March 17, 2025

How to Install Metal Roofing

The material that is chosen for the roof affects the appearance of the building. But its functions do not end there. A reliable roof is a guarantee that the inside of the house will be warm and cozy.

Metal roofing has many advantages, it is often used in construction or repair. But it is important to know what steps consist of installation. What else should be taken into account, so that the installation was safe and the result - durable?

Why many people choose metal roofing

There are several good reasons why this kind of roofing has gained popularity among homeowners.

Here are the advantages that set it apart:

High durability. Unlike asphalt shingles, which have to be replaced every 15-20 years, metal panels are suitable for 50-70 years. This material is resistant to cracking, does not give shrinkage, and also withstands variable weather conditions. This type of roofing is ideal for regions with high winds and/or heavy precipitation.
Energy Efficiency. Metal sheets reflect the sun’s heat, so on hot summer days, the inside of the building will remain pleasantly cool. This will save you a lot of money on air conditioner maintenance costs.
Environmental Safety. Most metal roofing plates are made from recyclable materials. By the end of their life, they can be recycled instead of being sent to a landfill, so there is less harm to the environment.
Low maintenance costs. Maintenance of roof-mounted metal panels is less expensive than other types of roofing. For example, metal is less likely to become overgrown with moss or mold. What homeowners need to do is regularly clean the surface of dust and accumulated debris.

Another feature of the metal roof is its compatibility with solar panels. The strength, stability of metal is a guarantee that solar panels will last for several decades and will not harm the roofing.

Necessary tools

To do the work of installing metal -plates, you will need:

cutting tools;
screwdriver;
tape measure;
hammer;
wooden laths;
protective equipment (goggles, gloves, safety rope).

It is important to know that for cutting metal sheets, you can not use a bolgar. In the process of cutting, the knife heats up and damages the metal base, thinning the polymer coating. Because of this, corrosion can develop over time in the place of cutting.

Metal scissors or an electric jigsaw are best suited for this purpose.

Materials required

In addition to the sheets selected for the roofing, you will need:

metal roofing screws;
substrate;
trim for the eaves, gable;
sidewall cladding;
sealant for metal roofing.

Prepare all consumables with a small reserve – in case of unforeseen breakage or loss of any elements.

Types of metal roofing

Every owner would like to distinguish his house from the neighboring ones. Metal roofing is the optimal solution for this task. There are several varieties of finishes, each of which has its own features.

The basis for roofing sheets are the following types of metal:

Tin. Inexpensive, quite durable material.
Steel. Has high strength, so even sheets with a small thickness are suitable for the roof. Covered with a layer of zinc and polymer paint, it is resistant to corrosion. It is possible to choose one of many colors.
Aluminum. A lightweight, corrosion and oxidation resistant metal. Withstands the weather conditions of coastal regions.
Copper. Plastic, easy to use for roofs with complex shapes. Resistant to temperature fluctuations, serves for an extremely long time, creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance. At a price is superior to other types.
Zinc. Refers to the category of premium class. The unique property of zinc self-healing makes it suitable for installation in extreme weather conditions.

When choosing a coating, take into account the climatic features of the area, as well as your budget and aesthetic preferences.

You can also find several types of metal roofs on the market:

Metal shingles – modular panels, the installation of which is done in the same way as the installation of asphalt shingles. Can have different textures – from imitation wood to tiles.
False roofing – comes in two types, with open or hidden fasteners. This option is a little more difficult to lay than metal shingles.
Profnastil – represents corrugated metal sheets, which have a higher rigidity due to profiling. The material is also treated with a polymer coating, which makes it weather resistant.

All of them differ in terms of complexity of installation, but are popular almost equally.

Step-by-step instruction

If you want to install metal plates on the roof yourself, you will need detailed instructions. Pay attention to each point, so that the process was productive, and the result – reliable.

Where to start with the installation of metal roofing? It should be preparatory work:

Ensure safety. Since you’ll be working at heights and using potentially dangerous tools, it’s important to have a partner nearby. Don’t forget a safety rope, safety glasses, gloves, and wear non-slip work boots. Make sure the ladder is well secured and not wobbly.
Measure the roof area. Gather accurate information about the length and width of each section to calculate the amount of material. When buying panels, take them with about 10% to spare.
Prepare the materials and the roof surface. Make sure you have the materials you need on hand and your tools are working properly. Remove the old roofing, check for debris, leaks or other damage.

The first step in roofing installation is to install the underlayment. It is best to choose a synthetic fabric. It acts as a moisture barrier. Rolls should be rolled horizontally across the entire area of the roof, starting from the eaves and moving to the ridge. The overlap of each row on the previous one should be at least 6 inches. This will prevent leaks from occurring. Secure the material with roofing nails or staples.

There are two more things that can not be missed: insulation and natural ventilation. What do I need to know about their device?

Insulation. The roof should be insulated, so that in winter the inside of the house remains at a comfortable temperature. Insulating material should have a sufficient thickness, as well as characteristics suitable for a particular region.
Ventilation. It is necessary to provide conditions so that the air circulates freely in the underlay space. To do this, a ventilation gap must be created between the sheets of the finish and the layer of insulation with the help of a batten.

After these actions, the sequence of work will be as follows:

Mounting of a metal drip edge. It should be installed along the eaves. The drip edge will protect the edges from moisture or ice.
Installation of metal roofing panels. The panels should be laid overlapping, fixing with self-tapping screws. Use hardware with a polymer gasket, watch the force of screwing: the gasket must remain intact.
Trim the parts as necessary. The cuts are made with metal scissors. They may be needed in the area of vents, skylights or chimney. Do not forget about the accuracy of measurements, so as not to cut off the excess.
Mounting the apron. Install an apron around the chimney or vent holes. It will prevent water from entering the subfloor space.
Installing plugs over the ridge. The upper part of the roof, where metal sheets meet, should be qualitatively sealed.

At the end of the work, check how tightly all the roof parts are fixed and whether there are no gaps through which water could seep.

Advantages of metal roofing

When comparing different roofing materials, metal outperforms many of them in the following areas:

Weight. Metal sheets do not create an excessive load on the foundation and walls of the house. You will not have to additionally reinforce the rafter system. In addition, lightweight material is easier to lift to the roof and fix.
Fire resistance. Metal does not support combustion. It does not ignite and does not melt in case of fire.
The likelihood of snow accumulation. With the correct installation of sheets, snow easily slides off such a roof even with a small slope. This means that heavy snow masses will not accumulate on the surface, from which the coating could suffer.
Aesthetics. The metal base is usually covered with a polymer layer. It is possible to choose a shade that will be combined with other elements, for example, with the color of the facade or auxiliary buildings on the site.

A beautiful metal roof will increase the value of the building if one day you decide to sell it.

Choosing between independent work and professional installation

Some homeowners decide to do their own metal roofing installation. This is a justified step in the case if you are good with different tools, as well as understand all the subtleties of the process. But it is important to take into account some nuances:

Roofing work requires extreme precision at every stage, including measuring and cutting the material.
All elements must be firmly, as tightly as possible fixed, but at the same time, you can not apply excessive force when screwing self-tapping screws.
Inaccuracies in the installation over time will cause leaks or other problems that will significantly reduce the life of the coating.
Self-installation means that you will not have a warranty on the work, that is, all responsibility for the failure of parts will be entirely on you.

These are quite convincing arguments in favor of seeking the help of professional roofers. You will find such craftsmen at Roofing & Siding of Cape Cod.

Every client of our company will get exactly what they need. We offer:

free material selection consultation and estimate;
close attention to every detail of the project;
high level of training of specialists;
materials that can withstand Cape Cod’s weather conditions;
comprehensive warranty on the coating and work performed.

The craftsmen use eco-friendly materials and work methods, which is important for preserving the environment.

You can choose your own design, shade, and other parameters so that the roof design blends with the overall style of the exterior.

Experienced roofers from our team are ready to offer services for both new construction and remodeling of an existing building.

Contact Roofing & Siding of Cape Cod for results that will not disappoint.

Dmitry Labkovich

Since 2002, I have dedicated my career to construction, starting as a cleanup worker and laborer. Despite tough conditions, I quickly mastered roofing and siding, and within six months, I was handling complex tasks. Later, I became a subcontractor, growing the business with a partner and expanding our team.

In 2011, I founded Roofing and Siding of Cape Cod and Boston. At the same time, I continued working with major firms, building a reputation through high-quality work and excellent service. In 2010, I joined the Coast Guard Reserve, which helped me develop leadership skills. Before my deployment in 2018, I built a reliable team that ensured steady company growth.

Today, Roofing and Siding of Cape Cod and Boston is a team of 30+ professionals, all OSHA-certified. We continue to expand while maintaining top-quality standards and exceptional customer service.

**Experience & Expertise**

- 20+ years in the roofing and siding industry
- Hands-on experience from laborer to business owner
- Managing a team of 30+ professionals
- Business development and client relations

**Education & Certification**

- Practical training in roofing and siding techniques
- OSHA safety certification
- Coast Guard Reserve service experience
- Ongoing professional development in construction