them. Add the metal panels. Always begin working at the point with the longest peak-to-eave distance.

Take care the first piece is aligned precisely perpendicular square to the edge. Use your neoprene washer head screws to secure the metal to the sheathing. Space the screws about 12 in 30 cm apart down the entire piece of metal. Make sure that the screws are all aligned evenly, as you will be able to see them from the ground if they are exposed-fastener metal plates. Each fastener has a durable rubber grommet that seals the roof from the weather. Tighten the fastener just enough to seal the site.

If you over-tighten and the grommet is displaced, remove and replace. Continue installing the metal panels, making sure that the edges overlap at least 1 in 2. Do this until the entire roof is covered. This will allow the silicone to squeeze out towards the edges, making it a more tight seal. Add the flashing. This is the metal trim similar to the eave flashing, except that it is placed over joints in the roof where different sections meet.

This should be used in valleys points where 2 sections less than degrees meet and as end caps over the tops of 2 sides that meet. Be sure to cut this metal at the correct angle before installing it. Finish your roof. Clean up all remaining metal, nails, and screws and enjoy your new roof! Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow. David Bitan. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0. Mark Spelman Construction Professional. Mark Spelman. Not Helpful 5 Helpful Not Helpful 9 Helpful Should felt paper be placed under metal roofing when it is being placed on particle board?

Not Helpful 17 Helpful Can I install steel sheeting directly over a rigid foam insulation that is on top of wooden sheeting? Not Helpful 7 Helpful Not Helpful 13 Helpful Not Helpful 9 Helpful 9. Not Helpful 7 Helpful 6. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Your new metal roof may be installed over shingles if the deck is good and a vapor barrier is used such as felt paper or tar paper.

Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. If your roof has skylights or a chimney, consider hiring a professional to help you with that section. The edges of metal roofing materials can be very sharp, so always wear thick safety gloves while doing any work. Helpful 29 Not Helpful If you did not install gable trim, it may void any wind-resistance warranty. You Might Also Like How to. How to. More References 4. About This Article.