How To Install Metal Roofing: A Step-By-Step Guide For 2024

Installing metal roofing is a smart choice for many homeowners and builders. It is long-lasting, durable, and also gives an enhancing look to any building.

Metal roofings can last up to 50 years, far outlasting traditional asphalt shingles. Metal roofs offer unparalleled longevity, are able to handle extreme weather conditions from hail to strong winds.

These roofs are energy-efficient leading to saved heating and cooling costs. Also, they can improve the resale value of your home.

In this guide, we will talk about how to install metal roofing, how to choose one, and also the instructions of installing metal roof panels. Read along to know more.

What is Metal Roofing?

Metal roofing is the most durable roofing solution that is made with metal pieces or tiles. These are resistant to corrosion, waterproof, and last long.

These serve as an important part of a building structure. The metal pieces act as a protective layer on a non-waterproof roof, or they can act as a standalone sheet.

Metal roofing materials are the second most preferred roofing material in the United States and this is for all the good reasons.

Metal roofing comes with a wide range of advantages and is considered among the top choices for homeowners due to its exceptional durability, long lifespan, energy efficiency, sustainability, and return on investment.

When to Install Metal Roof?

If you have suffered roof damage multiple times in the last few years, you might consider switching to affordable metal roofing.

Although metal roofing may not be the most visually appealing and can be a bit noisy during thunderstorms, it is highly durable and low-maintenance, therefore, it will last for a long time.

Ensure to choose a few non-rainy days before starting the metal roof replacement project.

Cost of Metal Roofing by Types

Among different types of metal roofing, it is always a wise decision to choose a type based on your local climate.

Some types of metal roofings will stand strong against corrosion, heat reflection, and damage from impact, while others offer lesser advantages.

While the pros and cons of metal roofs often break down the price by square feet, these roof material roofs are often sold in “squares” or 100 square feet.

1. Steel

Steel roofing material is amazingly versatile and the cost of this roofing material ranges from $5 to $17 per square foot for labor and material, or from $500 to $1700 per roofing square.

This price range includes everything from simple steel corrugated sheets to galvanized steel that comes in shingles and tiles.

Higher-end roofing materials are enhanced with specialized coatings that modify the appearance and enhance the durability of the metal.

2. Stainless Steel

Ranging from $8 to $18 per square foot, stainless steel roofing has its own category.

This unparalleled meta can last long for up to 100 years and is resistant to storm damage, rust, and corrosion.

You might require updating its faded patina after a few years, but stainless steel has become highly preferred for residential buildings.

3. Tin

Several tin roofs are a combination of steel saturated with a tin coating. Tin roofing material price along with the cost of installation ranges from $10 to $23 per square foot.

However, tin roofs are longer common and are prone to rust and corrosion. Therefore, ensure considering the long-term roof repair costs.

4. Aluminum

Homeowners who love eco-friendly upgrades will love this recyclable aluminum roofing material.

This roofing material can also stand strong against the sun, ultimately lowering your AC bills.

Installing aluminum roofs will cost you between $8 and $18 per square foot, which also includes the labor cost.

This roofing material when installed can also last up to 50 years without any major repair.

5. Copper

Copper roofing materials take the topmost position on the price charts, ranging from $20 to $40 per square foot ($2000 to $4000 per roofing square).

Consider a 1700-square-foot roof, it may cost you up to $68000 including labor and material costs.

Despite its higher price, copper roofing material lasts up to a century, resists corrosion, and maintains its beauty because of the patina changing in the sun.

6. Zinc

Zinc roofing is another very fascinating roofing metal because it maintains a protective patina and coating against any damage.

The cost of zinc metal roofing is between $16 and $25 per square foot including installation. However, this is a low-maintenance roofing metal even in harsh climate conditions.

What You Need to Know Before Installation?

1. Safety Considerations

Because you are working with metal and working high above the ground, you will have to take care of the safety. You will need safety equipment like goggles, gloves, and a harness when you are working on the roof.

Additionally, take care of the wires and tree branches. Make sure to consult with the officials with the knowledge of building codes before starting the project since these are highly important when it comes to adding metal roofing.

2. Cost to Install Metal Roof Factors

How much does metal roofing cost? Metal roofing prices vary depending on the material. Aluminum is a bit affordable roofing material, ranging from $8-$18 per square foot. If you want to opt for a bit more expensive option, you can go with Zinc, which costs around $16-$25 per square foot and lasts up to 100 years.

Steel metal roofing is the most popular choice, ranging from $5-$17 per square foot, while copper, which is a luxury option, ranges from $20-$40 per square foot.

Necessary Equipments

• Roofing harness, safety goggles, and gloves
• Work boots
• Circular saw
• Drill
• Claw hammer
• Electric stapler
• Ladder
• Knee pads
• 12 and 24-inch square metal pieces
• Chalk or Pencil
• Duckbill snip
• Utility knife
• Roof jacks
• Locking sheet metal tool
• Pry bar
• Materials
• Panels
• Underlayment
• Closure strips
• Sealant tape
• Flashing
• Roofing screws
• Wood screws
• Silicone sealant
• Measuring tape
• Rivet gun
• Seaming tool
• Panel hemming tool

Instructions for Installing Metal Roofing Panels:

1. Measure Your Roof

In order to get an idea of how much roofing material you will need, you have to take the required measurements of the roof.

For this, you’ll need to measure the length, width, and rise of one section. The rise of one section is measured by measuring the distance between the roof’s lowest point and the highest point.

To calculate the slope of your roof, you will require the rise number. The run is considered as the distance across the roof.

To calculate the slope, square the rise number and add it to the square of the run number. After this, take the square root of the calculated sum and divide it by run.

Once the slope factor is calculated, multiply it by the area measurement. The result will be the square foot you need to cover. Do this process for each section and ensure adding an additional 10% for a length of waste.

2. Remove or Begin Placing Metal Roof Over Existing Roof

Several building codes allow only two layers of roofing. Therefore, if you plan to install a metal roof over the existing roof, make sure that you check the layers.

Moreover, make sure that you consult the building inspector to confirm, as the building codes can vary.

If you are considering roof replacement, start tearing it off. You will need a minimum of two days of clear weather to get the work done, therefore, ensure checking the weather beforehand.

3. Fix Any Roof Damage

It is the best time to inspect the roof frame, sheathing, insulation, and ventilation, when the roof is removed.

4. Place the Moisture Barrier

Lay down a moisture barrier or layer of insulation before installing metal roofing. Roofing felt paper will do the task, simply staple or nail it into place.

5. Install Drip Edges and Closure Strips

As a next step, start installing drip edges along the roof’s eaves and the rake. Use 1-¼-inch galvanized roofing nails to secure them while placing the nails about 16 inches apart.

If you require multiple runs of drip edges. make sure to overlap them by at least 1/2 inch, and keep the nail back from the lapped joint.

Moreover, pay attention to the gutters. The drip flashing should overhang the gutter lips by about 1/2 an inch.

Apply the sealant tape along the drip edge and then remove the backer paper from the closure strip to place it on the top of the tape. Make sure that you do not stretch the closure strip.

6. Install Metal Roofing Panels

Start the installation of metal roofing by overlapping the edging by 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch and verify that it is aligned squarely with the roof line. Remember to position the metal roofing in a manner where the smaller edge of the subsequent panel overlaps the larger edge.

Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding screw placement. If you reside in a region prone to hurricanes, be aware that there might be supplementary building codes that must be adhered to.

Begin at the eaves and work your way up, securing screws as you go, but avoid over-tightening. Apply silicone sealant to the underside of the short edge of the next panel to create a watertight seal.

Continue adding or cutting metal roofing panels to fit using tin snips or a circular saw.

7. Install Ridge Cap

Once you have got the metal roofing panels in place, now you need to add ridge caps. Decide whether you require a vented closure strip or a solid strip.

If the roof is designed to vent at the ridge, you will need a vented closure strip; if not, you can use a solid closure strip.

Make sure the ridge cap overlaps both sides of the roof equally. Mark the panels where the ridge cap will rest by snapping a chalk line.

First, place sealant tape along the ridge from the chalk line, following the distance recommended by the manufacturer, usually about an inch. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the roof. Ensure that the closure strip fits tightly on each side. Then, run another strip of sealant tape along the top of the closure strip on both sides of the roof.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the ridge cap. This typically involves using screws at each rib and overlapping pieces by about 6 inches.

Conclusion

Installing a metal roofing system is a wise decision and an expensive one. The average cost of metal roofing is about $14,871. Still, if you end up paying between $8,180 and $21,552, it is actually worth it in the long run. And who does not want to enjoy the benefits of a metal roof that lasts for years?

Metal roofs pros and cons are many, but durability, low maintenance, increased resale value, and eco-friendliness are some of the major pros of metal roofs.

Even if you want a good visual appearance, metal roofing will not disappoint you, as it can mimic any style you want, even wood shakes.

So, if you are ready to get this roofing project rolling, google “metal roofing contractor near me“, and get the best roofing company local to your area.