Installing Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has recently gained in popularity. Metal roofing is most commonly found on commercial buildings and older homes, but can also be found on residential new builds. Metal is a great material for roofing because of its longevity and low cost.

Standing-seam panel roofing is the most common type of metal roofing for residential builds. Panels usually run vertically and are made of aluminum or galvanized steel, but in some cases they are made from zinc and aluminum-coated steel. Since the panels are painted they offer many different color options. Metal roofing is ideal for restoring older homes that were originally fitted with metal roofs.

Metal roofing is a light material suitable for covering older roofs and could even be layered over composition shingles (depending on local codes). For roofs that have irregularities, narrow, texture and dull-finish panels are the best choice. Metal roofing can cover a roof with a slope of 3 in 13. Other metal roof Denver residents sometimes choose can work on roofs with slopes as sloght as 1/4' in 12. However, the experience and special equipment needed will required a skilled contractor for this metal roofing installation.

Installing metal roofing is a process that involves laying 12-16.5 inch panels and correctly joining them at the seams, wall flashing, valleys and ridges. The panels are pre-cut to the exact length ordered up to 40 feet long. Metal roofing can be applied to plywood decking with an underlayment of 30 pound felt. Laying and joining the panels is not difficult, but handling eaves, rakes, edges, wall flashing and ridges require an experienced roofer.

Installing Metal Roofing

Installing metal roofing is not something a novice should take on as a weekend project. Metal roofing requires special tools and experience. Below is a review of the process of installing a metal roof. If your considering a new roof Denver roofing companies can help answer any lingering questions you may still have.

Installing felt and eaves trim
30 pound felt is a wonderful moisture barrier over plywood decking. Metal roofind is applied vertically completing a 12 - 16.5 inch panel from eaves to risge before applying the next. check the squareness of the roof and adjust for irregularity. Eaves trim is screwed in place, and sealant is

applied to the edge before panels are clipped in place.

Apply the first rake edge
After the first vertical panel has been set, the first rake edge is applied over the panel. nderlayment overlaps the rake edge.

Joining the panels
Clips and sealant join the panels. Clips are applied every 12 inches where high winds prevail, every 18 inches elsewhere. No adhesive is necessary to seal the sheets to the decking. Do not step on the seams. Only walk on the sheets is you absolutely have to because scratched finishes sometimes void the warranty.  

Installing valley flashing
Valley flashing is set on a piece of 30 pound felt underlayment that lines the valley. Channels running parallel in the valley are sealed and screwed to it and hold the edge of the panels.

Sealing ridge flashing
At the ridges, flashing is sealed to Z-strips that are fastened between the standing seams.

If you have little to no roofing experience, it is best to call a professional roofing company for your metal roof installation; however, they remain a great cost effective and long lasting roofing option.