Your Comprehensive Guide to a Flawless Metal Roof Installation

When embarking on the journey of installing a metal roof, there are several crucial components and considerations to ensure a perfect outcome. This comprehensive guide walks you through the key steps and offers valuable insights to make a metal roof installation successful.

Consider the Roof Geometry and Slope:

First and foremost, the roof’s geometry is of utmost importance, as it dictates the overall complexity of the job. Steep roofs, in particular, present more significant challenges for installation. The roof’s slope and length are factors that demand thoughtful assessment, determining whether you can use a single panel or if you’ll require machinery to roll longer panels directly on the roof.

Substrate and Moisture Management Factors:

In the residential space, it is ideal to have sheathing and a substrate underneath the metal roofing panels. Underlayments designed to handle high temperatures genuinely make a difference. It’s crucial to note that using tar or felt paper is an outdated practice that shouldn’t be considered. We commonly recommend using a synthetic underlayment that will last the life of the metal roof itself – which can be upward of 30+ years.

Additionally, you must consider the attic space. A metal roof install goes beyond ensuring that your roof deck and roofing materials are up to par. Having a properly ventilated attic is essential. By guaranteeing a ventilated attic space, you can account for proper moisture control and heat regulation, which can extend the roof’s lifespan. Additionally, you reap the benefits of having a more energy-efficient home and improved indoor air quality.

Think About the Region:

Region is a factor that may influence your product selection in the metal roofing process. The most significant weather-related element to consider is wind. If you’re in an area subject to high-wind speeds on the regular, you may need to incorporate a mechanically seamed panel instead of a snap lock panel. In Northern climates, consider the snow load you encounter, and make sure your product choice can withstand the heaviness of snow and ice. (Expert tip – the closer and deeper the panel ribs are, the stronger it is.)

The region may also affect color choice and aesthetics. In the South, it’s more common to see lighter metal roofs, whereas darker colors are much more prominent in the North. While most metal roofing materials are made of highly durable steel, in marine or coastal environments, you’ll want to choose an aluminum-based product to avoid rust.

Common Metal Roof Install Mistakes:

Common install mistakes are usually easy to avoid and are often things that are overlooked. Here are some of the top install mistakes we’ve seen when it comes to metal roofing:

1. Improper storage: If your metal roofing arrives at the job site before you’re ready to install it, it’s pertinent that you store it properly. Depending on the manufacturer, some panels will have a protective plastic film on top – it’s essential not to leave these out in the open, as the sun can bake the plastic into the metal, making it extremely difficult to remove. You’ll also want to cover it with a breathable canvas to keep it from getting wet; if it gets wet before installation and water becomes trapped, the material may become warped or damaged.
2. Cutting Orientation: When cutting down your metal panels, you’ll want to cut them upside down using a saw. Doing this will ensure the cut’s shavings go on the panel’s underside and not on the exterior. This will minimize the need for painting on the top.
3. Compatibility is Key: Whenever installing a metal roof, you should think of everything as a system that needs to work together to function fully. Therefore, you’ll need to work with the roofing manufacturer to ensure all sealants, fasteners, and other components are compatible with your panel choice.
4. Use Touch-Up Paint Sparingly: You will often have a touch-up paint pen that will allow you to cover up scratches and other imperfections made during installation. Over time, this paint will age differently from the rest of the panel – so you’ll want to use it only where needed. The area should be adequately cleaned, and if you need to apply more than one coat, wait until the first is fully dry.

Seamless Installation Checklist:

While there are nuances to any project, you can follow this simple checklist to ensure your metal roofing installation is a success.

1. Ensure your job site is safe. Before stepping onto the roof, ensure all ladders are adequately positioned and tied off. Additionally, you should wear soft-soled shoes that make moving around on the roof deck easy.
2. Check that the OSB is in good condition and is as straight and flat as possible. Metal doesn’t always cover up issues in the OSB; in fact, it may look worse rather than better in the end.
3. Follow the underlayment manufacturer guidelines to install the roofing underlayment properly.
4. Prep the roof by ensuring it’s clean, dry, and has no debris before installing your metal panels.
5. Get the first-panel square to the eave of the roof. It’s critical not just to start slapping things down, as it will be harder to correct down the line.
6. Plan appropriately so that you start with a partial panel and end with a partial panel.
7. Start installing the panels according to manufacturer instructions and add your clips and fasteners at the correct spacings. In high-wind areas, you may need to put these closer together or mechanically screw them in.
8. Make any final panel alterations, install ridge caps, and rake trim to finish the job. Once the panels are installed, limit walking on them as much as possible.
9. Finish the job by cleaning up any leftover material, screws, and sealant.

The Fabral Technical Support Team:

Fabral Technical Support and In-House Engineering Team has the knowledge and know-how to bring your vision to life. We offer everything you need for the total building envelope solution. To learn more contact us at: 1-800-432-2725 or Fabral.com