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8 Tips for Installing Metal Roofing in Austin
christine • Dec 10, 2020
Metal roofing is the roofing of the future.
Metal roofing is the roofing of the future. Not only is it environmentally conscious, but it is also a great return on your investment. It will save you big dollars on cooling your home, especially if you live in a hot area like Austin, Texas. With metal roofing, Austin homes look gorgeous and save you money on maintenance and repair.
1. Avoid the Summer Blaze
If Austin is known for one thing, it's hot summers. Austin averages well into the 90s for June, July, and August. You don't want to put you or a work crew up on a roof to install a reflective metal. Everyone will get cooked on both sides. You also don't want to get rained out or worry about moisture getting trapped in your roof.
You want a time that is both mild temperature and without lots of rain. The driest month in Austin would be January. Temperatures average between 40.0°F and 60.3°F. November through March is probably your best time, though you could push into April. May is the wettest month, followed by October. The months between the two see skyrocketed temperatures, so its best to avoid those times as well.
2. Have the Panels Rolled on Site
Most metal roofing starts in a large coil that must be rolled out and formed into a roofing panel by a machine. The metal coil has already been treated and painted and needs only to be cut and formed. You can buy the roofing materials as pre-cut or find a roofing materials company that will roll the panels and form them on site.
Having the panels roll-formed on-site cuts down on a lot of costs. You lower the cost of shipping and hasten the deliveries. You cut out possible shipping damage to your panels. You can eliminate any damage that may be caused by large trucks loading and unloading your materials multiple times. You also eliminate the need for costly equipment to unload the materials. The best advantage of having your panels rolled on site is that it allows for any minor last-minute changes.
3. Replace Any Damaged Wood or Supports
Replacing the roof frame if there is any damage is important for any new roof. However, this is especially important for metal roofs. Metal roofs will seal in any moisture that is in the wood frame, so your wood must be dry and undamaged. Check your trusses and supports and make sure they are strong. You may consider adding a sealant to them for extra protection.
This is also a good time to examine the pitch in your home. Some metal roofs need a certain pitch to make sure they shed water properly. If you have a relatively small pitch, make sure the type of metal roofs will fit with your angle. You may consider creating a new roof frame to prevent any water that may collect in low pitch areas.
4. Use the Proper Fasteners
Fasteners are extremely important, as they are what keeps your roof together and in place. Your roof will only be as good as your fasteners. One thing to keep in mind is that different materials move at different rates. Metal and wood expand and contract at different rates. This means you need to make sure you are using the proper fasteners when attaching a metal roof to a wooden frame.
Use pre-drilled purlins and the appropriate clips to fasten your roof instead of driven straight into the wood furring strip. This will prevent fasteners from working themselves out of the wood or breaking their seals. Make sure your fasteners are properly galvanized to protect them from rust and other corrosion. Be aware that exposed fasteners may need to be tightened every 10 to 15 years.
5. Make Sure the Locks are Correct
Metal expands and contracts more than other roofs. This means that your roof must have correctly placed seams and locks to protect your roof from damage when the metal expands or contracts. After being placed, the seams should interlock with the roof. They should not be immovably tight or feel jammed together. If they are too tightly locked, the metal may buckle and cause extensive damage.
The locks and seams should also be properly sealed. Without proper sealing, water may leak into your roof. This is a common problem with metal roofs that have not been properly installed. Adjoining panels should be overlapped by several inches. You should also install a top panel strap, reinforcing plate, and sealant. This will reinforce the seam, the weakest point of the roof, and protect your home from water damage.
6. Use the Correct Tools
The proper tools will make installing metal roofs correctly a breeze. Without it, you may feel very lost. For metal roofing, Austin homes will need several basic tools. While some of the tool needs depend on the type of metal roof to be installed, many of these tools will work for all metal roofs. The most basic will be measuring tools, a long straight-edge of at least 5ft, a blade, a marking tool, and a t-square. You will also need a rivet gun, which is used on a lot of ridgelines.
You will need a panel hemming tool. This tool trims the top or bottom of the panel to fit it into the cleat. Duckbill snips will also come in handy when making long cuts on the flat of the pan. You will also need a seaming tool for when you need to attach seams together. Lastly, using a turbo shear will help you make long fast cuts. These tools are helpful and necessary for metal roofing installation, but they can be pricey.
7. Wear Proper Safety Gear
This applies whether you hire professionals or do the work yourself. You should never attempt to work on a roof without the proper safety gear. When installing metal roofing Austin residents should consider any special safety equipment for your area. Even in more mild months, this may mean having plenty of access to water and hydrating liquids. You should also use sunglasses when installing a metal roof as the sun will reflect strongly off the roof.
Other common-sense safety gear includes safety goggles, durable work gloves, sturdy work shoes with plenty of treads, and no loose clothing or accessories which may get snagged in the worksite. Make sure your ladders are up-to-date with no signs of rust or corrosion. Anyone on the worksite, including children or other adults, should practice awareness as well as staying away from tools. Practicing safety will keep you from paying medical bills for you or anyone else.
8. Double-Check Work to Avoid a Voided Warranty
Once your metal roof installation is complete, you should go through and double-check all the work done. This is to prevent any chance of getting a voided warranty. You do not want to make a claim only to find out your 40-year warranty was voided because of a bad installation. There are a few things to look out for so the work can be redone.
First, be on the lookout for unsealed or jagged edges. Fasteners that have been tightened down too much will look sunken. Any protrusions should be sealed properly. This may be more difficult to check once the roof is installed, but you should make sure the underlayment is correct and the furring strips are spaced properly. When looking over the panels, check to make sure none seem forced into place. Check for dents, warps, or wrinkles which are signs that workers stepped on unsupported areas.
DIY vs Professional Installation
In recent years, DIY or do-it-yourself mentality has taken over home repairs. Metal roofing can be far easier to install than asphalt roofing, so how do you decide between DIY or professional installation? When you do it yourself, you will save a decent amount of money on labor. However, you won't have the guarantee that the roof is installed correctly and could even void any warranty on the materials. You may also end up paying just as much for the tools to complete the job as for the labor itself.
Time is also a factor to consider. Doing it yourself will take a much longer time than hiring a professional. Some companies may even offer a warranty on their services. If you pick a professional, you should choose someone with metalworking expertise over basic roofing expertise.
Installing a metal roof on your home can be simple, safe, and cut costs if you follow these tips. In no time, you will have a brand new roof on your home that will last you a lifetime. With metal roofing, Austin homes look great, protect the environment, and save homeowners money. If you are ready to purchase a metal roof, contact Hill Country Metal Roofing Supply.
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While preparing to install your roof, you need to ask yourself a few things.
1: Where will you get the materials? 2: Will you install it yourself or hire professionals? 3: What tools and equipment will you need? 4: When will you install it?
Looking over these tips for installing metal roofing will help you decide the answers.
1. Avoid the Summer Blaze
If Austin is known for one thing, it's hot summers. Austin averages well into the 90s for June, July, and August. You don't want to put you or a work crew up on a roof to install a reflective metal. Everyone will get cooked on both sides. You also don't want to get rained out or worry about moisture getting trapped in your roof.
You want a time that is both mild temperature and without lots of rain. The driest month in Austin would be January. Temperatures average between 40.0°F and 60.3°F. November through March is probably your best time, though you could push into April. May is the wettest month, followed by October. The months between the two see skyrocketed temperatures, so its best to avoid those times as well.
2. Have the Panels Rolled on Site
Most metal roofing starts in a large coil that must be rolled out and formed into a roofing panel by a machine. The metal coil has already been treated and painted and needs only to be cut and formed. You can buy the roofing materials as pre-cut or find a roofing materials company that will roll the panels and form them on site.
Having the panels roll-formed on-site cuts down on a lot of costs. You lower the cost of shipping and hasten the deliveries. You cut out possible shipping damage to your panels. You can eliminate any damage that may be caused by large trucks loading and unloading your materials multiple times. You also eliminate the need for costly equipment to unload the materials. The best advantage of having your panels rolled on site is that it allows for any minor last-minute changes.
3. Replace Any Damaged Wood or Supports
Replacing the roof frame if there is any damage is important for any new roof. However, this is especially important for metal roofs. Metal roofs will seal in any moisture that is in the wood frame, so your wood must be dry and undamaged. Check your trusses and supports and make sure they are strong. You may consider adding a sealant to them for extra protection.
This is also a good time to examine the pitch in your home. Some metal roofs need a certain pitch to make sure they shed water properly. If you have a relatively small pitch, make sure the type of metal roofs will fit with your angle. You may consider creating a new roof frame to prevent any water that may collect in low pitch areas.
4. Use the Proper Fasteners
Fasteners are extremely important, as they are what keeps your roof together and in place. Your roof will only be as good as your fasteners. One thing to keep in mind is that different materials move at different rates. Metal and wood expand and contract at different rates. This means you need to make sure you are using the proper fasteners when attaching a metal roof to a wooden frame.
Use pre-drilled purlins and the appropriate clips to fasten your roof instead of driven straight into the wood furring strip. This will prevent fasteners from working themselves out of the wood or breaking their seals. Make sure your fasteners are properly galvanized to protect them from rust and other corrosion. Be aware that exposed fasteners may need to be tightened every 10 to 15 years.
5. Make Sure the Locks are Correct
Metal expands and contracts more than other roofs. This means that your roof must have correctly placed seams and locks to protect your roof from damage when the metal expands or contracts. After being placed, the seams should interlock with the roof. They should not be immovably tight or feel jammed together. If they are too tightly locked, the metal may buckle and cause extensive damage.
The locks and seams should also be properly sealed. Without proper sealing, water may leak into your roof. This is a common problem with metal roofs that have not been properly installed. Adjoining panels should be overlapped by several inches. You should also install a top panel strap, reinforcing plate, and sealant. This will reinforce the seam, the weakest point of the roof, and protect your home from water damage.
6. Use the Correct Tools
The proper tools will make installing metal roofs correctly a breeze. Without it, you may feel very lost. For metal roofing, Austin homes will need several basic tools. While some of the tool needs depend on the type of metal roof to be installed, many of these tools will work for all metal roofs. The most basic will be measuring tools, a long straight-edge of at least 5ft, a blade, a marking tool, and a t-square. You will also need a rivet gun, which is used on a lot of ridgelines.
You will need a panel hemming tool. This tool trims the top or bottom of the panel to fit it into the cleat. Duckbill snips will also come in handy when making long cuts on the flat of the pan. You will also need a seaming tool for when you need to attach seams together. Lastly, using a turbo shear will help you make long fast cuts. These tools are helpful and necessary for metal roofing installation, but they can be pricey.
7. Wear Proper Safety Gear
This applies whether you hire professionals or do the work yourself. You should never attempt to work on a roof without the proper safety gear. When installing metal roofing Austin residents should consider any special safety equipment for your area. Even in more mild months, this may mean having plenty of access to water and hydrating liquids. You should also use sunglasses when installing a metal roof as the sun will reflect strongly off the roof.
Other common-sense safety gear includes safety goggles, durable work gloves, sturdy work shoes with plenty of treads, and no loose clothing or accessories which may get snagged in the worksite. Make sure your ladders are up-to-date with no signs of rust or corrosion. Anyone on the worksite, including children or other adults, should practice awareness as well as staying away from tools. Practicing safety will keep you from paying medical bills for you or anyone else.
8. Double-Check Work to Avoid a Voided Warranty
Once your metal roof installation is complete, you should go through and double-check all the work done. This is to prevent any chance of getting a voided warranty. You do not want to make a claim only to find out your 40-year warranty was voided because of a bad installation. There are a few things to look out for so the work can be redone.
First, be on the lookout for unsealed or jagged edges. Fasteners that have been tightened down too much will look sunken. Any protrusions should be sealed properly. This may be more difficult to check once the roof is installed, but you should make sure the underlayment is correct and the furring strips are spaced properly. When looking over the panels, check to make sure none seem forced into place. Check for dents, warps, or wrinkles which are signs that workers stepped on unsupported areas.
DIY vs Professional Installation
In recent years, DIY or do-it-yourself mentality has taken over home repairs. Metal roofing can be far easier to install than asphalt roofing, so how do you decide between DIY or professional installation? When you do it yourself, you will save a decent amount of money on labor. However, you won't have the guarantee that the roof is installed correctly and could even void any warranty on the materials. You may also end up paying just as much for the tools to complete the job as for the labor itself.
Time is also a factor to consider. Doing it yourself will take a much longer time than hiring a professional. Some companies may even offer a warranty on their services. If you pick a professional, you should choose someone with metalworking expertise over basic roofing expertise.
Installing a metal roof on your home can be simple, safe, and cut costs if you follow these tips. In no time, you will have a brand new roof on your home that will last you a lifetime. With metal roofing, Austin homes look great, protect the environment, and save homeowners money. If you are ready to purchase a metal roof, contact Hill Country Metal Roofing Supply.
Buying top quality roofing materials is just as important as great customer service and product knowledge.
Choosing to install a metal roof is an excellent decision for numerous reasons, including the fact that it will last much longer than a traditional roof, is more energy-efficient, and is better for the environment. However, there are some accessories that are highly recommended for your metal roof that will help make it more effective. These nine metal roof accessories will not only greatly enhance your roof's effectiveness, but will also increase its durability as well.
Why should you choose experienced metal roof installers when you can save money doing it yourself?
How heavy is a metal roof? You might be surprised to learn that it is one of the lightest options. Metal roofs are lighter than asphalt shingles, clay & concrete tiles. The weight of 26-gauge metal roofing is approximately just under one pound per square foot. The weight of 24-gauge metal roofing is about 1.15 pounds. The lower the gauge of the metal, the thicker and heavier the material will be.
Metal roofs are the best option for many property styles. Strong and beautiful they stand up to Texas Weather like locals!
It may be the last roof you will ever need to buy.
Metal can take a little longer but how much longer?
Metal roofing materials can be a great option for people looking to stay cooler, a roof to last longer, and an environmentally-friendly option.
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