We actually live in a do it yourself paradise these days with resources such as the internet and supplement books offering practical advice. So, what about putting on metal roofing systems?
Metal roofing is a popular and extremely durable roofing material. Actually, metal roofing had a surge of popularity a couple of hundred years ago when zinc, copper, and iron were used on many buildings. This use declined a bit, but is now metal is once again a popular choice especially on garages, storage sheds, and other smaller buildings. Metal roofing material is not the least expensive option, however, and the cost sends people scrambling to learn how to install metal roofing as a do it yourself project.
There is one important rule that should be considered here when evaluating this decision. If the roof is on a high building and the pitch of the roof is so steep that you can not easily walk on it, this job should be done by a professional roofing contractor. There are some people that compare working on a roof with working on a small boat in rough water. An experienced sailor gets his "sea legs" and the experienced roofer gets his "roof legs" that enable him to work safely.
On less steeply pitched roofs or on smaller and lower outbuildings, the safety concern is not so great and the truth is that installation is not overly difficult although proper tools and an idea of what you are doing is very essential. The tools consist of a drill, good hammer, the right sized nails and screws for the type of panels being used, and good safe ladders. A pouch to hold tools and nails while leaving your hands free is very important. A metal cutting tool is, of course, necessary as well.
There are several types of common metal roofing panels. The V-crimp roofing panels are considered the easiest to install. Whenever possible the existing shingles or roofing material should be removed and 30 pound tar paper laid as the foundation. In some cases, when there is only a thin single layer of shingles, they can be left in place and the metal roofing placed over a slat board system. This consists of wood boards spaced apart to be uses as the base for the metal panels.
We live in the information age and the internet is filled with sites that can give us specific instructions for just about any project. The real beginning of a good DIY project including a roofing job is to learn as much about it as possible. When evaluating the installation of metal roofing and the use of a profession contractor for the job, do not get so fixated on the initial cost that you forget the potential long term savings and the idea of personal safety.
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