QA

Quick Answer: How To Attach Metal Roofing

How is metal roofing attached?

The majority of metal roofs currently in use today hold themselves in place by means of mechanical fasteners – usually corrosion-resistant bolts or screws that anchor the roof in the underlying decking material. Fasteners generally fall into one of two categories: exposed or concealed.

Is a drip edge necessary on a metal roof?

A drip edge is not needed for metal roofing. If the metal roof is hanging over an inch, the water will be directed away from the fascia anyway if at a slant. However, it is highly recommended to install a drip edge to save from water damage later on.

Can I install a metal roof myself?

While most metal roofing styles can be installed as an advanced DIY project, metal roofing installation is complicated and can vary slightly based on the brand of panels or shingles that you select. We recommend that you install a metal roof with one or two helpers and fall protection equipment designed for roof work.

Do you need furring strips for metal roof?

When installing a metal roof over an existing roof, insulate the spaces between the wood strips with rigid insulation to prevent condensation before installing the roofing. You also need to add furring strips. Twenty-four inches is a common spacing of furring strips for a metal roof.

How far apart should screws be on metal roof?

Make sure that the roofing screws are not too close to each other. It is best to place each roofing screw about one and a half to two feet apart, but not more than that.

Can you install metal roofing directly to plywood?

Metal roofing should not be installed directly over the top of bare plywood. You do not have to install roofing shingles or other roofing material, but a felt sheet over the plywood is the bare minimum. When the metal expands or contracts with changing temperatures, it can tear or wear away the felt sheeting.

How much should a metal roof overhang?

3: The panels at the eave side of the roof should overhang into the gutters 1 to 1-1/2 inches. If installing metal on a non gutter application you can overhang the panel up to 3 inches.

Do you have to put plywood under metal roof?

As long as the interior of your roof is protected from moisture accumulation, underlayment is not required, though homeowners planning to insulate their house heavily may choose to install plywood to protect their investment.

How far apart should roof strapping be?

Panels should be end lapped a minimum of 6 inches. End laps should never be run in a continuous line. Stagger end laps at least 1 foot apart.

How do you seal the ends of a corrugated roof?

Insert a tube of butyl caulking into a caulk gun and snip the end off using sharp scissors. Apply a 1/4-inch wide bead of caulk over the seam where the two panels overlap. Work your way across the entire roof to apply caulk to all remaining seams to seal them.

When should you not use drip edge?

Just like normal drip edge, aluminum fascia and rake molding goes along the eaves and covers the edge of your roof’s deck to prevent water from going where it’s not supposed to. If your home has either one, you don’t need drip edge.

Does a metal roof need strapping?

Single wood strapping is better than no strapping, as it creates a wider gap between the existing roof decking and the metal roof, but doesn’t afford enough ventilation to resolve condensation issues. It also does not allow leveling of the roof, which corrects swells and swales on the roof.

Can you put metal roofing directly on rafters?

Metal roofing can be installed directly on open rafters. The vapor barrier built into such insulation helps to minimize the amount of condensation that drips down from the roof, and the insulation itself can help to keep the interior of the building at a comfortable temperature.

What is roof strapping?

A hurricane strap is a connector that is used to strengthen wood framed roofs and homes. The most popular hurricane straps are made of galvanised steel or stainless steel and they are designed to protect structures from the ravages of adverse weather events such as tropical storms and winter storms.

Can you put a metal roof over shingles without furring strips?

One option for installing a metal roof over shingles without furring strips is to use a cross-batten style. A cross-batten technique involves laying down vertical battens first. Next, the battens attach through the roof deck to your rafters.

Can I install metal roofing directly over shingles?

In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity – their installation doesn’t require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.

Do you need a vapor barrier under a metal roof?

To avoid condensation buildup with your metal roof, you will need to have a moisture barrier in place. It depends on air temperature, water vapor near the metal panels, the prevalence of warm air in and around your roof assembly, and other conditions.

Is it okay to overlap metal roofing?

Metal roof panels are designed to overlap with one another, helping you keep water from leaking where two panels meet. The amount of overlap that is required generally depends on the overall slope of your roof. During the installation process, start by calculating the pitch of your roof.

How much should a corrugated roof overlap?

An overlap of 150mm is often recommended for roofs with 10° pitches, whilst 300mm is recommended for 5° pitches. Always allow for an overhang of at least 60-70mm so that water can run off without coming into contact with rafters or purlins, which can lead to damp and structural weakness.

Is butyl tape necessary for metal roofing?

Butyl synthetic rubber adhesive is designed to provide a secure seal between metal panels in metal roofing and metal siding applications. When installed between each panel overlap, butyl tape forms an effective weather barrier against moisture, dirt, air, and allergens.