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How to Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles

How to Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles

Metal, despite its extreme strength, is extremely light, weighing as little as a pound per sq foot compared to up to four pounds for shingle roofs. The overall weight that the home structure must carry does not rise much when a metal roof is installed over existing shingles. When you install a metal roof over shingles, you save a lot of money that would otherwise have been wasted to mend torn shingles. They have a very long life and are virtually impervious to damage. Since they have great strength, they do not require regular maintenance. Also, they block heat instead of absorbing it. In this article, you will learn how to install metal roofing over shingles, among other things. 

Why Install Metal Roofing Over Existing Shingles?

A lot of people prefer installing shingles because they are low cost. However, they require constant maintenance and frequent replacements. As a result, many owners are just fed up with the ongoing cost, filth, and interruption to their operations. With the help of metal roofing, owners find a way out of the shingle replacement cycle. Metal roofing is typically more expensive when compared to shingles. However, they last for up to 50+ years and do not require constant maintenance either. They have myriads of varieties and colors, and they give an interesting appeal to any building. 

Keeping their durability and beauty aside, they are made from recyclable material. Also, once their lifespan ends, they can be 100% recycled. There’s no better option than metal roofing for environmentally friendly individuals. The main question that arises here is how to install metal roofing over shingles. 

Steps to Take Before Installing Metal Roofing Over Shingles

Many owners want to cut costs when it comes to installing metal roofing over shingles. You should take the following steps if you want the same for your roofing. If you are wondering how to install metal roofing over shingles, follow these steps. 

  • Air vents or pipe flashings act as obstructions and should be removed. 

  • Torn or cranked shingles should be repaired or replaced. 

  • Before installation, the roof should be swept, and debris should be removed. It is done to prevent the nuisance that can be created during the time of installation. 

  • Any leaks or damage should be repaired before installing metal sheets to avoid further damage.

To save on the installation costs, homeowners should not come forward and do this task. It is meant to be performed by professionals. Homeowners who have a basic knowledge of roof care can indulge in regular maintenance. As an amateur, if you risk doing this task, you will put yourself at risk. 

A Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Metal Roofing Over Shingles

Before placing the metal roof, you should know how to install metal roofing over shingles

  • Step 1: Get a Precise Measurement of Your Roof Surface 
    When you get a precise measurement, you will know how many sheets you need to buy to get your job done. The total area of the roof can be calculated with the help of a measuring tape. The process involves accurate measurement of the length and width. 

  • Step 2: Lay Down Roofing Felt Over the Entire Roof
    The main goal is to check if the roofing felt is straight and square, just like the requirement. To ensure this, you will also need to place wooden strips in place. The wood should be of good quality because weak wood won’t hold the screws. 

  • Step 3: Start Putting the Metal Panels Into Place
    During installation, you should make sure that the panels are straight and that their edges are too. Everything should be kept as symmetrical as possible. The screws should also be placed in a straight line. You can put them on flat surfaces or raised ridges. 

  • Step 4: Install Rubber or Foam Closure Strips
    While working on the installation process, you will come across overlaps. These overlaps should be closed using rubber or foam closures. They keep the water from penetrating during rain or storms. You can also attach rubber strips. They serve the same purpose. 

  • Step 5: Attach the Ridge Cap
    The last step in installing metal roofing over shingles is attaching the ridge cap. It is done to prevent leakage. Another option is to attach a mesh. It allows airflow that creates a ridge vent. 

Advantages of Metal Roofs Over Shingles

There are plenty of advantages to metal roofs over shingles. 

  • Metal roofs are more durable and have more strength when compared to shingles. They can last up to 40 to 70 years. 

  • Metal roofs are prone to all weather conditions. Rain or hailstorm, these roofs can withstand everything. 

  • Many of the metal roofs can even withstand fire without any major damage. 

  • They have a variety of colors and types. 

  • When you place metal roofing over shingles, it saves a lot of labor costs and prevents them from being thrown into landfills. 

  • Metal roofs provide extra protection for your home.

Additional Read
Repair or Replace? Perform Roof Inspection and Make a Smart Decision

Conclusion

In this article, we learned how to install metal roofing over shingles. To increase their durability, metal roofs are often placed over shingles. It also saves on labor costs that come with maintaining shingles from time to time. Metal roofs are probably the better choice because they are durable and do not require frequent maintenance. After their lifespan is over, they can be 100% recycled. It is one of the reasons why people have started choosing metal roofs over shingles. Only professionals should perform installation work to avoid any mishaps.

If you are looking for the best roofing materials in Miami then you must visit Florida Lumber to buy quality materials for your roof.

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