How to Install a Metal Roof like the Pros [DIY Guide]

March 2, 2023

Installing a metal roof may seem like an intimidating task, but with the correct information and some dedication, anyone can do it! In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know to install a metal roof — just like the pros.

Ready to upgrade to a metal roof?

We’ll cover everything you need, from picking out your materials and planning to execute the installation step-by-step. So roll up your sleeves and let’s start: here’s our DIY guide for installing a metal roof.

Types of Metal Roofs

Metal roofing is preferred for house owners because of its strength and long life. Several types of metal roofs are available, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Standing Seam

Standing seam metal roofs feature panels that run vertically from the roof’s ridge down to the eaves. The seams between the panels elevated above the panel surface, provide an additional shield against water intrusion.

This type of metal roof can withstand strong winds and, with proper upkeep, has a long lifespan of up to half a century or more. One downside is that standing seam roofs tend to be more expensive than other types of metal roofs due to their complexity in installation.

Corrugated Steel

Corrugated metal panels are made by pressing thin sheets into ridges and valleys, creating a wavy pattern on one side. This helps provide additional strength and stability when installed on a roof structure. These sheets come in various sizes, thicknesses, colors, and finishes to find something that fits your home’s aesthetic needs.

Powder Coated Metal Roofing

This type of roofing is incredibly resilient. It is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, like heavy rains and strong winds. Furthermore, it has excellent energy efficiency and can help reduce cooling costs.

Installing a Metal Roof Step-by-Step Guide

To ensure a successful installation of your metal roof panels, it is essential to take the following steps:

Step 1: Gathering the Necessary Tools

Tools are an essential factor in the success of any project. To begin your metal roof installation, collect all the necessary tools for the job. These include:

• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Roof shears or snips
• Tin Snips
• Hammer
• Roofing nails
• Ladder
• Roof jacks or trusses
• Chalk line
• Clip fasteners

Step 2: Removing the Existing Roof Covering

This can be done by either tearing off shingles or panels or by scraping and cleaning them off. If you are replacing an asphalt shingle roof, inspect for signs of water damage before proceeding with the installation. Examining any leftover nails from the prior roofing material is also a must.

Step 3: Installing the Underlayment

Once the old roof covering has been removed, installing the underlayment is time. The type of underlayment used will depend on your climate and local building codes. Generally, felt paper or synthetic underlayments are best suited for metal roofs in most climates.

They provide additional protection against moisture penetration and help prevent condensation buildup between the deck and metal roofing panels. Make sure all seams are properly sealed using tape or caulk before installing panels or shingles over top of them.

Step 4: Securing the Starter Strip

After laying down your underlayment material, you’ll need to secure a starter strip along one edge of your rooftop for metal panels or shingles to be installed correctly later on during the installation. A starter strip provides extra support at this crucial point where panels meet each other. 

This prevents wind uplift forces over time which could lead to leaks in future years if not appropriately secured initially. Most starter strips come pre-cut, but you can also cut them yourself depending on what size panel widths you plan on using when installing your new metal roof system.

Step 5: Installing Panels/Shingles

Now comes the time for installing individual pieces onto the rooftop, which requires careful attention to detail to ensure everything fits. For standing seam roofs, use special clips explicitly designed for the purpose. At the same time, corrugated steel sheets should screw into place with appropriate fasteners, such as self-drilling screws and washers, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Stone-coated steel tiles require adhesive spread across the back side of each tile and then pressed firmly onto the substrate. This creates a solid bond for holding place securely even high winds and rain storms occur throughout the year. Finally, aluminum shingle roofs are usually nailed directly into plywood sheathing underneath after being covered by a layer of ice shield membrane.

Once all pieces are installed, take a few moments to inspect the entire area and double-check that no mistakes were made. Finish every part of the system, including flashings, valleys, ridges, eaves, drip edges, etc., to ensure it looks good overall. 

FAQs

Do you still have questions related to installing a metal roof? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about metal roof installation to help you understand the process.

Can I install a metal roof myself?

No, installing a metal roof is not something that an inexperienced DIYer should attempt. Metal roofs require specialized knowledge and tools to install correctly and safely. Additionally, improper installation can lead to costly repairs or even void the warranty of roofing materials. Hiring a professional roofing contractor like Roof X with metal roof experience is best for any installation project.

What do you put under metal roofing?

Metal roofing materials are ideal for various abodes and enterprises due to their longevity, energy proficiency, and attractive appearance. Using suitable materials underneath the panels is essential when installing corrugated metal roofing. 

The most common materials are felt paper, underlayment, and drip edge flashing along the roof’s eaves. Fasteners such as nails or screws with washers and sealant tape around seams and joints create a watertight barrier against moisture infiltration is also used. 

Conclusion

Installing a metal roof is no small feat. It requires skill, precision, and knowledge of the local building codes. With our DIY guide on installing a metal roof like the pros, you should now have all the information necessary for taking on this challenging task yourself.

However, if you need help or would prefer to leave it in professional hands at any point during your project, we recommend Roof X as your preferred choice when choosing contractors for installing roofs. Our team of highly trained professionals will ensure that your new roof is installed correctly and safely so you can enjoy its benefits for years to come! Get in touch now!