Tips on How to Install Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels

Installing a corrugated metal roof is one of the easiest DIY projects that every homeowner should understand. The roof materials are durable and lightweight, making them easy to install and repair.

Corrugated metal roofing panels are available in various materials, including aluminum, iron, copper, and steel. These roofing materials are popular in sheds, patios, garages, workshops, and boathouses. They are durable and can last for up to 60 years.

Besides, their lightweight, corrugated roofing panels boast wavy patterns that facilitate water conveyance into the gutters. This prevents the water from accumulating on the roof, minimizing water damage. They are also available in standard sizes. 

How to Install Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels

Since corrugated metal roofing panels are large, installing them on the roof takes less time. You can even do it by yourself if you have all the basic tools.

Here are the steps to install corrugated metal roofing panels successfully.

Step 1: Take Your Roof’s Measurements

Before you buy corrugated metal roofing panels for your house, measure the surface area of your roof. Measure the roof’s length and width and multiply to find the area if it’s a flat roof. If the roof has a peak, you have to measure both sides of the rooftop.

Calculating the roof’s surface area will help you determine the number of corrugated metal roofing panels you need. Ensure that you buy slightly more metal roofing panels to take care of overlaps during installation. The recommended overlap is four inches.

Step 2: Shop for Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels

Depending on your roof’s surface area, you can use different sized roof panels. Most panels measure up to 32 feet in length. You can buy the long metal roofing panels and cut them into the desired size. Alternatively, you can also buy the shorter pre-cut panels.

If you have to cut the corrugated metal roofing panels, make sure to use the right cutting equipment. You can use a circular saw, an angle grinder, nibbler, or tin snips. Angle grinders cut metal roof panels the fastest. When cutting the panels, wear eye and hearing protection.

Step 3: Apply a Layer of Roofing Felt

When installing corrugated metal roofing panels on an enclosed building, you have to apply roofing felt on the plywood before installing the metal panels. The primary reason for doing that is to add a layer of insulation to the roof.

Lay the felt along the plywood deck horizontally and cut it using a utility knife to create a perfect fit. Once you do that, fasten the felt layer using roofing staples, ensuring that each layer overlaps the other by four inches.

Pro Tip: If you plan to install corrugated metal roofing panels on structures like patios and sheds, you may not need to install the felt layer.

Step 4: Install the Metal Roofing Panels

Before you install the metal roofing panels on the roof, consider pre-drilling holes in the ridges. Some corrugated metal roofing panels come with pre-drilled holes, while others don’t. If your roofing panels don’t have holes, you’ll have to drill holes in them.

When drilling the holes using a drill bit, their spacing on the sides and ends should be around 6-8 inches. Place the pre-drilled roofing panels directly on the purlins attached to roof trusses. Start laying the panels from the roof’s bottom corner and continue across.

When you finish installing one row, move to the second row. You can do the same for the third row as you progressively get higher until the peak of the roof. The bottom of the new row should be at the top (overlap) of the first row by at least four inches.

Overlapping new rows on top of the previous rows allows water to flow down the roof without leaking. Another way to avoid water leaks on corrugated metal roofing panels is by sealing off the overlaps with plastic or wood strips under the panels at every end.

As you install the metal roofing panels, ensure that they overhang two inches over the edge. Fasten the panels with screws and waterproof washers. Slide the washers onto the 1 ½-inch wood screws and secure them on the roof’s plywood using a screwdriver.

Step 5: Attach a Ridge Cap at the Peak

Once you finish installing the metal roofing panels on the roof, attach a peaked ridge cap at the peak of the roof where the sides meet. The ridge cap needs to overlap the adjacent row of metal panels. This will inhibit water from leaking into the roof.

Consider using a ridge cap that matches your roof’s shape. Don’t forget to secure the cap using washers and the same wood screws you used to secure the roofing panels. Failure to secure the ridge caps will encourage the entry of rainwater and pests.

Step 6: Seal All the Roof Seams

Most leaks usually occur on the seams between roofing panels, joints on the flashing, and the joints between the roof and flashing. These points of the rooftop are more likely to degrade faster than the other parts. Sealing them will help to prevent this issue.

Apply waterproof roof cement or caulk on the points where leaks are likely to occur. These include both edges of every horizontal end lap seams. Allow the caulk or cement to dry on the roof for around 12 hours. Apply a topcoat sealant on the entire metal roof.

Step 7: Paint the Roofing Panels

Apply paint on the corrugated metal roofing panels using a paint color that matches your home’s aesthetics. Depending on your roof’s size, you can use a paint sprayer or paintbrush. The former tends to cover a larger roofing area within a short time.

Final Words

Now that you know how to install corrugated metal roofing panels, you can confidently do it yourself. All you must do is assemble all the roofing tools you need to install the entire roofing. If you find the process complicated, consider hiring a professional roofer, like Roof Master, to help you install the corrugated metal roofing panels.

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