Metal roofs are one of the most attractive roofing options – minimal maintenance, environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and they last very long. Choosing the material and style is often the most difficult part of the process. Your existing roof and its location will actually help you to choose, but the color and style you’ll have to decide.
Once you make your decision you can begin the installation of your metal roof. Before you begin installing your metal roofing on your home you should watch some YouTube videos. This will help to ensure you are doing it correctly. There are many types of roofs so be sure that you are watching the ones based on your specific roof.
If you’ve decided to handle this task on your own instead of hiring a Nashville roofing company; then here are two step by step installation guides for both exposed fasteners and hidden fasteners. Read through the steps before getting started and make sure that you fully understand them first.
For An Exposed Fastener Installation
Step 1: Be Square
When installing metal roofing panels you’ll be sure that you are starting square, simply meaning that your lines are vertical and square to your eave. The first square is often the hardest because this will set the stage for everything being straight. If your first square is off everything is going to be tilted.
So square off the edge and adjust your panel.
Step 2: Cutting the Panel to Length & Adding Eave Trim
With an exposed fastener install you’re going to want to overhang the eave. Be sure that it is at least one and a half to two inches over. Then you’ll need to tape it to the end wall and then measure to the edge of the eave trim. So if it’s 12 inches you’ll add an inch and a half to two inches making it 13.5 to 14 inches and cut to that length.
When cutting you’ll want to turn the panel over and make the cut marks on the back. Be sure that you are using a square or a straight edge to create your cut lines.
You’ll then need to cut through the male and female rib to get to the flat of the panel. Use duckbill snips for a clean-cut going through the flat of the pan. Then cut the female rib. Your panel will be 1.5 inches longer than the eave and you can now install it.
Step 3: Applying Sealant Tape
You’ll need to apply one row of sealant tape between the eave trim and the underside of the panel. Be sure that the tape is going between all layers of metal and along the center of the entire eave.
Step 4: Installing
You’re now ready to install the roof panels, ensuring that all of the panes are square to the eave. You’ll need to put a screw in the fastening strip this will help to keep it steady before installing the screws along the face.
Be sure that you are using a pancake head fastener along the fastening strip of the SL 16. This low-profile head won’t dimple the next panel. This is extremely important!
Don’t over-tighten this will cause tension on the panel and be sure that you are spacing correctly from fastener to fastener. It should be 12 inches apart.
Then you’ll need to install exposed fasteners along the center of the pan making sure that the sealant tape beneath is creating a watertight seal. You’ll be using a wood-grip screw for the center pan. Attach three fasteners without over-tightening them – one on each side and one in the middle. Overtightening will result in the washer fastener from squishing out and being exposed and eventually leading to cracking. Continue attaching the rest of the panels until the entire roof is covered.
Installation of a Hidden Fastener
Step 1: Install Offset Cleat
Installing the offset cleat will give you the true hidden fastener. You can begin installing the offset cleat along the eave. Once you do so you’ll be ready to install the metal roofing panels.
Step 2: Bend Panel Edge
To prepare the end of the panel, you’ll need to cut up one inch on either side, folding under and removing the two ribs. This will ensure the fasteners are completely hidden.
To do this you’ll need to slide the hemming tool over and bend it under on inch, creating a true 180-degree bend. Then cutting the male rib back a quarter of an inch. This will ensure that even if you cut a little past it won’t affect the next panel from being flush with the edge of the cleat.
Step 3: Installing with Hidden Fasteners
Once you have the one-inch clip on the metal panel you’ll need to cut the ribs backflush. You can install the panels by clipping them into the offset cleat. Sliding the edge through the offset cleat making sure that it is completely engaged and flushed with the edge.
The panel should be about a half an inch from the edge of the roof, putting it flush with the edge of the roof jogging would be visible from the ground. Once the panels installed using a pancake head screw put a fastener through the nailing flange. Make sure the edge of the roof is not sticking up, if it is you can use a block of wood over a towel and a rubber mallet to push it down. You want this to be flat!
And that’s how you install a metal roof on your house.
If that is more than you are willing to take on don’t worry. Installing a metal roofing on your Nashville home can be an easy but time-consuming job. We know we’re in the business of installing them.
If you are reconsidering doing this on your own then you may want to give Jonathon Meyers Roofing a call and schedule an estimate. We’ll come out and discuss your specific needs. We have a proven track record, knowledgable, and experienced with metal roofing repairs and installations. We’re one of the best roofers Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood and Murfreesboro have.