If you want a strong, long-lasting roof that looks great and saves energy, metal might be the perfect choice. Metal roofs can last over 50 years, stay clean during rain, and reflect heat to keep your home cooler. Before you get started, it’s smart to gather your materials, plan your steps, and get a quote from a roofing company if you’re not doing it yourself. But with the right know-how, you can feel confident about how it all comes together.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to get started on your metal roof installation.
What You Need Before You Begin
To install a metal roof, you’ll need both the right tools and materials.
Basic Tools:
- Drill or screwdriver
- Metal shears
- Aviation snips
- Hand seamer
- Safety gear like a harness
Materials:
- Metal roofing panels
- Underlayment (like ice-and-water shield)
- Roofing nails and screws
- Eave and gable trim
- Ridge cap and flashing
- Foam closure strips
- Sealant and butyl tape
Step 1: Lay Down the Underlayment
Start with a clean plywood or OSB roof deck. Then, roll out your underlayment. This layer keeps water from getting into your house.
Tips:
Keep it flat and smooth no wrinkles
Overlap each layer by 6 to 8 inches
Cut it flush along the edges
Step 2: Order the Right Size Panels
Try to order panels that stretch from the top to the bottom of your roof. Fewer seams mean fewer chances for leaks. If the panels are long, they might need to be delivered on a flatbed truck. Use shorter panels if needed, but expect to spend more time lining them up.
Step 3: Prepare the Trim
Before placing the trim, cut the ends and bend them to fit around corners. Use snips and a hand seamer to fold small tabs that make each piece fit snugly.
Step 4: Attach the Eave Trim
Line the eave trim up along the edge of your roof. Nail it down over the underlayment. This step helps direct water away from the house and keeps the roof looking neat.
Step 5: Line Up Your Panels
Use the “3-4-5 rule” to create a straight reference line so your panels stay even. This makes sure they don’t get crooked as you move up the roof.
Step 6: Set the Panels in Place
Each panel sits on foam closure strips. These strips keep bugs and water out. Stick the strips in place with butyl tape and sealant. Make sure the panel hangs about an inch over the roof edge.
Step 7: Screw the Panels Securely
Start at the bottom and work your way up.
Important Tips:
- Don’t overtighten screws
- Make sure the screws are straight
- Put screws at each rib and through the foam strips
- Clean up metal shavings, they can rust!
Step 8: Overlap the Edges
Each panel has a special rib design to help water run off. The panels are made to fit together, so line them up just right. This overlap helps stop leaks.
Step 9: Add the Gable Trim
The gable trim covers the side edges of the roof. It helps keep wind and rain from blowing under your panels. Use butyl tape and screws to fasten it down every 12 inches.
Step 10: Cap the Ridge
At the top of your roof, apply foam strips and sealant, then screw down the ridge cap. This top piece finishes the job and keeps water from sneaking in.
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs
Pros:
- Can last 50 to 70 years
- Reflects sunlight and lowers cooling bills
- Won’t grow moss or algae
- Stands up to wind, fire, and heavy rain
- Recyclable and eco-friendly
Cons:
- Costs more than asphalt shingles
- Can be noisy during rain or storms
- May dent from hail or falling branches
Which Type of Metal Should You Choose?
Here are a few common types of metal used for roofing:
- Aluminum: Lightweight, resists rust, great near the ocean
- Steel: Very strong, good for all weather, but heavier
- Galvalume: A mix of aluminum and zinc, strong and rust-resistant
- Copper: Beautiful and lasts a lifetime, but very expensive
How Much Does It Cost?
Metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt, but it lasts much longer. Prices vary by material and location, but here’s a rough idea:
- Aluminum: $6 to $12 per square foot
- Steel: $5 to $10 per square foot
- Copper: $15 to $25 per square foot
- Installation: Adds $5 to $10 more per square foot
Though metal costs more upfront, you’ll likely save money in the long run with fewer repairs and lower energy bills.
Final Thoughts
Installing a metal roof takes careful planning, the right materials, and attention to detail. But once it’s done, you’ll have a beautiful, tough, and energy-efficient roof that can protect your home for decades.
Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro, use this guide to help you make smart choices. A metal roof is more than just a roof, it’s an investment in your home’s future.
