Tips for Installing Corrugated Metal Roofs

Corrugated metal roofs are light in weight and are made in panels of identical sizes, which contribute to accurate installation estimates. These panels have wavy patterns that greatly facilitate the conveyance of water. This reduces the collection of water which helps to minimize damage by water to your home. Iron, aluminum copper and steel are some of the metals that are commonly used to produce corrugated roofing. Installing these roof panels is easy. Because they are large, hence it doesn’t take long before the entire roof area is covered. Here are some tips on how you should install corrugated aluminum roofing.

Step 1: Measurements

The first thing that you should do is to know how many roofing panels that you need. Therefore you need to measure the area where you want to install the roof. One metal sheet measures 3 feet by 6 feet. Measure the length of the roof ridge, divide the length by the coverage area. This will give you the number of rows of metal sheets needed. Measure the slope from the roof peak to the bottom in feet then divide by 6 to know the columns of metal sheets required. Multiply the rows by columns to get the total number of metal sheets needed for the entire roof.

STEP 2: Lay the roofing felt

The roofing felt is meant to create a cover of insulation. Lay the roofing felt horizontally along the plywood deck of the roof. Then cut it with a utility knife to fit properly. Fasten the roofing felt with roofing staples. Ensure to overlap each cover by at least four inches.

Step 3: Installation

To begin the installation process gather all the corrugated metal roofing supplies and start laying the metal panels from the bottom corner of the roof and work across. Once you have completed installing one row, you should move to the next, then progressively getting higher and higher until you reach the peak. Here you should ensure that the bottom of the new row is at the top of the first row. Doing this ensures that water flows down the roof without the risk of leaks. You should also ensure that the panels overlap by at least four inches.

The roof should also overhang two inches over the edges. To fasten the panels in place, you should use screws and waterproof washers. Slide a flexible washer onto a 1 ½-inch wood screw and use your screwdriver to secure it to the plywood of the roof.

Step 4: Attach the ridge cap

Finish the installation by attaching a peaked ridge cap that is shaped just like the roof. Place the corrugated ridge cap on the top of the roof, overlapping the row of metal panels below. Secure it with washers and wood screws to prevent entry of pests or rain.

Step 5: Seal the roof seams

The next step is to apply roofing cement or roofing caulk on the roof seams to ensure there are no exposed seams. Then leave it for twelve hour to dry.

Step 6: Paint the roof

To give your metal roof more appeal and durability, you can paint it with a color of your choice. You can use a paintbrush or paint sprayer which helps cover a large roof area within a short time.