Metal roofs are often the most affordable type of roofing material. This is because metal materials are very durable, and they last for a long time. If you install a metal roof on your home, you may never have to replace it again. A lot of people don’t know this though. They think that they need to keep replacing their old roofs with new ones every few years or so. But when in reality, installing a metal roof can be much more cost-effective in the long run than any other type of roofing material.
What Is A Metal Roof?
Metal roofs are made from steel or sheet metal. They are installed over the existing roofing material of a house, providing protection from the sun and rain in a similar way to asphalt shingles. Southern Maryland Roofing comes in a variety of colors, but they also have a cool, metallic appearance that will impress your neighbors.
How to Install Metal Roofing?
You will need some special tools for this project, such as a roofing calculator, metal sheathing, metal flashing, and a ladder. For installing the metal roofing here are some easy steps:
- First of all, you will need to know the total square footage of your roof and also purchase the amount of metal roofing needed.
- Next, measure and cut out a piece for each side of your house and at least one piece over the peak of your home’s peaks. This piece is called a starter strip.
- You will then need to remove the shingles from your roof. Usually, you can use a flat bar to pry them off by sliding them along the edge of each course of shingles.
- You will now secure your metal sheets on top of your home using either rubber or neoprene sealant.
- To ensure a watertight seal it is recommended that you overlap each sheet by 3 inches. You can do this by slipping the end of one sheet into another at an angle and then fastening them together with roofing nails once they are in place.
- The final step is to add your starter strip and then your side sheets on your roof. At this point, all that’s left is to nail the panels into place and seal them with an additional sealant so that no water can get underneath them and cause damage.
Factors Need To Consider When Installing
The factor that needs to be considered when installing a metal roof:
- Design: use a design with a low slope for maximum exposure to the sun,
- Location: location should provide protection from the wind and harsh weather,
- Base: choose an appropriate base such as plywood or OSB sheathing ,
- Insulation: will reduce ice dams and leaks, provide the roof with R-value, and can energy costs,
- Purlins: are structural metal supports that hold the weight of the roof ,
- Metal sheathing: is used to provide additional protection from water and ice dams, UV rays, rusting, hail damage, wind uplift pressure,
- Underlayment: protects against leakage and provides a barrier between the metal sheathing and the shingles,
- Shingles: are the most popular roof covering material on metal roofs, providing more colors and styles than shingles made for asphalt roofs, etc.
Conclusion
Installing a metal roof is not only easier than you may think, but it’s also more cost-effective in the long run. With proper installation, your metal roof will last up to fifty years. We hope our information helps guide you through this process so that you’re able to make informed decisions about upgrading or repairing your current rooftop system.