What if you want to install a roof by yourself? Perhaps you have some experience but are missing a step. This guide explores all the basic steps involved in cutting metal roofing panels. The steps and ideas in this article will help you do it the right way.
Tools for Cutting Metal Roofing Panels
Cutting metal roofing panels on site is an essential step during roofing installation. So, you need suitable metal cutting tools to protect the panels from getting damaged.
Using the wrong cutting tools can cause rust stains, void warranties, and reduced building service life. Here are some of the best tools for cutting metal roofing panels.
- Hacksaw: The manual hacksaw offers an easy and inexpensive way of cutting through metal. Thanks to its versatility and low cost, it’s suitable for small home improvement projects and is, therefore, a must-have tool for homeowners.
- Tin Snips: Tin snips resemble a pair of scissors and can help you make straight cuts on a metal roofing panel. However, they can also cut curves and circles if the blades are curved. It’s ideal for cutting soft roofing materials like aluminum.
- Metal Air Shears: To upgrade from manual tin snips, you should acquire metal-air shears. This power tool is ideal for cutting bulk and long metal sheets. It can make clean, quality cuts quickly and handle thicker-gauge metal roofing panels.
- Cold Saw: This cutting tool has a coolant feature that helps the metal cut friction-free. It protects the panels from getting very hot while providing clean, precise cuts. Cold saw is worth the investment since it doesn’t wear out quickly.
- Nibblers: They are probably the best tools for cutting metal roofing. You can easily move it around corners, making it a perfect tool for cuts that require you to make holes and curves. However, it’s not the best option for straight cuts.
- Circular Saw: If you are looking for a way to cut multiple metal sheets in one go, consider using a circular saw. That will reduce your cutting time and help you make straight cuts. You need to choose the best blades for making the cuts.
Roofing experts like Roof Master and Construction know how to cut metal roofing panels without causing any damages. When you’re building a new house, we can get your roof installed quickly to improve your home’s structural integrity. We have all it takes to complete the project.
How to Cut Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels Using Tin Snips
Tin snips have sharp blades that will leave smooth edges on the cuts of metal roof panels. Here are the steps to consider when using this cutting tool.
- Put on the safety gear and implement all the safety precautions.
- Measure along the sides of the panels and mark the points you need to cut.
- Hold the tin snips in your hands as you would hold a pair of scissors.
- Open the blades wide and make smooth cuts on the marks on the panels.
- If one side of the panel rides up, roll it to prevent it from blocking your way.
- Continue cutting through the metal panels until you finish.
Pro Tip: When you need to cut the middle of the metal sheet, you need to make a pilot hole (starting point) using an electric drill with a 1⁄2-inch metal-cutting drill bit. You won’t need the pilot hole when cutting across the sheet from end to end.
How to Cut Metal Roofing Panels Using a Circular Saw
Circular saws are ideal for cutting multiple roofing panels together. However, the number of metal sheets you can stack up depends on the type of blade you choose.
When choosing a blade, go for something spiky and abrasive. Carbide-tooth and steel-tooth blades are both perfect choices. Carbide blades are costlier but last longer.
Here are the steps to use when cutting metal roofing panels with a circular saw.
- Put on the necessary safety gear to avoid injuries during the cutting process.
- Measure and mark the section you want to cut on the metal roofing panels.
- Install the metal cutting blade of your choice into the circular saw.
- If the metal roofing panel has a front-back, consider cutting it with the backside facing upwards.
- Line up the saw’s blade with the marked line by setting the saw on the metal’s edge. Ensure that you approach the sheet at the right angle.
- Cut along the marked line at a slow and steady pace. While saw blades can cut through metal panels quickly, you shouldn’t rush.
- Hold the saw gently enough to control it. That will help you maintain the blade’s position on the line.
- Push the circular saw forward along the metal sheet to complete the cut.
Pro Tip: Always check the label on the blade to ensure that it’s suitable for your roofing project. Select blades designed to cut metal roofing sheets or panels.
Safety Precautions When Cutting Metal Roofing Panels
Whenever you are cutting metal roofing panels, it’s necessary to invest in your safety to avoid potential injuries. Here are some of the safety measures to observe.
- Use the Right Tools: Accidents can occur when you use the wrong metal cutting tools. Besides putting your life at risk, wrong tools may compromise the quality of work. Ensure that the cutting tool is compatible with the metal gauge.
- Put on the Right Gear: Put on a long-sleeved shirt to cover your arms, and ideally, wear pants made of fire-resistant materials. Wear puncture-resistant gloves to protect your hands from getting cut by the panels’ sharp edges.
Final Words
Now that you understand how to cut metal roofing panels using different cutting tools, you can quickly implement your roofing project. Maintain the tools properly to prevent potential hazards. Since cutting metal roofing panels involves many risks, it is essential to work with roofing professionals like Roof Master to get the most out of your investment.
Contact us today for affordable roofing solutions in Lubbock and the surrounding areas.
