Metal roofs are a smart investment in the future of your home. Not only do they lower energy costs, but they also increase property value. The best part, however, is that they can be set up over existing asphalt shingle roofing. The process to put them up is multi-faceted, starting with acquiring permits, performing repairs, and then laying down metal sheets before flashing installation. If you’re looking to learn how to install metal roofing over shingles, this is the right blog for you.
Steps To Put Up Metal Roofing: How the Experts Do It
Are you looking to upgrade your home’s roof without the hassle or expense of taking down your existing roof? Well, the best way to do it is to install a metal roof on top of your asphalt shingle one. Though we highly recommend having an experienced and skilled metal roofer perform the installation, if you want to learn how the process goes, we have prepared a step-by-step guide to help you.
Read along as we explain how to install metal roofing over shingles.
Step 1: Roof Inspection
Before starting, it’s important to assess the condition of your existing roof. The roofers will need to check for any structural damage, water intrusion, and verify whether or not the existing structure is strong enough to bear the weight of an additional roofing system. Once all the repairs are made, it’s time to get started.
Step 2: Gathering Tools
Next, the roofers will gather all the tools they’ll need. This is important for work efficiency. Things like cordless drills, roofing nails, measuring tapes, and ladders will be gathered, along with your metal sheets of choice. Once everything’s in the same place, the roof installation process can finally begin.
Step 3: Underlayment Installation
First off, the roofers will need to lay down the underlayment. This creates a waterproofing layer to prevent damage in the future. Each panel needs to overlap slightly to create a tight seal against moisture intrusion.
Step 4: Furring Strip Installation
Next, it’s time to set up the furring strips. This step is optional if you’ve got missing or damaged shingles, and can help improve ventilation between the shingles and the new roof. Simply installing them horizontally and securing them with roofing nails does a perfect job.
Step 5: Measuring & Cutting
Okay, it’s time to bring out the measuring tape. Measure the length, width, and any dip or cut in your current roof to cut your metal strips accordingly. Double-check all the measurements to ensure perfect fits for the roof as well as the overhang.
Step 6: Metal Panel Installation
Once all the metal panels are ready, they will be attached to the roof using roofing nails with rubber washers. The roofers will start at the edge opposite the wind to prevent chances of leaks and overlap each panel slightly as they go.
Step 7: Flashing Installation
Okay, now to secure vulnerable corners and edges against moisture penetration. Flashing is placed around vents, chimneys, skylights, and along the edges of the roof. It’s secured with caulk and special nails to ensure a snug fit.
Step 8: Ridge Cap Installation
Finally, it’s time to set up the ridge cap. This step seals the top of your roof against moisture penetration and also gives it a polished look. It is secured with screws and a waterproof sealant to give your roof foolproof protection against water penetration.
Step 9: Final Inspection
Finally, the roofers will survey their work. They’ll check seams, look at edges, and make sure that everything fits snugly. Once everything seems safe enough, you’ll receive the green signal and your metal roof will be all done.
Conclusion
To conclude, the answer to the question of how to install metal roofing over shingles is an easy one, though it does require skill, experience, and motivation. Your roofers will start by assessing the condition of your roof, followed by measuring and cutting the metal strips. The next steps simply involve attaching the metal panels to the roof, followed by flashing and the ridge cap. We hope this blog helped you understand the metal roof installation process. For further questions, please drop us a line.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to install a metal roof over my shingle one?
Some areas have restrictions on the number of roofing layers you can put up, so you’ll need to check and get approved.
How long does it take to install a metal roof over an asphalt shingle roof?
Depending on the extent of the work, it usually takes between 1-3 days to put up a metal roof.
How does it affect the lifespan of the roof?
A properly installed metal roof can easily last 40-70 years, even with another roofing system underneath.
