Homeowners are opting for metal roofing systems with increasing frequency. With a decades-long lifespan, low maintenance requirements, and other benefits, it’s difficult to surpass the value provided by metal roofing. To get the most out of the investment, you’ll need to find a reliable contractor with metal roofing installation experience. Here, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about residential metal roofing.
Which Installation Methods Are Used?
There are two ways to install metal roofing: new construction and retrofitting. In new construction, panels may or may not require a plywood underlayment over the roof’s rafters or trusses, and tradespeople like drywallers can’t start work until the roof is installed. Visit https://eriemetalroofs.com/ to learn more about our installation methods.
On retrofitting projects, roofing contractors either remove and replace or overlay an existing roof. The latter option involves the installation of a metal roof over materials, which eliminates labor and expense while keeping materials out of landfills. On projects where overlays aren’t an option, all materials are removed down to the decking before new panels are installed.
Contractors and homeowners consider numerous factors when deciding whether to repair or replace, but local building codes and existing water damage are the most common. Our team will evaluate the condition of your roof and recommend the right strategy for your home and budget.
What Are the Components of a Metal Roofing Installation?
Here, we’ll outline the basic parts of a residential metal roofing installation.
- The substrate. Joists and rafters may be covered in planking, plywood, or oriented strand board, which creates a surface to which metal roof panels are attached.
- The underlayment. Most projects call for synthetic underlayment, which offer several benefits over the felt paper materials used in the past.
- Metal panels. Exposed fastener products are less expensive to install, but they typically need fastener replacement after about 20 years. Many homeowners choose concealed fastener panels because they require less maintenance. Our contractors will find the right size, profile, and color for your project.
- Flashing and trim. These components are installed at junctions and penetration points, sealing the roof and keeping water out of the home.
- Caulking and sealant. Butyl tape is used on metal-on-metal intersections, and caulking is used where elasticity and movement are required.
Now that we’ve explained what goes into a metal roof installation, we’ll show you what we need to make the job as easy as possible.
What We Need for an Easy Installation
All homes and roof replacement jobs are different, but there are a few points homeowners can consider to ensure a smooth and hassle-free installation.
- Easy access. We’ll need a flat space for parking, material storage, and old material disposal, as well as enough surrounding space to safely install trim and flashing.
- A reliable power supply. Our team will also need a power supply for fastening and cutting tools. To avoid the risk of constant breaker trips, we’ll use different outlets for each type of equipment.
- Safety compliance. Safety is our top priority, especially when homes are occupied during the installation process.
These are just a few of the things that go into a metal roof installation project. While we’ve tried to be as detailed as possible, only an experienced contractor can cover all installation methods, local codes, and design options. Call or click now to schedule an informational meeting with one of our team members
