To install a metal roof, you need safety gear, cutting tools, fasteners, underlayment, and panels. Prep involves removing old roofing, repairing decking, and laying underlayment. Panels are installed from rake to rake with proper overlap, screws, and closure strips. Ridge caps and sealing complete the job.
What tools and materials do you need to install a metal roof?
Installing a metal roof requires specific tools for cutting, fastening, sealing, and safety.
Start with safety gear:
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Safety glasses
- Roof harness or fall arrest system
Essential tools include:
- Cordless drill
- Metal snips or nibblers
- Tape measure, chalk line
- Utility knife, roofing square
- Caulking gun for sealants
Installers also need:
- Synthetic or felt underlayment
- Metal panels
- Closure strips
- Butyl tape
- Self-tapping screws with rubber washers
Using fasteners rated for metal roofing and proper sealants ensures long-term leak prevention.
How to prepare your roof before installing metal roofing
Proper preparation is critical for secure, durable panel installation.
Inspect and repair decking
Remove old roofing. Examine decking for:
- Rot
- Warping
- Soft spots
Replace any damaged wood. If extensive, professional roof damage repair may be needed before continuing.
Install roofing underlayment
Lay synthetic underlayment or 30-lb felt. Start at the eave and overlap rows by 4 inches. Fasten using cap nails or staples and cover the entire roof surface.
This layer protects against condensation and ice damming under the metal.
How to measure for metal roof panel installation
Accurate measurements prevent waste and ensure correct panel ordering.
Define the rake (sloped edge from ridge to eave). Then:
- Measure eave length
- Measure slope length (along rake)
- Multiply both to get square footage
Add 10% to 15% to account for overlap, waste, and cutting margins.
For complex layouts or multi-slope roofs, consider professional roof installation services.
How do I install a metal roof panel by panel?
Install panels starting at the rake and working across. Proper overlap and fastening prevent leaks.
Installing drip edge and closure strips
Nail drip edge flashing along eaves and rakes every 8–10 inches. Lay down foam closure strips at the eave before placing panels.
Placing the first panel
Lay the first panel square to the eave with 1-inch overhang. Fasten it temporarily to adjust alignment.
Overlapping and fastening panels
Lap each panel over the previous one rib. Use self-tapping screws with washers, spaced every 12–24 inches.
Metal roof installation experts often follow additional wind-uplift fastening codes in coastal and storm-prone regions.
How to finish a metal roof installation
Final steps include sealing the ridge and protecting exposed areas.
Ridge cap installation
Apply vented or solid closure strips at the ridge. Align the cap with a chalk line, lay butyl tape, then fasten every 12 to 16 inches.
Ensure tight seals across the ridge for moisture and pest protection.
How to tarp a roof temporarily (if needed)
If installation is interrupted:
- Cover the exposed roof with a tarp
- Secure edges with wood strips and screws
Temporary protection methods are often used during emergency roof leak repair service calls.
Common mistakes to avoid when installing metal roofing
Avoid these frequent errors to extend roof life and prevent failure.
- Over-tightening screws, which crush washers and cause leaks
- Improper panel overlap (direction matters for wind resistance)
- Skipping closure strips, which invite pests and water
- Laying panels out of square, resulting in misaligned seams
- Ignoring attic airflow, risking condensation under panels
These mistakes are often avoided by hiring certified metal roof installation contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a metal roof by myself?
Yes, if you’re skilled with tools and roof safety. However, professional installation is recommended for multi-level or complex roof designs.
What is the best way to measure a roof for metal panels?
Multiply rake length by eave width, then add 10–15% extra. Consider features like valleys or dormers separately.
What is the rake of a roof in metal roofing?
The rake is the angled edge of a sloped roof, running from the ridge down to the eave. It guides panel layout and trim placement.
For technical standards on metal roofing safety and fastener installation spacing, refer to OSHA.gov’s construction guidelines.
