Homeowners Guide to Metal Roofing Benefits from MetalRoofingStore.com

Although metal roofing is clearly a superior product to asphalt shingles, not all metal roofs are made the same, and there are certain factors you need to be aware of when shopping for a new roof.
Let’s consider the basic benefits that metal roofing has to offer to homeowner.
First and foremost, metal roofs offer a longer lasting and far more reliable roofing alternative to asphalt shingle roofs. You can get as many as 35 to 100 years of Service Life from a metal roof. Compare it to only 12 to 17 years of Service Life from an asphalt shingle roof and a difference becomes clear.

Metal roofing is an environmentally safe building material. Metal roofs contain a significant proportion of recycled metal content. When the time to replace your metal roof, which may never be the case in the first place, metal roofs are fully recyclable and the recycled metal can be readily reused for other purposes.

Many modern metal roofs are rated by a cool roof rating council, which assigns cool-roof ratings to various metal roofing systems. A cool roof and an energy star rated metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which lowers the temperature of the roof and prevents the transfer of the heat inside the house.

By helping to lower the interior temperature of your home, metal roofs result in energy savings on your cooling costs. A reduced air conditioning load results in a cleaner and healthier environment.
Many metal roofing systems carry a class “A” fire rating, in which comes in handy in the area that is prone to forest fires.

Metal roofs are extremely durable and can withstand the hurricane winds with speeds of up to 110 miles per hour. In fact, there are some metal roofing systems rated for the wind speeds of over 150 miles per hour. This can be a very important factor in the hurricane prone areas. Consider that metal roofing costs far less than a concrete slab roof that some people opt for to find protection against hurricane winds.

Metal roofing systems are not only strong and durable, but also flexible in terms of expansion and contraction ability, which is necessary to accommodate for the rapidly changing temperatures. Unlike an asphalt shingle roof that is likely to crack due to a thermal shock, a metal roof is designed to expand or contract to mitigate the effects of thermal shock.

Metal roofing can be a great remedy against ice dams on the roof. Coated with especially designed coating, metal roof causes the snow to slide down the roof before it has a chance to form and build up to become an ice dam.

This, and a range of other reasons help explain why insurance companies offer significant insurance premium reductions for the homes with metal roofs.
Metal roofing features a great variety of colors and styles ranging from modern-looking standing-seam metal roofs, to easy to install metal shingles, and traditional Cedar Shake look alike metal shakes roofs that have non of the splitting of the shingles, cracking and discoloration problems.

Consider an upraised home value, and green building tax credit savings, and you will see why a metal roof is truly an amazing remodeling decision for a homeowner.

Metal Roofing Installation DIY

Learning Objective

Learn how to install standing seam metal roofing system.

For most homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, a standing seam metal roof installation is not a do it yourself project. But for those few who dare, let this serve as an introductory educational guide on how to install metal roofing on a small shed or a free standing garage. if nothing else, you can still benefit from the basic conceptual understanding of metal roofing installation process provided by this guide.

Materials and Tools you will need

* Sheet metal hand seamer/folder/crimping tool.
* Drill/Driver
* Wood cutting: For minor wood repairs, a cordless reciprocating saw.
* Hammer, rubber mullet, tool belt, metal snips/shears, tape measure.
* Safety rope, anchor and harness, and knowledge/experience using it, work safety plan, and first aid kit.
* Safe to use and adequate Ladder.
* Tear off/roof stripping tools, heavy duty contractor bags, and a dumpster to dispose of old shingles.
* Pre-measured and Pre-cut Standing Seam Metal Roofing panels at work site.
* System specific screws and flashing details for your roof.
* Roofing Underlayment, Ice and Water, nails with colored caps.

Step 1 – Measuring Your Roof and Sketching a Diagram

Take multiple pictures of your roof from different angles, then measure your roof and draw a diagram that you can take with you to a roofing supply warehouse where you can order metal roofing materials for the job.

You will need to take precise/accurate measurements of your roof deck, and come up with an accurate/readable sketch/diagram of your roof; Ridge length, gables lengths (all sides), eaves lengths (all sides), valleys, dormers, chimneys, and skylights.

Although in theory, you can install standing seam metal roof over your existing asphalt shingle roof, I would advice you to tear off the old roof before installing standing seam due to a common effect of telegraphing of lines of asphalt shingles underneath the standing seam metal roof roof. Note You can get away with telegraphing of the shingles underneath, if you choose to install a metal shingles roofing system, instead of a standing seam metal roof.

Step 2 – Ordering Metal Roofing Panels

Order metal roofing panels called standing seam metal roof at your local roofing supply warehouse. They will ask you about the length of panels you need, type of profile you would like, and a color of your metal roofing system.

Hand over your roof diagram with all the details and roof dimensions, and show them pictures of your roof. Based on the information you provide, roofing supply shop will order the panels and flashing for your job. Here you can also buy all the necessary tools, and safety equipment.

In addition you will need to buy a roll or two of roofing underlayment for the job. I recommend that you spend a little extra, and go for a breathable synthetic roofing underlayment that will be installed underneath your new metal roof.

Step 3 – Preparing Roof Deck for Installation

Once you have all the necessary tools, and materials on site, You will need to prepare your roof deck for the installation of a new metal roof. It is generally recommended that you perform a complete tear off of your old/existing roof so that you can get an opportunity to replace any rotten wood or plywood underneath the asphalt.

Step 4 Installing Ice-and-Water and Roofing Underlayment

Install your roofing underlayment in a horizontal fashion. You will start at the eaves with a slight overlap of the roof deck, and nail down the first row of your roofing underlayment.

(If you live in a northern climate, then install one layer of Ice-and-Water right underneath your roofing underlayment, adhering it (Ice-and-Water) straight to the roof’s deck with a half an inch of overlap past the eave’s edge.) You will also need to install ice and water in the valley/valleys of your roof.

You will then continue installing your roofing underlayment in an upward fashion with a six inch overlap over the previous layer until you reach the ridge of the roof.

Step 5 – Installing Metal Trim, Drip Edge, and Gable Flashing

Now it is time to install metal flashing at the eaves. The flashing being installed over the edge of your roof’s eaves is called starter trim. You will have to follow manufactures recommendations, but generally you would install your starter flashing leaving 1/4 of an inch of space from the eave, and securing it in place with system specific screws (that you should order along with materials) every 12 inches on center. Then, follow the same steps to install your gable flashing.

Watch the Video Below:

Step 6 – Installing Metal Roofing Panels

Once all the necessary metal trim/flashing is installed, you can begin installing your first metal roofing panel. You will have to cut, and bend about an inch of the panel underneath (forming a hook) so that we can hook it onto the starter trim/drip edge.

Then, the metal roofing panel will be secured by the special screws at the top. After that, you can secure the panel by installing special holding brackets/metal clips, and secure them with the screws to the roof deck. You will find that metal clips will have two holes, one will be closer to the metal roofing panel, while the other will be farther away. I recommend that you only use one screw to secure the metal clip through the farther/outside hole that is away from the panel. This will help prevent dents in the panel due to thermal expansion and contraction of the panels.

If your home is located in hurricane zone, you would want to put two screws into each clip. Never put two screws if you have solid boards underneath instead of plywood. Both screws can easily split the board, which will compromise security of panel attachment to your roof deck. (The holding brackets attach to the panel on a side every 12 inches or so.)

The follow on panel will be installed in a similar fashion. You have to lock the follow on panel into previous panel using the locking mechanism called the seam (SnapLock standing seam panel mechanism).

Use a rubber mallet, or a rubber handle of your hammer to snap the seams of the roofing panels together. You can also snap the follow on panel with the palm of our hand starting at the ridge/top of the panel and working your way down until the entire panel is connected/attached via the snap-lock method. Then repeat the whole process again until you reach the gables/ends on both sides.

Watch the Standing Seam Metal Roofing Installation Video Below:

Step 7 – Installing Z – Bar Flashing

Note: If you are using a combination of ridge and soffit vent system on your roof, then make sure that your roof has sufficient pitch to prevent any wind driven water from getting inside your attic through a perforated z-closure.

Cut your z-bar so that it is the same width as one of the panels to which it will be fitted. Make sure that it fits well, but not too tight as to scratch the locks of the panel. Usually you will want to go about a 1/4 inch less than the nominal width of the panel. This gives you enough room for a snap lock of the next panel to fit in. You will also end up with only minimum gaps between the edges.

Cut a small piece of ridge cap (about two inches wide), align it so that it is in the center of the ridge, laying perpendicular with the locks. Mark the outer edges on the top of each rib. You will align your z-bars and the ridge cap to these.

Use your first piece as a template, then cut enough z-bars to accommodate every panel on your roof (have enough z-bars for both sides of the roof). Using double-sided peel-n-stick foam, or some type of the exterior grade caulking sealant, caulk the connection area between the panel and the z-bar. I recommend that you use a clear (or color matching) Solar Seal 900. It works great. Attach z-bar with three screws, and caulk the side gaps so that any wind driven water will not get in.

Once all of your z-bars are up and sealed, take a section of the ridge cap, and cut a 2-inch line down the center bend, at the end of the cap. At the same end, cut off 2 inches of the lock and bend down the two flaps. This will be your end-piece.

Align the flaps you have just made with the gable trim, and hook in one side of the ridge cap into the z-bar. If your z-bar is spaced too widely or narrowly, you can bend it in or out so that it fits your ridge cap. Hook the second (unclosed) lock into the opposite z-bars all along the length of the cap. Once it is completely clipped in, use your hands to close the opened lock (lip) on one side of the cap, and then using the hand-seamer crimp down both sides of the cap.

Tips

* I recommend that you first practice installing metal roofing on a small structure such as shed, or a free standing garage before taking on your home’s roof. It would also be helpful if you can get another person who has experience with home improvements to help you out with your DIY metal roofing installation project, and make sure that things go smoothly.

Warning

* Doing any type of work on your roof is inherently dangerous. There is always a danger of falling of the roof, or from the ladder. You will want to wear special shoes with rubber soles, have and use a properly secured ladder, and know how to properly use your safety equipment including rope, anchor, and wear the safety harness.

Benefits of Metal Roofing Shingles

Your home is your most prized possession, and no other roofing material can keep it better protected than a metal shingles roof. For discerning homeowners who want to make a long term investment into their home, and to be sure that they are getting a premium roofing material, metal roofing shingles are a top choice. While they come at an initially high price, metal roofing shingles offer an unbeatable array of advantages when compared to other roofing materials.

Benefits of Metal Roofing Shingles

Superior durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions

Metal roofing shingles are built to withstand the most adverse weather conditions such as ice and snow storms, hail, heavy rainfall and hurricanes, which makes them a prime choice for homeowners who live in areas that get frequently hit by these natural calamities. Metal roofing shingles remain virtually unaffected by any fluctuations in temperature. They are also not susceptible to rust or moisture related problems such as mold and mildew, all of which cause major damage to other roofing materials.

Metal shingles roof installed on residential home:

Great Curb Appeal

Metal roofing shingles will suite the aesthetic needs of the most discerning homeowners. Metal roofing shingles are available in a wide array of designs, finishes, and colors, making it possible to achieve any style you desire from contemporary, to traditional, to rustic. The best part is that unlike other roofing materials, metal roofing shingles will maintain excellent looks even years down the line, almost unaffected by the wear and tear caused by natural elements. What also keeps metal roofing shingles looking like new is their resistance to stains and streaks caused by mold, mildew and airborne algae. As a result, a metal shingles roof not only has great curb appeal, but will also increase the value of your home, should you ever choose to sell it.

Long service life

Metal roofing shingles have warranties of at least 50 years and will essentially last a life time, provided that you will get a high quality roofing installation from a professional roofing contractor, who specializes in metal roofs. By choosing to invest into a metal shingles roof, you are guaranteed to not ever have to do another re-roof in your life.

Easy Installation

Metal shingles are installed from eaves of the roof, going up. Shingles are installed in rows, and interlock with each other, creating durable, water, ice and wind resistant roof covering, made out of long lasting metal.

Metal shingles are installed horizontally, allowing roofers to install roof safety equipment such as “roof jacks” or staging, which makes installation easier AND safer.

Unlike standing seam metal roof installation, interlocking metal shingles are much simpler to install, and offer great flexibility, due to low profile design, and lack of ribs (seams) that stand up by almost 2 inches from the roof deck, and requiring special curb construction.

When it comes to complicated roof flashing details, such as skylight or chimney flashing, valleys, and even simple roo penetrations like pipe flashing – it is much easier for the roofer to flash these protrusions with metal shingles, making the cost of metal roof significantly lower (metal shingles material also costs about 40 % less than standing seam, so your overall roof cost will be less). Estimate metal roofing price with our metal roofing calculator to see difference in prices between standing seam and metal shingles.

Save on energy bills

Metal roofing shingles provide excellent insulation for your home, keeping the temperature inside at a comfortable level, regardless of the temperature fluctuations outside. Because a metal shingles roof has high thermal reflectivity, it will keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. During the summer, a metal shingles roof makes your home cooler by efficiently reflecting away sunlight and reducing the amount of heat transmitted inside the house. Likewise, it makes the house warmer in the winter by reflecting inside heat from the underside of the roof back into the house. This means that you will be saving a lot of money on the ever increasing heating and cooling costs. Homeowners across the US consistently report energy savings of as high as 20% after installing a metal shingles roof.

Virtually maintenance free

Because of their exceptional durability, metal roofing shingles are virtually maintenance free, regardless on the climate you live in. This means that you not only save yourself time and the hassle of having to take care of your roof, but also additional money that you would spend to do professional maintenance necessary with other roofing materials.

Environmentally friendly

Most metal roofs including metal roofing shingles, have recycled content that ranges from 25% to 95%. This is in stark contrast to other roofing materials such as asphalt roofing shingles, which have a much shorter service life and use oil-based products as their primary raw material. Metal roofing shingles can also be recycled at the end of their long service life, instead of going into our landfills. Moreover, if you are doing a re-roof, a metal shingles roof is light enough to be installed over your existing roof, which means that you will not need to send it to the landfill either.