QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Steel Roof Panels

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.

What do you put down under metal roofing?

The traditional and most common material used for roof underlayment on a steep-slope metal roof is non-perforated, asphalt-impregnated felt underlayment. There are several types of felt underlayment including both organic reinforced and inorganic reinforced.

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.

What is the screw pattern for metal roofing?

Lap screws are spaced 12” to 18” on center. The panel screws are spaced out so that every third corrugation has a screw including both sides of the panel sidelap. When the corrugated sheeting is 39” wide instead of 37” wide the screw placement will be slightly different as shown in the diagram below.

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.

Where do you put the screws on a metal roof?

And most U.S. metal roofing manufacturers say that you should put screws into the flat, because this location offers a solid wood surface just beneath the metal panel, resulting in a safer, tighter, more secure seal.

How often do you screw metal roofing?

Corrugated roof panels and other exposed fastener metal roofs are usually held together with screws every 18 inches or 2 feet. You will want to note your metal roof screw pattern, so you know where to look for potential problems.

Do I need furring strips under 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.

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.

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 .

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.

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 walk on a metal building roof?

Most metal roofs are manufactured and installed in such a way as to be safe to walk across without the worry of damaging the roof. You might mark or scuff the finish or paint on your metal roof, but average foot traffic shouldn’t significantly impact the longevity or performance of your metal roof.

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 metal roof overhang?

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.

How much should corrugated sheets overlap?

Corrugated sheeting should always overlap by a minimum of one corrugation, this can be known as side laps. When overlapping corrugated sheeting its advised you use cladco lapping tape. For maximum sheet lengths in corrugated, we can supply 5m in a 0.5mm thickness and up to 6m length in the 0.7mm thickness.

How long should metal roof screws be?

Here are some general guidelines: Standing Seam Metal Roofing – 1” pancake heads are the most typical screws to fasten the clips. ½” Corrugated – The screw will fasten to the high of the panel in a roofing application. This panel is ½” in height, so you will need at least a 1.5” long screw.