Metal Roofing Installation: How to Install a Metal Roof Over Shingles

If your roof needs replacement, you have two choices. You can go with shingles again, or you can opt to get metal roofing. Metal roofing is a great option as it will last a lifetime, and you will not have to redo it in the future. In most cases, you do not have to remove your existing shingles, and the metal roof can be installed right over the top of it.

Metal roof panels can be created out of steel, copper, and aluminum. If you want to have a great performance, you will want to choose a steel roof.

Metal roofs will give you several trade-offs. Metal roofs can withstand high winds, rain, and hail. They are a more expensive choice, but a shingle roof will only last around twenty to thirty years, and a metal roof will last up to fifty years or more.


Issues You Need To Be Aware Of

There are several things that you will want to be aware of when installing a metal roof. This includes:

  • Building codes. Some areas will require you to tear off the existing shingle roof if it goes past a certain number of layers. You will want to check with your local government before the installation of your metal roof begins.
  • Condition of the shingles. The shingles that are on your roof will need to be inspected well. If they are in very bad shape, it may be a good idea to remove them.
  • Aesthetics. If you have shingles that have many layers, you may want them removed for aesthetic purposes.

How to Install Metal Roofing – Step By Step Guide

If you are interested in learning how to install metal roofing, follow the steps below.

Step One: Take Measurements Of Your Roof

The first thing that you will want to do is to get the exact measurements of your roof. This will help you to determine how much materials you will need. When you measure, make sure that you take into account the chimney, dormers, and valleys of your roof. If you choose to install a steel roof with seams, you will want to measure each point in your roof.

Step Two: Clean The Roof

The next step you should do is to remove any debris from your roof. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can pile up on your roof. This can make your working surface very slippery. Take a broom and sweep the roof off well before starting your work.

Step Three: Gather Your Materials

You will want to make sure that you have gathered all your material like felt paper, metal, boards, screws, nails, and more. It is a good idea to make a complete list of what you need beforehand and have it ready for usage. You will also want to make sure that you have all the necessary safety equipment. Roofing can be extremely dangerous, so being prepared will help you to avoid any accidents.

Step Four: Placing Roofing Felt

The next step is to get up on the roof and place the roofing felt on the roof. It is important to make sure that everything is square and straight. You do not want to have wrinkles or ripples in your roofing felt. To help prevent rippling, you will want to put wood boards in place.

Step Five: Flashing

Flashing should be installed around your chimney opening, dormers, or any area that you are concerned about water keeping in. You are looking for a symmetrical look while still preventing water damage.

Step Six: Screwing The Metal Panels On The Roof

You can now begin screwing your metal panels into place. You will want to make sure that you stay in the square and that the panels are perfectly straight. If you do not stay straight, your panels will not line up, and your roof will not protect your home from water damage. You will want to make sure that you have your screws in a straight line. Keeping your screws straight will help to make it easier to attach the metal to your roof.

When you have valleys on your roof, you will have to cut the metal for them by hand. Make sure that you premeasure and install as you go, or you can leave the panels close and leave the screws out so you can come back later and finish that portion of the metal roof.

If you are using a colored metal, take special care not to damage the colored surface. If you get scratched into the metal, it can lead to rust and other water issues later on.

Step 7: Installing The Closure Strips

You will now want to install foam or rubber closure strips. This will keep water from coming in during heavy rains or snowfall.

Step Eight: Attaching The Ridge Cap

Your last step will be attaching the ridge cap. This will need closures to prevent any water from leaking in. You can also attach a mesh that will make a ridge vent.

Calling A Professional

As you can see, metal roof installation is a complicated process and one that you probably do not want to do yourself. It is dangerous, and if you mess something up, the consequences could be drastic. You also have to deal with building codes and permits. Instead of doing it yourself, you should call a roofing company like TRM Roofing. They can help you to have a correctly installed metal roof that will last for many years and look amazing.

Having a metal roof installed will help your home look amazing, add value, help the environment, and more. If your roof needs to be replaced, consider getting a metal roof installed as soon as possible.