Corrugated metal sheets are one of the smartest choices when it comes to effective roofing solutions. They are not only fire-resistant but easy to work with and install as well. A critical aspect of corrugated metal roofing, however, is making sure it is watertight. In this article we will cover the proper steps for ensuring quality overlapping and installation.

Dress for safety 

Before you even begin the installation of corrugated metal roofing, you must consider safety. In particular, this means making sure you are dressed in a way that is appropriate for the task at hand. After all, corrugated metal roofing has several important benefits, but it is also a product that can pose a risk of cutting those working with it.

With that in mind, you and anyone else working with you must wear the right protective clothing such as safety goggles that will protect the delicate eye area from stray shards of metal and debris. Robust work gloves will do the same job for your hands, which are at particular risk of being cut or scraped when working with metal sheeting. You may even wish to use earplugs when working with power tools, as over an extended period they can cause damage to their operators’ hearing. 

Plan your project thoroughly 

One of the worst mistakes you can make when working with corrugated metal is to get started without carefully considering each step of the task in front of you. For example, you do not want to have to measure or trim the metal sheets while up on the roof, instead, this work needs to be completed before you begin the installation phase. 

The good news is that most sheets won’t need to be altered or trimmed at all. In fact, it is only the gables or roof edges where alterations will need to be made. Although it is also possible to use a ridge cap in these areas as well. 

Such alterations are particularly important because they provide a customized fit for the roof on which you are working, something that will prevent any water from leaking through and compromising the roof’s structure. 

However, if you do need to cut corrugated metal roofing sheets be sure that you carefully measure them beforehand. Then when you are ready to make the cut choose nibblers, or electric shears for the task, unless it is particularly small and then tin snips may do the job. 

The installation of metal siding

In addition to roofing, corrugated metal sheets are also ideal for use as metal siding. However, the process of installing corrugated metal sheets on the side of a building is a little different than the process for roofs. 

In fact, aside from the safety suggestions above, you will need to begin metal siding work in a particular place. Usually, this is the opposite of the direction that the rain and wind come from as this helps to create a tighter, more effective weatherproof seal. 

Before installing metal siding you will need to work out the directions in which the panels will be overlapped. Remember it is the overlap that prevents water from getting in, so it needs to be right! 

The good news is you should be able to tell which end of the panel is designed for overlap and which is for underlap pretty easily. This is because the overlap parts stick up, while the underlap part is situated lower. As you install each panel make sure that the overlapping ridge sits directly over the underlap of the previous panel.

Fastening and sealing the panels 

You probably have a good idea that ensuring the panels are watertight and secure are some of the most important things when working with corrugated metal. Indeed, their whole design revolves around these factors. However, that doesn’t mean that correct fastening and sealing don’t also play an important role. 

In fact, if the slope of the roof you are working on is 2:12 or less it is vital to use sealant on the overlapping parts of the sheeting. 

Fortunately, applying sealant is a pretty easy task, as all you need to do is apply a line all the way down the length of the underlap ridge. Then as you place the overlapping ridge in position the sealant will help glue both pieces together and offer protection against water getting into the joint. 

After sealing, you can apply screw fasteners. These should be 1-1.5 inch screws with waterproof washers at the head. Often neoprene or rubber washers are used. Install these screw fasteners with an electric drill with a screwdriver tip in rows of three. The first two should be on each side of the overlay underlay ride, while the third should be directly placed through the ridge itself. Repeat this down the entire overlap joint every 6 inches to complete the task. 

There are plenty of things that determine how much you’ll have to pay for your home insurance. The age and location of the property are two of the biggest influencers, for instance. But then there’s also the matter of the quality of the building. A home that is watertight and has robust infrastructure will be less of a risk than one that has seen better days. When the cost of the insurance policy is being put together, companies look at various factors, but ultimately they’re performing a risk assessment. 

As such, any home upgrade that minimizes the likelihood of an insurance claim will be rewarded. A robust roof upgrade is one such example of a professional job that’ll make your home better and thus reduce the risk of something going wrong. Incidentally, if you were wondering about what other home upgrades can reduce the cost of your insurance, some examples include — giving your home security a boost, changing out your windows, and installing water shutoff devices that disconnect your water when a problem with the pipes is disconnected. 

It’s not hard to see how upgrading your roof will minimize the risk. It’s not necessarily the advantages of a solid roof; it’s more than defective roofs are disasters waiting to happen. If it’s outdated and weak, then all it’ll take is one extra-strong storm, and you might wake up to a lot of expensive water damage in your home. 

What’ll influence the discount rate?

Of course, it’s not as if you’ll automatically receive a big discount on the cost of your insurance just because you have a new roof. As with most things, it’ll be the quality of the work that influences the final cost. If your roof is made from high-quality materials and has been expertly installed by a professional, then you’ll receive more of a discount compared with if the new roof was shoddily installed. 

Once you’ve begun your roof installation projection, it’s a good idea to talk with your insurance provider. They’ll take into account the materials that you’ll be using and the company you’re hiring to perform the work; once they have that information, they can begin figuring out your discount. How much you’ll save will depend on various factors.

Other Ways to Save 

Of course, saving money on your home insurance isn’t the only way installing a new roof can save you money. If you choose the correct materials, then you’ll likely find that you save in other ways, too. For example, it’s a good idea to look at the longevity of the roof that you’re installing. If it’s going to last decades, then you can essentially think of the cost of the replacement roof as an investment. A metal roof, for example, will last for between 40 – 70 years. 

New roof benefits

There’s more to a new roof than savings. You’ll be improving the overall quality of your home, making your property safer, and all have peace of mind that your home is secure. Nobody wants to go to bed during a storm wondering if their roof is going to make it through the night. A solid, well-installed roof eliminates this problem. 

Conclusion

Ready to get started? Then be sure to get in touch with our team of experts at RPS Metal Roofing & Siding. We’re known for being the leading manufacturer and distributor of metal roofs in the Welaka, Florida region. You can get in touch by calling at 386-866-3472 or using our live web chat feature to speak with one of our helpful members of staff. 

If you’re thinking of having a metal roof installed on your home, you probably want to learn a little more about the options open to you before you make a final decision. It’s tricky because there are lots of options open to you and they each offer something different.

To give you a better idea of which type of metal roof might be for you, we’re going to cover some of the most popular options and what makes them unique. So read on now to find out about each of them.

29 Gauge Corrugated Metal Roofing

29 gauge corrugated metal roofing is often used on barns and other similar structures. It’s very common and uses a screw down system, making it very easy to install and easy to purchase from many retailers as well. It’s not to be used for housing but it has a range of other important functions. Barns, farm outhouses and other buildings make use of this affordable roofing solution.

R-Panel Metal Roofing

Many commercial and industrial buildings will use R-panel roofing, which makes use of exposed fastener panels and is made of 26 gauge metal. It’s often found on steel buildings, and remains cheap to buy and install. Exposed fastened metal is not the most ideal option in terms of long-term durability, and that’s why hidden fastened panels are usually seen as the slightly better option.

26 Gauge Nail Fin Metal Roofing

26 gauge nail fin roofing uses a snap lock system and is generally seen as an upgrade on some of the options we’ve already discussed above. This is a type of roofing that’s very commonly used on residential homes and other such projects, and it requires a solid wood deck beneath it. It’s held in place via the pre punched slots along the side of each panel which connect to the wood decking.

1-3/4” Snap Lock Metal Roofing

This is another example of a standing seam panel, and 1-3/4” snap lock metal roofing is commonly used on both residential and commercial properties. It uses a clip system to attach and is popular on a range of projects. Just like other snap lock panels, however, it can’t be installed on open purlins.

Mechanically Seamed Metal Roofing

Mechanically seamed metal roofs can be crimped after the roofing has already been laid, making the seam of the roof safe and watertight. They’re most popular on projects that involve laying roofing on a low slope because of the option of creating optimal water drainage. They’re very popular on commercial and industrial buildings in particular.

If you have any further questions about the types of metal roofing available to you, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re more than happy to help you in any way we can. The world of metal roofing options is complex and we understand that choosing the right solution for your property can be tricky, but hopefully the information above will have helped you out.

Metal Roofing For Commercial Buildings 

Metal roofing provides an appealing aesthetic and durability. It has long been the preferred siding and roofing material for many architects and commercial building owners. The combination of performance, affordability, and versatility makes metal a great choice for any commercial building project. 

Why Choose Metal Roofing?

Metal commercial roofing offers a good alternative to other used materials. Other options may have a lower cost upfront, but they also offer a shorter life span and need more maintenance. 

Metal roofing is capable of lasting for sixty or more years and needs minimal maintenance. It can withstand wind up to 140 miles per hour and you won’t find it cracking or eroding due to severe weather. Metal roofing is also fire resistant and energy-efficient. 

Curved Roofing Systems

Whether used for an entire roof or a design accent, a curved roofing system is a great choice in commercial roofing projects. They are often fabricated on the job site with a standing seam system for arched canopies, curved roofs, or walkway covers. These offer a lower cost in terms of transportation because they are created on-site. 

• Maxima 1.5 & Maxima ADV
• 138T & 238T
• Medallion I

Recover and Retrofit Systems

If you are faced with deteriorating or aging roofs, then a complete replacement may not be a viable long-term solution.  This is even more true when you have a roof with a 1/4:12 slope or greater that has conventional membranes and needs ongoing maintenance because of moisture damage or UV degradation. If you have a commercial roof that is thirty-forty years old on a pre-engineered building you will also benefit from a new roof that is placed directly over the pre-existing metal panels. Recover and Retrofit systems can provide the same benefits as a standing seam metal roof without the need to replace the roof completely. 

• 138T Shingle Recover
• 238T Metal-Over-Metal Recover
• Low Slope to Steep Slope Metal Roofing

Exposed Fastener Panel Options

Exposed fastener metal roofs represent the most economical option for commercial building projects.  These systems involve overlapping panels that are secured directly to the roof deck through the face of the metal. They are known as “exposed” because the fastener head remains visible when they are installed. These panels are usually wider and therefore fewer panels are needed for installation. 

• Max-Rib
• Mesa
• R-Panel
• Multi-Rib
• Multi-Cor & M-Cor
• 5V
• Mega-Rib

Soffit, Fascia, and Canopy System Options

Before installing metal roofing for commercial buildings, it’s recommended that you use the same material for a commercial project’s soffit, fascia, and canopy. You can use these for horizontal and vertical installations and in a variety of pan conditions. Whether they are being used for porch ceilings, canopy installations, or roof eaves, these can provide a simple but attractive finishing touch to a commercial building project. 

• FW
• Marquee-Lok/Marquee II
• Matrix
• MCP

Metal Shingles and Simulated Tile

Combining both the curb appeal and aesthetic look of traditional shingles, slate, ceramic, or cedar tiles with the same performance as metal, these have become a popular choice for commercial building projects. They are an easy, fast, reliable, and affordable solution. In a variety of colors and styles, metal shingles look realistic, are durable, and energy-efficient. 

• Met-Tile – Metal Roof Tiles
• Milan (Steel Shingles)

Insulated Metal Panels

These are the cutting edge of any of the metal building products. IMP’s (Insulated Metal Panels) is a composite panel that consists of a metal skin exterior coupled with a polyisocyanurate insulation foam core. They provide superior weather-tightness and boast around a three-hour fire rating. This means they are ideal solutions for and commercial buildings that have specific climate-control needs. They are created by a continuous poured-in-place manufacturing processing and can be used vertically and horizontally. Plus they also look aesthetically pleasing. 

• Green Span Profiles

Standing Seam and Concealed Fastener Wall Systems

A standing seam roof system includes a series of panels that are supported and connected by raised seams above a flat surface. Instead of sitting flush against the roof deck, the seams allow the panels to snap together and snap together with a mechanical interlock without being exposed or visible. As well as providing a modern, sleek look and standing seam system allows panels to contract and expand with altering temperature which helps them to stand the test of time. 

• Maxima
• 138T & 238T
• Meridian
• Medallion-Lok
• MasterLok-90/MasterLok-FS
• Mirage II
• Medallion I/Medallion II
• Instaloc

Choosing the right metal roofing for commercial buildings is a big decision. The expectation and expense shouldn’t outweigh choosing the right roofing contractor to ensure your roofing solutions are installed properly. Get in touch with us today for more information. 

Wind. It can come in the strength of a hurricane or cyclone or a microburst or tornado. No matter the kind that’s happening outside, you deserve to be warm, comfortable and toasty inside the house. The battering wind is one thing, but you should be able to live inside the house without feeling as if it’s going to cave in. Sometimes, wind gusts last a few minutes but other times, they can go on for days. Wind is a powerful asset that can power our homes, but in some cases, it can be a significant danger to you and your property.

Being able to secure home from high winds is important for your comfort. You want to know that your home is reinforced against the wild wind outside, and that means doing all that you can to secure your home from high wind as best you can. Below, we’ve got four excellent tips for helping you to secure your home against the onslaught of Mother Nature. It’s vital that you concentrate on the weak points of the home, such as the walls, windows and the roof. The steps below will help:

Installing Metal Roofing

While shingle roofing may look nice on the outside, you have the added worry of shingles flying off the house in high wind when the gales get up. If you want your roof to remain secure, the best thing that you can do for your home is to invest in metal roofing. It’s sturdy against the wind and not as expensive to replace compared to individual shingles on the roof of your home. Metal roofing is also better for the house when it comes to insulation, so you get benefits beyond securing the home against wind.

Reinforce Your Garage Door

When there are high winds blowing outside, your garage door is a weak point in the house that you want to ensure is as secure as possible before gale force winds hit the house. If the garage door isn’t secure, you’re looking at external damage and internal damage to the garage, too. You should consider hiring a company to do an inspection on your garage door to learn whether it’s able to stand strong winds.

Protect Exterior Doors & Windows

We talked about weak points of the house, well your doors and windows are just as vulnerable as the roof and garage door. French doors and sliding doors are often weak against the wind pressure, so storm shutters could make a big difference. These would work over the regular windows of the house, too. Depending on the number of storm shutters you need, budgeting early is a good idea!

Cut Back Greenery

It’s beautiful to have trees and tall bushes outside the home, but if these lean too far over or fall in high winds, you’re going to see a lot of damage that will be expensive to fix. Trees should sit away from the house and if you feel that these won’t be secure, you may need to consider cutting back the trees properly or having them removed.

Each of these tips will help you to secure your home from high winds, so why not start planning them today?