Tools and Materials
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The Benefits of Metal Roofing
When installing a new roof, it’s important to do your research on the varied materials available. Your decision about what kind of roof to install should take a variety of factors into account, including service life, efficiency, and appearance. You should also do the math on the installation, material, and maintenance costs for each option.
Many homeowners decide that there are several convincing reasons to choose a metal roof over a more traditional asphalt shingle roof. Here are some of the benefits of a metal roof.
- Superior Longevity: A metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, depending on the materials and your location. An asphalt shingle roof, on the other hand, usually needs replacement after 15-20 years.
- Reduced Maintenance: While asphalt shingles can be blown away by intense winds or eroded by the elements, a metal roof is a solid, sturdy match for even the harshest climates.
- Sustainability: Not only are most metal roofing materials recyclable, but they save energy. A metal roof reflects the sun's rays, meaning less heat is absorbed into your home during the warmer months.
Some homeowners might decide against a metal roof because of the higher cost upfront. The materials and installation tend to be pricier than asphalt shingles. But if you plan to stay in your home over several decades, you can save overall, since a metal roof tends to last much longer than an asphalt one. A quality roof can also increase the resale value of your home along with enhancing its curb appeal.
Still not sure what kind of roof to buy? Turn to our Roofing Buying Guide for more details and tips.
Deciding Between a Do-It-Yourself Job and a Pro Install
Even for the handiest of homeowners, installing a new roof is a tricky job. It’s time-consuming, demanding and potentially dangerous, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you attempt to do it yourself.
The first consideration is the size of the roof that needs to be installed or replaced. While putting a roof on a two-story home might be best left to the pros, installing new roofing on a shed, playhouse or detached garage may be doable for an experienced DIYer. You should also consider the overall complexity of the job. A simple A-frame roof would be much easier to install than a roof with complex angles, gables, or features like skylights and dormers. Be sure to consider any obstacles such as overhanging trees or powerlines as well.
The bottom line? Be sure that you know what the job entails and that you have the necessary skills and materials to complete it safely. This guide outlines the basic steps involved in installing a roof, but you may need to do additional research or hire qualified professionals to complete the work.
If you decide to entrust the job to a pro, Lowe’s can help with installation.
Choosing Metal Roofing Materials
Lowe’s carries many different metal roofing materials to satisfy different tastes, budgets, and appearance requirements. Here are some of the most popular materials.
- Steel: Steel is affordable and durable, even in tough climates. It’s usually painted or coated to protect it from rust and improve its appearance.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a bit more expensive than steel, but it’s also more corrosion-resistant in areas near the ocean.
- Copper: Copper is an extremely attractive roofing material, but also the most expensive option. It develops a rich green patina over time.
- Zinc: Zinc roofing is naturally weather-resistant and moldable, so it's easy to work with and great for creating unique designs.
These materials come in a few main formats that are useful for different applications.
- Corrugated metal panels are quite common. These wavy metal sheets are often used on barns, sheds, and outbuildings.
- Modular panels and standing-seam roofs are exceptionally durable and come in a variety of materials and designs for homes and industrial buildings.
- Metal shingles look like their asphalt counterparts but offer the superior durability of metal.
Step-by-Step Metal Roofing Installation
If you decide to install a roof yourself — or if you just want an idea of what to expect when the pros come — you can follow these basic steps to get started.
Roofing can be dangerous, particularly on tall buildings. Always take proper precautions to prevent slips and falls, and do not work in bad weather. Look out for overhanging power lines. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes and use protective equipment.
Always be sure to follow local building codes, and check to see if a permit or inspection is required before beginning work.
Take Measurements and Buy Metal Roofing
When you planned out your project budget, you probably made a rough estimate of the area of your roof. But when it’s time to buy materials and begin the installation, you’ll need a more exact measurement.
- For a basic gable roof, multiply the length of the rake (the line from the top ridge to the eaves) by the distance from eave to eave. Double this to get the total square footage.
- If your roof has features such as skylights or dormers, measure these separately and add them in to your total.
- Order 10% extra to account for waste.
A good tip is to draw a simple diagram to record the measurements as you take them to refer to in the future.
Remove the Old Materials and Make Structural Repairs
If you’re replacing your old roof, start by removing the existing shingles, underlayment and vents.
- Check the surface below the roof for signs of damage to the flashing or sheathing that could eventually lead to leaks.
- Remove or hammer in any nails that are left sticking out after removal.
- Check with your local authorities about the requirements for shingle disposal.
Install Underlayment
Underlayment is an extra layer that protects your roof decking from moisture.
- Make sure the surface of the roof is smooth, clean and dry before you begin.
- Consult the product details or the roofing manufacturer to find out what kind of underlayment is required.
- Follow the instructions for the particular type of underlayment you buy. These instructions will include important information such as the overlap requirements between rolls, which will allow the materials to expand and contract when the temperature changes.
Install Drip Edge Flashing and Closure Strips
Drip edge flashing — also called eave trim — goes along the roof eave edges to divert water away from the roof edge and, if your home has gutters, into the gutters.
- Start at a corner with the first drip edge piece overlapping the edge by one inch. Use a hand seamer to bend the end of the drip edge to wrap it around the corner.
- Allow a 3-inch overlap for each new piece of drip edge and apply caulk or sealant tape at the seams.
- Fasten the trim every 12 to 16 inches with roofing nails or roofing screws (check product details for specifications).
- Install closure strips to help prevent water, debris, and pests from getting under your roof panels. Your roofing should have instructions and specifications for the right strips to fit your panels. Typically, you’ll secure inside closure strips at the eaves with butyl tape. Add a line of adhesive across the tops of the closure strips.
Install the Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels
Now it’s time to install the panels over your drip edges and closure strips. Be sure to always work square to the roofline.
- Check with the roofing manufacturer and your local building codes for screw requirements and placement recommendations.
- Start at one eave and work your way up, overlapping the panels as you go. Apply caulk or roofing sealant seam tape at each junction to properly seal the roof.
- Fasten the panels with metal roofing screws according to the manufacturer’s instructions. At the eaves you’ll typically need to drive fasteners through the panels and the closure strips you installed but check your roofing panel instructions for specific steps.
- Cut panels to size as needed using a circular saw with a compatible blade.
Install Closure Strips and the Ridge Cap
Once the roof panels are all in place, you’ll need to put closure strips at the upper ends of the panels where roof slopes meet. Check your roofing installation instructions for the specific closure strips you need for your panels. You’ll typically need outside closure strips at the roof ridge.
- Decide if you need solid or vented closures, which will depend on the unique design of your roof and your home’s ventilation.
- Install butyl tape a few inches below the ridge, along its length. Cover the tape with closure strips, then follow up with a line of sealant on top of the strips.
- With the closure strips in place, install the ridge cap on top of them and press it onto the exposed sealant. Fasten with screws according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Increase the Comfort and Value of Your Home
Investing in a new metal roof will make a big difference in the comfort and value of your home. Once your new roof is in place, your home’s exterior will have an updated look — and you can rest easy knowing that your house is protected for years to come.
Don’t have time to do this project yourself? Check out our professional roofing installation service.
How Do Polycarbonate Roof Panels Differ from Metal Roof Panels?
Polycarbonate panels are a type of plastic roof panels designed for structures like patios, sunrooms and carports. They’re also used as skylights in certain applications. One advantage of polycarbonate roof panels is that they allow sunlight in while blocking UV radiation, which can be harmful to the skin. Polycarbonate sheets and panels are available in clear and opaque varieties, depending on how much natural light you want in the space. Another major advantage of polycarbonate is its flexibility, which means it can be curved or arched for use in structures such as covered walkways, canopies and awnings. Polycarbonate is also a popular building material for greenhouses and pool coverings.