How to Put a Steel Roof Over the Current Roof of Your Home
A metal roof can be a good choice for a home, as they're very durable and may withstand storms and other potential damage very easily. If you're thinking about getting steel for your home's roof, you can actually apply it yourself if you have some experience in home repair. One advantage of a steel roof is that you can typically put it right over your current roofing materials, including damaged asphalt shingles and tiles. This eliminates the cost of a tear-off, so that you don't need to pay a landfill to take your old shingles or find a recycling center for them. It can also mean a faster roofing repair job. Note a few important steps and considerations in this process so you know you get it done right.
Layers of the roof
Before you decide to layer your roofing materials, be sure you check with your local city clerk's office or other facility that issues building permits, as they may limit the number of roofing layers you have for your home. If an older roof was also applied over a previous roof, you may need to remove those tiles and other coatings first before you can get a permit.
Weight
Steel is typically a very lightweight choice, but you do need to note the weight of steel shingles or a standing seam, which refers to long pieces of steel that reach one end of the roof to the other. Steel shingles are usually bolted to the home's roof frame, so in addition to the weight of your current roof, you need to consider the weight of the steel and the bolts or connectors. For very old homes that are not meant to hold up so much weight, this can mean damage to the roofing frame and the need for bracing or strengthening.
Felt and batten boards
Underneath the steel roof, you should apply felt over the old shingles in order to increase insulation and cover up any damage to the flashing or roofing paper. This can be applied with a roofing nail gun. You should then apply battens over the felt to help secure the steel to the roof itself. Drill these into the home's frame to keep them in place.
Closure strips
As you put down each section of shingles or standing seam section, add closure strips. These go between the gaps of the sections so that you have fewer problems with pests who may burrow into those areas and nest or try to get into your home. Tape or sealant is applied over the closure strips to ensure they're protected from damage.
Contact a company that offers steel sales for more information about your steel roofing options.
Share