To the average homeowner, metal roof installation may seem like a fairly simple process. The roofers bolt the metal panel down to your roof deck, and that's about it – right? Not really. Installing a metal roof is actually a bit more involved than this. Here are four important steps in a quality metal roof installation.
Checking and Repairing the Roof Deck
This step is the reason most roofers advise against simply installing metal roof panels directly over a shingle roof. It's important to remove any previous roof materials so the roofers can get a good look at the roof deck. If there are any damaged or rotten boards, the roofers will replace them. This ensures the structural integrity of the roof.
Installing Underlayment
Underlayment is a sheet of felt or synthetic material that is laid over the entire roof deck and then fastened in place with either nails or staples. It forms a protective barrier over the roof deck so the wood is not exposed to water should your metal roof begin leaking. In other words, underlayment keeps a minor problem with your metal roofing from becoming a major issue with your roof deck. There are many kinds of underlayment, and your roofer will choose one that's ideal for your climate.
Installing Drip Edge
Drip edge is often confused with underlayment, but the two are quite different. Drip edge is thicker. It's made from plastic, and sometimes vinyl. It comes in long strips and is positioned along the edges of your roof. Its role is to make sure any water tumbles off the edge of the roof rather than sitting there. It protects the very edges of your roof if the metal panels in this area become lifted, which is not uncommon with older roofs or in big storms. The drip edge is installed over the underlayment but under the metal panels.
Applying Insulation
Insulation is important with any roof material, but especially with metal. Sometimes, insulated roofing panels with insulation pre-fixed to the back are used. Other times, a roofer may install sheets of rigid insulation under the metal. The insulation not only keeps the home warm but also helps absorb sound so your metal roof is not noisy when it rains.
Metal roof installation will include all of these steps. Talk to your roofing contractor to learn more about the installation process and the materials they use.
When you develop a roof leak, you don't have time to ignore it. Issues with leaks can cause problems as simple as incoming water and as wide-ranging as mold accumulation inside your home, which is why you should never let an issue sit. However, if you aren't careful, you could develop problems with roofing that is simply open to the elements, allowing rain and snow to enter your home, melt, and contribute to problems like mold growth. On this blog, you can learn more about the kinds of roofing issues that you could be faced with, and what to do about them.