Lightweight Design Relieves Pressure On Homes Structure
If your home is older or isnt built to withstand such heavy weight on the roof, it can be detrimental to your homes integrity and foundation. Luckily, metal roofs are incredibly lightweight compared to other roofing materials. For example, some roofing materials such as slate, clay, or even premium asphalt shingles can weigh 2 to 6 pounds per square foot, while metal roofing might weigh around 1.5 lbs.
Prep The Area And Make Repairs If Needed
Ideally, your tear-down and workspace prep phases should be done on a dry day so that your roof doesnt get any water on it after youve stripped away the underlayment.
Lay out all of your tools and supplies in an organized manner so that you know where to find everything at any given time.
If your roof planking has any rot or damage, then you should replace it while youre easily able to. Clear the roof of any debris or dust, if possible, before the next step.
Benefits Of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs offer these benefits over asphalt shingles
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Durability and longevity: Metal roofs can last 100 years or more with little to no maintenance. Asphalt shingles may last just 15 to 20 years.
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Maintenance and cleaning: Metal roofs are easier to clean and require little maintenance in general, metal roof repair costs from $650 to $2,900. Asphalt shingles commonly grow moss that needs to be washed off and require regular maintenance and repair.
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Weather and fire resistance: Asphalt shingles are prone to damage during heavy winds and hail storms, but metal roofs stand up to the elements. Metal roofs also resist fire and smoke damage.
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Energy efficiency: Because metal roofs are more energy-efficient, it is cheaper to cool and heat your home with a metal roof installed. The energy efficiency of metal roofs can also qualify you for certain tax credits for the tax year in which they are installed. Talk to your accountant when you file.
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Resale value: A metal roof is attractive to home buyers because they may never need to pay for a new roof during their ownership. Make sure your listing agent plays up the value of the roof when selling your home.
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Are Garage Roof Sheets Expensive
While cost can vary from material to material, roofing sheets offer some of the best value for money when compared to materials such as slates or tiles. As well as this, since sheets cover a much larger area, they take much less time to install than individual roof tiles, minimising labour costs should you hire a professional. You will notice a correlation between initial investment and longevity however, with metal roofing sheets being most expensive but offering the greatest lifespan among these roofing sheets.
Unlike many other roofing materials however, roofing sheets dont tend to cost very much time or money in maintenance. All your garage roof sheets will require is a simple clean and brush off several times per year to keep them looking their best.
Snap A Square Reference Line
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- A square reference line is important for installing roofing panels evenly. Use the 3-4-5 method to establish a reference line 90 degrees to the eave.
- First, make a mark along the eave three feet from the corner. At that mark, measure four feet toward the ridge. Then, from the original corner, measure five feet and mark where it intersects the second mark.
- Snap a line from the first three-foot mark through the intersection of the second and third marks. Since the Getaway roof is larger, I measured to 21 feet, 28 feet and 35 feet to make my square reference line.
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Step : Lay The Roofing Felt
The purpose of the roofing felt is to create a layer of insulation. If you are installing a metal roof on a structure like a patio cover, you may not need this insulation layer. Cut the roofing felt to fit with a utility knife.
The roofing felt will lay horizontally along the plywood deck of the roof. Attach the roofing felt with roofing staples. Make sure you overlap each layer by at least 4 inches.
Myths About Metal Roofs
MYTH: They attract lightning.
REALITY: Metal is no more attractive to lightning than any other roofing material. Thats why there are no building codes that require grounding or special protection for metal roofs. Typically, lighting strikes the tallest object in the vicinity, like a chimney or a tree. But if a bolt does hit a metal roof, it wont catch fire.
MYTH: Theyre only for farmhouses.
REALITY: While metal roofs are a familiar sight in rural areason houses, barns, and industrial buildingsthey can work on almost any architectural style. Todays metal roofing products can mimic wood shakes, slate, clay tile, and even granule-coated asphalt, making it likely theres a version to match your house style.
MYTH: Theyre vulnerable to hail
REALITY: Hail can damage roofing of any kind, if the hailstones are big enough. In areas where hail occurs frequently, you want metal roofing with a Class 4 rating. This rating indicates that the roofing has withstood ULs most severe impact test standarda 2-inch diameter steel ball dropped from 20 feetwithout tearing, fracturing, cracking, or splitting. If a heavy-duty hailstormor foot trafficputs dents your metal roof, it may look bad, but the roofing itself isnt compromised.
MYTH: They heat up a house.
Metal can also reflect significant amounts of heat when the sun is up, but its reflectivity varies depending on its color and coatings.
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Installing Roof Panels And Related Trim On Your Versatube Garage
This is the final construction stage in the assembly of your VersaTube garage. In this phase you will install the roof panels, gable trim and ridge cap, and seal the roof system against air and water intrusion. When complete, your garage will be ready to use.
Okay, the end of the project is in sight and I know youre anxious to put away your tools and start using the garage. But temper your enthusiasm for a moment and give some thought to a few issues before starting this final stage of construction. Hopefully your project has been accident free up to this point and I want to make sure it remains that way. Youll be working on ladders while installing the roof panels and their associated trim and trying to rush completion is a good way to end the project on a very bad note. Take your time, make sure you have at least two assistants lending a hand, and follow proper safety procedures while working on the ladders.
One other consideration before beginning this stage is that wind and roof panel installations are usually not a good mix. We had a strong breeze come through and I was afraid my wife might end up in the next county when it caught the roof panel she was holding. All kidding aside though, a strong gust of wind can pull someone off a ladder if it catches the roof panel theyre carrying. If its a windy day, put the roof panel installation on hold and mow your grass or wash the car.
Do Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
No, metal roofs do not attract lightning any more than roofs built with other materials. It may sound counterintuitive, but metal roofs are among the best roofing materials for homes in regions with more lightning activity relative to other areas since metal roofs have the highest Class A fire resistance rating.
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Installing Furring Strips And Sheathing
How To Install Metal Roofing Panels
Ensure that the next panel is square to the roof line by slightly stretching it from the first panel by 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Continue to overlap the panels until the roof is completely covered. When using metal roofing products that do not include overlap, the panels must be cut to the proper size and overlap.
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B Shingles And Shakes
The efficiency of shingles roofs is proved with the test of time. They are virtually perfect for any sloped-style property roofing. The most common types of shingles are the following
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Asphalt shingles:
Most popular residential roofing materials in North America are asphalt shingles. Since they are durable and cost-effective, they are available in different kinds. Three-tab shingles are the most common type with a lifespan of 50 years providing durability. Also, they come in a variety of colors.
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Clay or Shingles:
These are popular roofing materials in America for durability and resistance to weather. They are fire-resistant and have a lifespan that is on par with asphalt shingles. But, these are more expensive and heavy, therefore, they add too much weight to the garage. However, these are not the best choice for garages.
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Cedar or wood shingles:
Wooden shakes and shingles are available to furnish your garage. They gave a finer look than any other type. These need more maintenance and wear out faster in wet areas.
How Do You Fit Garage Roof Sheets
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One of the main reasons why roofing sheets are so popular for garages is their quick and easy installation. This makes garage roof sheets the perfect option for homeowners looking to do the job themselves. Roofing sheets usually require only a few key fixings and accessories as well as simple tools to install.
Roofing sheets are also relatively easy to cut on-site, however if you arent comfortable doing this then its best to consult a professional. If youre interested in polycarbonate roofing sheets however, we do offer a cut to size service to deliver bespoke sizes to your exact measurements.
The garage roof sheets should be lain directly over the purlins attached to the roof trusses. Be sure to also allow for an overlap of at least one corrugation when laying sheets side-to-side, and use a staggered pattern with half a sheet utilised for the second row. Your first row of roofing sheets should also overlap the purlins to allow water to run off easily.
Using lapping tape along the top of overlaps, as well as one strip along side laps and two strips along end laps to effectively seal the roof against water ingress.
Where possible, remember to use fixings in profile valleys to prevent structural damage to sheets. Nail or drill from sheet to purlin at every point at which sheets overlap one another, as well as the top and bottom of slopes.
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How To Install A Diy Metal Roof
Now the fun parthow to install a metal roof from beginning to end. Now, although you can technically DIY your metal roof, this type of roofing requires some experience that many homeowners may not have. Therefore, never attempt to install your own roof without some semblance of knowledge and the right crew to help. When in doubt, always hire a professional to get the job done. That being said, here are the steps to install your new metal roof.
How Long Will Metal Roofing Last On Plywood
If you are installing metal roofing onto plywood, it is even more imperative that you have a solid base to place the metal roofing on.
If you ensure the plywood is in good condition and well protected before placing the metal roofing, you can expect the average life expectancy of your metal-on-plywood roof to be 40-70 years.
The only thing that may impact this life expectancy would be a significant weather event or improper installation.
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What Else To Consider When Getting A Metal Roof
There are many benefits to installing metal roofing on your home or your detached sheds and garages. We can be honest, though: there are a few negatives as well, the main one being the up-front cost for a metal roof can be significantly higher than traditional shingles. Some of us cant, or just dont want to, pay a large upfront investment in a metal roof simply for the aesthetics. This is totally understandable. The argument here, however, would be that a metal roof can outlast the average shingles. The longevity of a metal roof is typically about twice that of the average shingle. When comparing a metal roof to traditional shingles, material warranties can be comparable, but the metal will still outlast the shingle. There is however, labor and workmanship to think about with warranties, and that if a repair needs to be made, that can be much more complicated on a metal roof. Almost no metal roofing manufacturer has a preferred installer network where they offer a standard labor and workmanship warranty, therefore, this is done through the installer. Make sure that you get all warranties in writing from your installer to avoid future misunderstandings.
Why Diy Is The Best Option
There are many reasons why you should consider doing your metal garage installation. The most important of these benefits is that they can save you a lot of money in the process. Still, theres also the opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy yourself while getting things done with friends or family members who also have a passion for DIY projects.Installing a steel garage on your own is satisfying, and youll have plenty of time to do things your way.
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Step : Buy The Metal Panels
Depending on the area of the roof, you can use different sized panels. You can either buy large metal panels of up to 32 feet in length and then cut them to the right size, or you can purchase pre-cut metal panels at a home improvement store that may be only 10 or 12 feet in length.
If you need to cut the sheets, you can use an angle grinder, a saw or tin snips.
Lay And Secure The First Metal Panel
When laying the metal, you will need to start from the bottom corner of the roof and work across. After you have finished each row of panels, you will then need to start a new row that overlaps the old row by at least 4 inches.
You can think of this process as moving across the bottom of the roof and then progressively getting higher and higher until you reach the peak.
When you start with the first metal panel, position it so that it overhangs the edge by at least 4 inches. Now slide a washer onto a 1 ½-inch wood screw and use your screwdriver to secure it to the plywood of the roof.
As a rule of thumb, you want it to be tight enough to hold it in place, but not so tight that youâve dimpled the metal. Then, add screws approximately every 8 inches along the outside edge and bottom of the panel.
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All About Metal Roofs
Its hard to top the versatile looks, longevity, and peace of mind that come with a roof made of metal. Read this guide to learn what you need to know before putting one on your own home.
The advantages of metal roofs are tough to ignore. Theyre strong, able to survive hurricanes, hail, and wildfires. Theyre durable, enjoying a life span of up to 50 years or more. They can save energy, thanks to their ability to reflect the suns heat. And properly installed, they need virtually no upkeep.
In America, copper and lead roofs appeared on important public buildings beginning in the 18th century, including New Yorks City Hall in 1764. By the mid-1800s, metal roofing became more common as mass-produced steel began covering ordinary homes and barns. By the 1920s, lightweight, no-rust aluminum entered the market, as did paint coatings that added color and longevity to both aluminum and steel roofs.
Today, metal roofing is on the rise again: Its popularity has nearly quadrupled in the last 20 years. And while it commands a premiumthe components are expensive, as is the skilled labor for installationa metal roof can boost a homes resale value by up to 6 percent in some areas. Up ahead: a look at materials and styles to consider, plus how to get the job done right, so your house will stay cool and dry for decades to come.