How To Install Metal Roofing On A Shed
Metal roofing is perfect for sheds because of its low cost and how easy it is to install. Still, many home improvement enthusiasts and building-owners have not installed metal roofing on a shed before and want to know how it can be done properly. So, how exactly do you do it?
To install metal roofing on a shed, you need get the roof’s measurements, clear the roof off, install insulation, put in edging, and finally, install the metal roof panels. Once you’ve done that, all that you need to do is put in roof ventilation and finish by installing the flashing trim.
We will walk you through the process step by step so that you are not alone in your endeavors. We will also provide you with a list of tools that you will need and answer any questions that you might have about the process. This way, You can do the job successfully and smoothly.
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Make Sure You Acquire The Correct Tools
There are several tools and materials that you will need to install metal roofing on your shed, such as:
- Flashing
- Metal panels/shingles
- Drill
- Hammer and Sheet metal screws
- Vent kit
- Circular saw
- Silicone sealant
Let’s get into how to install metal roofing on a shed, step by step.
Why Should You Choose Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing is a common choice for sheds because of how long it lasts. Generally, metal roofing can last 50 or more years. Compared to the 20-25 year maximum lifetime of regular asphalt shingles, metal roofing is the choice for the long haul.
There is also a safety benefit to metal roofing in that it is highly fire resistant. That can only be good news in the context of a shed which often can contain flammable materials and sits in the sun. How much your metal roof will cost is based on the type of metal you choose.
Type of Metal | Price Per Square Foot |
Steel | $3.00 – $4.50 |
Copper | $12.00- $24.00 |
Aluminum | $3.35-$6.00 |
Tin | $3.30-$14.80 |
Corrugated Metal | $1.70-$2.50 |
Zinc | $5.50-$12 |
Generally, shed roofs won’t measure more than 80 to 100 sq. ft. Corrugated metal roofing, for example, would only cost you between $136 and $200 for an 80 sq. ft. roof. That alone is why so many builders opt for metal roofing. More expensive metals, like copper, can cost you between $960 and $1,920 for an 80 sq. ft. roof. Inexpensive metals like corrugated metal, steel, tin, and aluminum are quite effective and easy to install.
Installing Metal Roofing On A Shed
Before you can begin, you’ll need to settle on a specific metal. Aluminum, steel, and tin are great choices because they are cheap and durable. After you have chosen and purchased your metal, you will need to measure the roof of your shed. To determine square footage of your shed’s roof, you need to determine the area and the slope.
The area is determined by multiplying length x width. Slope is the rise over run, with the slope referring to vertical height and run referring to the length between the rise and the underside of the roof rafter. When you multiply the slope by the area, you will come out with the square footage. That is what lets you know just how much metal you will need. Now, you can get started.
Step 1: Clear The Roof
If there are old shingles, remove them. Clear the roof of any debris, old adhesive, or screws and nails that are old and sticking out.
If you wish to, at this point, you can insulate the roof by hammering down plywood, placing building paper to keep moisture out, and installing pre-cut fiberglass batts. Check to see if the specific roofing metal you chose has alternate recommendations for insulation.
Step 2: Place The Edging
Edging is important because it helps water flow off of your roof. As the name suggests, place the edging at the edge of the roof. Use a hammer and 1” to 1 ¼” nails to hammer the edging into the roof.
Don’t use edging as an alternative to gutters, however. The two go hand in hand, and you should install the edging to where it sits above the gutter without obstructing it.
Step 3: Prepare And Install The Metal Roofing
You may need to use a circular saw to make cuts if you bought metal paneling as opposed to shingles. Keep a circular saw nearby in case you need to cut shingles or panels if there are harsh edges in the roof. This part of the process of roofing your shed can be split into two steps.
Instructions
- Place the roofing. Begin by placing and hammering in the metal roofing starting from the edging and working your way back. Make sure that you have roughly a half inch of overhang over the edging. The screws need to be placed every 18”-24” with the first one going in at the 6”-8” mark from the edging.
- Don’t forget the washers. You need to place a washer on each screw before screwing it in. The washer plays a bigger role in how the screws hold than how tight you fasten them. Make sure that the screws can be easily removed if necessary.
- Seal the panels together. Each panel should be placed so that the large lip hangs over the smaller lip of the panel it is going over. Seal each panel together using a silicone sealant in clean lines. Make sure that the silicone sealant that you use is 100% silicone.
- Set the panels. When you apply the silicone sealant to the underside of each panel, gently lay each panel back down on the shingle or panel it hangs over, and the sealant will spread on its own forming a tight bond. Make sure that each successive panel is laid down in sealed in a large lip/small lip pattern for the entire surface of the roof.
- Adjust the length. If there are edges or corners where a full panel or shingle won’t fit, use your circular saw to adjust the length. Once you have cut a shingle to fit the corner, apply the silicone sealant and carefully place it so that it adheres to the angle.
Step 4: Scout And Install Ventilation
Scout out the spot of the roof where your ventilation pipe will go in. A great place for vents is in the center of the roof. You can cut a hole in the roof using a circular saw and simply install a vent pipe.
Use silicone sealant to secure the vent over the opening. Once you’ve done that, climb down from the roof and go inside the shed itself. Screw in the vent cover and make sure everything is well sealed.
Alternatively, you could install ventilation on the side of the shed by cutting out a rectangle and placing a vent. In that scenario, you will need a saw, sealant, and a vent cover as well.
Step 5: Install The Flashing As The Final Step
The flashing is the last thing that you will add to your shed roof. Much like edging and gutters, flashing helps protect your roof and shed by keeping water from seeping in.
Anywhere that two lengths of roofing metal come together, you will need to place flashing. You can form the flashing by hand as it easily bends. Form the flashing to a v shape that is enough to cover the intersection between two panels or shingles. Use screws and washers to secure the flashing in place, and now your shed is doubly protected from water.
Doing It Yourself Saves You Money
If you are comfortable installing metal roofing yourself, it will save you a lot of money. Roofing an 80 sq. ft. shed roof with steel could cost you as little as $240. When you hire someone to help repair or roof your shed for you, it costs an average of $868. Before spending the extra $300-$600 to hire someone to roof your shed, consider doing it yourself following the steps detailed above.
If you feel you may need some guidance, don’t hesitate to contact a friend or family member that could help you. Make sure that they are familiar with roofing jobs. You may have to pay them a little bit of money, but it won’t be anywhere near $800. Ask them if you can pay them $200 to come to teach you what you need to know. You can then apply this knowledge for the next roofing job you do, whether it’s for your house or shed.
Do You Need Metal Roofing Installation or Replacement?
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Summing It Up
Installing metal roofing on your shed is as easy as clearing it off, placing edging, installing the panels/shingles, putting in ventilation, and installing flashing. Choosing cheaper metals like corrugated or aluminum only costs $200 and $268, respectively, for an 80 sq. ft. roof.
In general, it is always recommended to have at least one extra set of hands while doing any form of roof work. That way, you can freely and safely pass materials back and forth as well as finish the job faster.
You won’t regret choosing a metal roof when you save money and have such an easy time with the installation. Just some of the benefits of metal roofing includes:
- Energy efficient
- Resistance to fire
- Can last 50 or more years
- Lots of variety in materials
Whether you choose copper, aluminum, tin, or zinc, each one has a unique look and style that will add character to your shed.
Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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