1. 1. DIY Metal Roofing Installation - Frequently Asked Questions By Ryan McCall - www.durablemetalroofs.comYou want to embark on a DIY metal roofing project, but you still have some questions? Never fear...you can install your own roof! Before you get started, read this article to find out the answers!1. Do I need any special tools? Not really. Most metal roofing and even metal siding can be installed using the tools you probably have already lying around the garage or shed. You will likely need a screw gun, metal snips, a hammer, a chalk line, a tape measure and a caulk gun.If you need to cut metal panels, then you can do it with a circular saw, with a metal-cutting abrasive blade. If you have an electric metal shear, though, that is a better option. Either will work. You can get a shear attachment for your electric drill as well, and that works. Make sure it has a nice, deep throat so it can pass through any high ribbing on the panels easily.A nibbler can be a huge help as well. Rather than buy one, get a nibbler attachment for your electric drill. Nibblers let you cut across corrugation, and cut curved lines around vent pipes and other things.If you are installing a standing seam roof system, you will need cutting tools, either hand or mechanical, that are found at most hardware stores.2. How do I install metal roof panels? It's really up to you. You can use nails, or you can use screws. Match the color of the nails or screws to the color of your roof.If you are using nails, you need to drive them into the high rib of the panel. Screw fasteners are usually preferred over nails, however, as they have better resistance to pull-out and are more weather-tight. IfDIY Metal Roofing Installation - Frequently Asked Questions By Ryan McCall - www.durablemetalroofs.com
2. 2. you use screw fasteners, they must go into the flat part of the panel. Space them about 24 inches on center.3. Do I need any kind of membrane or underlay? You do need some sort of underlay in order to protect against the elements...you don't want leaks! Using a synthetic underlayment is your best choice against water. In a valley condition, make sure your underlayments is of very high quality.At the eave, use a peel and stick rubber underlayment. This will help keep water from infiltrating the roof because of ice damming. You should also use peel and stick rubber on very low slopes, wherever the metal panels aren't sealed at the side laps, and 24 inches past the exterior wall in a northern climate.Do-it-yourself metal roofing installation can be a lot of fun...it is rewarding to stand back and see that you have installed an entire roof on your own! Just make sure that you follow all of the instructions you have been given, or do your due diligence before you start so you know what you need to watch out for and what you need to do in order to make sure your installation is safe, secure and will stand up to the elements. DIY Metal Roofing Installation - Frequently Asked Questions By Ryan McCall - www.durablemetalroofs.com