Can Metal Roof Installation Be a DIY Project?

In this day and age, there aren’t many roofing options that are more suitable for homeowners than metal roofing. Metal roofs are more durable, more energy efficient, and more resistant to damage than other roofing materials. It is also easier to install than a lot of other types of roofing materials.

However, your metal roof needs to be installed correctly to ensure that it performs as it should. As such, do-it-yourself (DIY) installation isn’t recommended. It’s a much better idea to have a professional roofing contractor handle the installation process.

To better understand why a professional installation is the better option, it helps to learn what’s involved. The following is a brief overview of the installation process:

The Key Steps to Metal Roof Panels Installation

Metal roof installation is a very involved process that requires many different steps. Each step must be done correctly to ensure a long-lasting and durable roof. Keeping that in mind, the following are the key steps involved in a metal roof installation:

• • Measurement of the Roof Area: The roof must be carefully measured to determine the amount of material needed. If it’s not measured correctly, you could end up ordering too much material, which will be a waste of money. Order too little, and your roof’s installation will be delayed while you wait for more material to arrive.
  • Ordering the Metal Roofing Materials: You’ll need to order metal panels in the right size and style to ensure they fit and provide the look you’re after.

• Removal of the Old Roof: Removing the old roof can be a very messy and time-consuming process, depending on the type of roofing material that’s currently in place.
• Adding Insulation: Insulation helps prevent moisture and air infiltration, which can lead to condensation and mold growth. It will also help keep your home energy efficient.
• Eave Flash Installation: Eave flashing is installed along the edge of the roof where it meets the gutters. The flashing helps to direct water away from the roof and into the gutters. The eave flashing must be installed before the metal roof panels can be added.
• Installation of Metal Roof Panels: It’s important to ensure that the panels are installed correctly to ensure a watertight seal. Water can infiltrate the roof and cause serious damage if the panels are not installed properly.
• Adding Flashing: Once the metal roof is installed, flashing is added around any penetrations in the roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys, and skylights, to prevent water infiltration.
• Finish: Once the flashing is installed, your roof is complete. All that’s left is to clean up any debris from the installation process.

Why DIY Metal Roof Panel Installation is Not Recommended

Installing a metal roof requires a lot of steps, as outlined above. However, if you’re still not convinced that hiring a professional is the way to go, consider the following drawbacks of a DIY installation:

• It Does Not Save Money: Many people attempt a DIY installation to save money on the cost of labour. However, most people spend more money when they try to install the roof themselves because they make mistakes requiring them to hire a professional to come in and fix it.
• Risk of Losing Your Warranty: If you don’t have your metal roof installed by a certified professional, you could void the manufacturer’s warranty. As a result, you’ll have to pay for any repairs or replacements needed out of pocket.
• It’s Dangerous: Without proper equipment, training, and experience, installing a metal roof can be very dangerous. Many hazards are involved, such as working with power tools, dealing with sharp edges, and working on a steep roof.

Call Your Metal Roof Panels Installation Experts

At Ironclad Roofing, we offer the highest quality roofing products in the industry. Our team of professional roofers will ensure that your metal roof is properly installed. We provide our clients with a 50-year warranty after the date of installation to protect against cracking, blistering, or peeling. To request a free estimate, contact us online or call us at 905-752-4685 today.