QA

Question: How To Do Metal Roofing

Can I install a metal roof by myself?

Metal roofing systems that you can install yourself are readily available, but you need to feel comfortable working with metal (and you’ll pay a pretty steep price). The only specialty tool you’ll need is a locking sheet metal tool (available at roofing suppliers or online).

What do you put down before a metal roof?

Is a metal roof easy to install?

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.

Can you put metal roofing over shingles?

You’ll be able to save up to 25% in labor costs by not tearing off your old asphalt roof, installing new underlayment, or the fees to dump the old roofing materials. So, yes, you can install a metal roof over your old asphalt roof.

Do you need a drip edge with metal roofing?

A drip edge is not needed for metal roofing. If you make sure to overhang your metal roofing at least an inch, the drip edge is not necessary at the eaves and rakes. If the metal roof is hanging over an inch, the water will be directed away from the fascia anyway if at a slant.

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.

Do metal roof need furring strips under?

Get quotes from up to 3 pros! If you’re updating your home with a sleek metal roof, you may wonder if you should add wood stripping under the new roof. Furring strips bolster insulation to prevent condensation. It’s not ideal to install a metal roof over shingles without furring strips.

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.

What underlayment do you use on a metal roof?

Known by many different names (including felt paper, roofing tar paper, and asphalt-soaked felt), felt underlayment is the most commonly used type of underlayment material on steep-slope metal roofs.

How long does it take to put metal roof on?

Fortunately, installing metal roofs only takes 1 or 2 days to complete in perfect conditions, so you can enjoy the benefits of a metal roof quickly once you commit to your project.

What is the easiest roofing to install?

Asphalt shingles are popular because they blend looks, longevity, and a reasonable price, and they’re typically the easiest to install, saving you money on labor costs as well. Specialty roofing materials like slate, tile, or metal tend to cost much more, but they can also last much longer—and they look nicer.

Does a metal roof need to be vented?

Energy Savings Proper ventilation is needed to ensure the energy efficiency a metal roof provides. An effectively ventilated metal roof helps to prevent energy waste and excess cooling cost that can occur when attic heat builds up with.

Do metal roofs leak more than shingles?

Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles? If installed incorrectly, metal roofs have the potential to leak more than shingles. However, if you find an experienced contractor who can install it correctly, metal roofs shed snow and ice to prevent moisture buildup.

Is it cheaper to get a metal roof or shingles?

With that in mind, a metal roof will always be more expensive than shingles. For example, an architectural shingle roof (the most commonly used shingle) will cost around $4.76 per square foot, while a standing seam metal roof will cost around $15.00 per square foot.

Do you need to put tar paper under a metal roof?

Metal roof underlayment is an important component of a metal roofing system. Some might choose to skip using underlayment to save money. However, the metal roof underlayment acts as an added layer of protection. The short answer is yes, your metal roof does need underlayment .

How much overhang should there be on a metal roof?

A typical metal roof overhang may be 2 to 4 inches, or even less. Some slight overhang is recommended, in conjunction with a drip edge flashing, to prevent water from getting under the roofing and onto underlying wood.

Can metal roofing be screwed to OSB?

No, you do not need to screw into solid lumber (joists, stripping,etc.). As you can see, the thinnest material they recommend is 1/2” (7/16”) OSB board at 9” on center up to 24” on center. Be sure to follow their instructions in order to obtain the warranty.

Can you put metal roofing directly on 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.

Do you have to have decking under a metal roof?

The simple answer is yes, your roof does need an underlayment. Traditionally built homes will need an underlayment. If your home is built with joists, insulation between those joists, and sheathing, then an underlayment is needed before you put on a metal roof.