How to Install Metal Roofing

Let's start with one simple rule for people who wantpitch fork, roofing shovel, or roofing pliers to remove
to install metal roofing. If you cannot easily walk onold shingles . Then lay down 30 pound tar paper to
the roof because it's too steep, call a professional.serve as the base for the new roof. If there's only
Now that the rule is out of the way, if you want toone layer of shingles on the old one, lay down 1"x4"x
have it but can't afford what the professionals havebuilding length pine wood boards screwed onto the
bid, here's how to install it.old shingles. Apply edging once the metal roof is
First the proper tools are needed. These are aprepared.
measuring tape, a chalk line with plenty of chalk, aStart placing the metal sheets running from top to
good drill, a safe extension ladder and a good, sturdybottom. Screw them into the wood slats, using a
step ladder, ½ pound of ¼ inch roofingscrew every two feet on both sides of the sheet.
nails, metal roofing screws, metal snips, and a clothEach sheet should overlap the last. When you reach
nail bag to hold the nails and screws.the edge cut the last metal sheet so it's just past
Measure the roof's height and add the desiredthe edge of the roof.
overhang, generally two to four inches. TakeWhen the sheets are applied to both sides of the
accurate measurements keeping in mind the handyroof, apply the metal trim along the edges at the
man's mantra "measure twice, cut once." Nextsides of the roof. The trim also goes on the peak,
measure the roof's length and height on both sidesfirst scoring it in the middle so it can be bent over
to figure out how much metal edging is needed. Takethe peak.
these measurements to your roofing supplyOf course these instructions are useful only for
company. They will tell you how much to purchase.installing the standard type of tin barn roof seen in
Remember that three to six inches of unblocked airindustrial buildings, garages and the like. Other types
flow is needed between layers.require different methods for installation. But those
Although it isn't necessary to remove the old onecan be tackled equally as well by a do it yourself
before laying down a metal roof, it is best. Use aperson who wants to install metal roofing.