5 Tips For DIY Metal Roofing

5 Tips For DIY Metal Roofing - Do it Yourself Metal Roof Installation Will Save a Lot of Money

Why pay someone to install your metal roof, when you can do it yourself and save the money?

Installing a metal roof sounds like a big deal to many people; but it isn't necessarily. If you are reasonably handy and fit, know how to use a hammer and climb a ladder, and can follow instructions you can likely install a metal roof. Yes, it will be a little time consuming and laborious but but can be well worth it, especially when you consider the amount of money you will save.

I had done some research on DYI metal roofing and have put together all that I could gather from my research. Below are a few tips on do it yourself metal roof installation which may come handy in your installation process:

Before you begin your do it yourself metal roof installation make sure that you have all the required tools and materials ready, like:

* Metal Roofing Material (copper shingles or other), Tin snips
* Roofing nails, Utility knife
* Ladder, Hand seamer
* Safety rope, Measuring tape
* Hammer, Soft-soled shoes and hand-cleaner
* Roofing cement, Chalk line, etc.

Analyze your roof:

* The roof deck should be solid.
* Should have ½ an inch of plywood or 7/16 inch of wafer board.
* The roof slope should at least be 3:12.

Measure the roof: it is important to measure your roof top with the help of slope factor and roof top method. Trim pieces are calculated with total length and shingles are calculated in sq. ft.

After valleys, underlayments, starter strips and gable ends are installed, you can start shingle application. Remember, that the installation of shingles should be done from left right and they must be pressed tightly upwards. Next, the shingles should be held in place by nailing them through holes in nailing flanges.

While applying shingles make sure that the projecting tab on the upper left is placed into the groove on the upper right of the next shingle. Also remember, that irrespective of the roof style shingles should be applied from left to right.

In case you are thinking of replacing your home roofing and you are a style conscious person, I'm quite sure metal roofing is what you are looking for. Moreover judging by the benefits that metal roofs offer, it comes as no surprise that they have grown to be one of the most preferred roofing material alternatives for home owners. There are a huge variety of materials available on the market for metal roofing, such as aluminum, zinc, copper, steel and so on and so forth. Each of these materials differs in their aesthetic features and the purpose they serve and are designed to suit certain roofing styles only. Therefore, before installing a certain kind of roof for your house it is very important for you to know which material is likely to suit your roof style.

These do it yourself metal roof installation tips are relevant for both copper and aluminum shingle installation. So to conclude a house with a beautiful metal roof always looks nice but it looks even better when it is fruit of your own efforts. So go ahead and install your own roof to enjoy all the benefits that it offers without needing to hire a professional.

Zinc Tile

When one thinks of metal tiles for decoration they think of copper or stainless steel, but a lesser known, yet beautiful option is zinc. Zinc offers much of the elegance that these other materials offer, but with a stunning light silver/blue tint. Furthermore, zinc is germicidal, which makes its use in kitchens and bathrooms an excellent choice.

Zinc is the fourth most common metal in use, trailing only iron, aluminum, and copper in annual production. Zinc is used to coat steel metal tiles to protect against rusting when moisture is present. Zinc metal tiles are not only beautiful but are able to be given patterns and designs that will last a lifetime. A good example of a minted metal tile-like product that has been in use for many years is the penny. Zinc is the primary metal used in making American pennies since 1982. Just think, if a penny that is being bounced around for decades can still keep its luster, then what would a zinc metal tile look like nuzzled into the design of your kitchen tile backsplash?

Zinc which has a bluish-white appearance may be used to coat steel and iron metal wall tiles giving them a unique color. Some say that zinc has germicidal qualities and will keep kitchens and bathrooms more sanitary.

Zinc metal tiles have a sophisticated European feel that blends well with any material. When choosing zinc tile the homeowner must consider the application, because some food and drink products that come in contact with the tile will form a patina Zinc oxide on the tile; changing the appearance. During the first few weeks following galvanization, the zinc coating develops a natural protective patina. If allowed to develop naturally, the patina itself provides an inert corrosion protection layer for the active zinc metal. If zinc metal tile is used in kitchens you will need to clear coat the Zinc if the patina look does not fit your design idea.

All metal tiles are striking, but zinc in particular will help you stand out as a connoisseur of good taste.

Tin Roofing - Advantages And Disadvantages

Whether you are just beginning to build your home or renovating a current one, there will be decisions to be made as to what sort of roofing materials to use. You certainly have a lot of choices. Tin roofing may not always be on the top of the list - especially with commercial builders. But tin does have several advantages. The material was used a lot in the 1800's due to its ease of production and installation. If you drive through the country, you can still see that much of the tin roofing remains standing.

Tin roofing can be produced in thin sheets making it lightweight and, in turn, easy to handle. The initial cost can be high though despite tin being the cheapest of all building materials. The material is notorious for being noisy (especially during those rainy days) and a professional roofer is required to install it, which is where much of the high cost comes from. The roofer will make sure it is properly sound proofed, alleviating the possible headaches you may get from the tapping of rain or hail on your roof.

Tin is, obviously, a metal. Despite being highly resistant to corrosion, the material covering the tin can wear off over time. This is especially true if you live in areas that produce high amounts of rain or snow. With a prolonged beating it can rust. Proper maintenance is required with every roof, tin included. To prevent this oxidation from occurring you should treat it on a regular basis and make sure it is properly maintained. Be it bad dirt or simple wear, there are some chemicals that are very mild in nature which can help you to get rid of it. These chemicals can also serve to protect the tin if you painted it.

While far from being a popular choice, some people will choose tin whether they are putting the finishing touches on a new home or remodeling an old one. There are a couple of reasons for this. A tin roof is incredibly inexpensive and highly durable. There aren't many drawbacks to using properly soundproofed tin roofing, but there is one important one: hurricanes. If you are living in an area that experiences hurricanes or very high winds, then tin is not the right choice for you.

Otherwise, regardless if you're building a new home or putting the finishing touches on a fixer-upper, tin certainly has to be on the short list of materials to be considered on any of those projects. Just be sure to correctly maintain the roof over the years with chemicals meant for treating tin. In order to make sure it is installed correctly and efficiently soundproofed, make sure to have it professionally installed by a licensed and bonded roofer. Taking these simple steps can let your tin roof last for generations, unlike traditional roofing materials that may only last 5 years.