Your Metal Roofing Installation Guide in Virginia

There are many benefits of metal roofing installation over other roofing materials. If you are installing a new metal roof, keep these tips in mind.

If it’s time to replace your roof, a metal roof is just the thing for you. They’re becoming more popular with home owners for many reasons.

They look great and will last for years to come. Here’s how you can go about installing a metal roof on your home.

 

A Note On Metal Roof Installation

Firstly, it’s important to note that metal roofing installation is a very extensive job. You need to be confident in your skills in order to do it right.

Remember, your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements. If it’s not installed properly then you may find issues in your roof quite quickly.

You also need to remember that it’s potentially a dangerous job, too. When you’re up on the roof, you need to have someone spotting you, or have the right safety gear, in order to prevent falling injuries.

If you’re at all unsure about installing your own metal roof, then you’ll want to call a professional service to install it for you. You’ll pay a little more for professional metal roofing installation, but you’ll have peace of mind.

 

Why Install A Metal Roof?

Firstly, why should you pick a metal roof over the other options that are available to you? There are several reasons why you should think about metal roofing installation.

1. Long Lasting

One of the best reasons to get a metal roof is because they last for a long time. On average, a metal roof will last for around 50 years.

Compare this to an asphalt tiled roof, which has a lifespan of around 20 years. Of course, this does depend on the roof being installed correctly, and the roof being well cared for.

2. Durability

There’s no doubt that a metal roof can take punishment that other roofs can’t. On average, they can deal with wind speeds of around 140 miles per hour, and can be impact resistant.

If you live in an area that sees storms, such as Virginia, then a metal roof will cut down on the amount of repairs you’ll have to do after a bout of bad weather.

3. Fire safety

A fantastic benefit of metal roofs is that they’re so safe if a fire breaks out. Being metal, they’re not flammable, so you know that they’ll help stop the spread of flames.

Metal roofs have the highest fire safety rating possible for a roofing material.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Did you know that metal roofs contain a certain amount of recycled material? In some cases, it’s as much as 95%.

When you come to remove the roof, you’ll also find that the metal is recyclable too. This is much better than an asphalt tiled roof, which will usually go right into landfill.

5. Cooler homes

If you live in a warmer climate, then a metal roof is perfect for you. The roof is able to reflect radiant heat, keeping your home cooler.

Because it does this, it makes your home much cooler and so you’ll spend less on cooling your home.

 

 

How To Install Your Metal Roof

Now you’ve decided on a metal roof, you’ll need to know the steps for metal roofing installation.

Here’s the steps you’ll need to take to install your roof correctly.

Step One: Measure Your Roof

Before you do anything else, you’ll need to measure your roof. This will tell you what amount of roofing materials you’ll need to buy.

You’ll need to find out what the slope of your roof is, and use that to determine the surface area of the roof. Add in an extra 10% to account for wastage, and you’ll know how much roofing you need to buy.

Step Two: Gather Your Materials

You need to gather all the things you’ll need to roof your home.

That includes:

• The roofing in the color and style relevant to your home
• A large garbage can
• A jigsaw or power shear
• A staple gun
• A drill

You’ll also need metal and wood screws to hold the roofing in place.

Step Three: Remove Your Old Roofing

Before the new metal roof can go on, you’ll need to remove the old roofing. You can install metal roofing over old shingles, but it’s not recommend.

Start from the top of your roof and work your way down, ensuring that you don’t try and tear off or carry too much at once. If you need to reposition your gutters, now is the time to do so.

Step Four: Repair Any Damage

Now that you’ve removed the old roofing, you’ll see the exposed ‘bones’ of your roof.

You’ll be able to see any issues with the roof at this point, such as:

• Ventilation
• Insulation
• Sheathing

If there’s any problems, fix them now before you carry on.

Step Five: Install The Insulation Layer

It’s important to add this layer, as it will stop moisture getting into your roof and causing problems, such as mold and rot.

Cover the entire roof, and secure the layer down with your staple gun.

Step Six: Add The Edging

Now’s the time to add the edging to your roof. Secure the edging down with nails, and ensure that it’s overhanging the guttering.

Step Seven: Add The Metal Sheeting

You’re ready now to add the metal sheeting to your roof. Always start from the longest peak to eave point, and make sure it overhangs the edge at least by ¾ of an inch.

Use screws to secure the sheet to the sheathing. Carry on from this point, ensuring that the sheets overlap to create an uninterrupted roofing surface.

Step Eight: Add The Flashing

You’re nearly finished with your metal roofing installation project. Add the flashing over the joints where different sheets of metal meet, to secure and seal them.

You’ll need to screw these down to to keep them in place.

 

Conclusion

Now you’ve done that, your new metal roof is now complete. Remember to inspect it regularly, to ensure that no damage has occurred.

If you take good care of it, it’ll last you around 50 years.

Take care of that metal roof, and it will take good care of your home.