DIY Standing Seam Roof Installation Is It Really Worth It by Ryan McCall
If youre seriously considering a DIY standing seam roof installation youd best bone up on your general knowledge regarding what is undoubtedly a great roofing solution. While successful amateur installations are not unheard of your surest bet is to seek the help of a professional. Standing seam roofs are made of numerous interlocking panels which run vertically form ridge or edge of the roof to its apex at the eave. The seam where any two panels interlock is raised just above the surface of the roof allowing water to run off the roof without it dripping in between the panels. This simple structure belies numerous details of installation that if not properly attended to can lessen the efficacy lifespan of the roof.
That said metal roofing panels are generally much easier to move around than traditional clay or fiber glass shingles. Weighing in at only one to two pounds apiece their portability makes the logistics of lugging them onto a rooftop much simpler so your contractors unlikely to charge you the same rates he would for a more challenging job. You can also forego the need to tear the old roofing off as installing a standing seam roof over the old roof is no more difficult than normal installation.
This is why a DIY standing seam roof installation is just more trouble than its worth. But if youre not convinced intent to push through with your project heres some metal roof installation tips. After you lay down your waterproof plastic membrane an essential feature for making sure you dont let any water through your roof youll need to chase it with a layer of roofing paper which you must ensure covers every nook cranny including the spaces between the different roof surfaces the roof valleys . One part of the job youll definitely want to done for you unless its your goal to become a professional roofer youre just practicing on your own home is the making of ridge cap which is preformed to fit over the roofs peak. Once this groundwork has been laid youre ready for the shingles.
If youre intent on going through with your DIY standing seam roof installation however heres a few tips. Youll probably want to lay down some kind of waterproof plastic membrane over the existing roof structure followed by a good layer of roofing paper which will ensure that water stands no chance of making it through into your home. Dont neglect to fill in the roofs valleys the spaces between roof surfaces . Then youll need to cover the roofs peak with a preformed ridge cap which youll need to get made to order unless you really intend to go into the roofing business professionally.
When it comes to shingles there are a few companies such as Permanent Roofing Systems that design shingles specifically made for DIY metal roof installation. There are four way systems of shingles that can be made to interlock with each other by hand or with minimal use of tools. Get someone form manufacturer or a qualified person at your local construction outlet to show you how to fit the pieces together which should be in a staggered pattern for the best visual effect. The same company circulates a PDF choc full of useful DIY metal roof installation tips available for download at permanentroofing. com. Its possible to buy their shingles pre assembled in sheets making for the easiest possible solution to your roofing needs.
Should you attempt to do the job yourself the most likely result will be a standing seam roof that either looks slapped together or else is easily damaged by leaking or swelling ice caught between panels. This is when the cost of DIY standing seam roof installation can actually outstrip that of professionals " because youll probably need to redo the entire job at some point.
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