November 19, 2020
Are Metal Roofs Noisy?
If you’re looking to replace your current roof, metal roofing is a durable, low-maintenance alternative to asphalt shingles. To make the most of your investment, it’s important to plan ahead for the metal roof installation process. Learn about the steps that you and your contractor should take to prepare for metal roofing installation.
Consult with a local distributor to select metal roofing materials for your building project. They’ll be able to provide resources such as product information, color charts, technical literature and product samples.
There are several factors to consider when selecting metal roofing panels. The most important consideration is the roof pitch. Make sure to choose a metal panel profile that will perform best with the pitch of your roof in order to keep it weathertight. Once you’ve selected the panel style, choose from a variety of profiles and colors depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences.
For residential applications, the Imperial Rib® panel, an exposed fastener panel, offers rustic charm. The SL-16® panel, a concealed fastener panel, provides a clean, sleek aesthetic.
Next, you’ll need to select a contractor. During this process, it’s important to choose a contractor that has experience installing metal roofing. In many cases, your local distributor can provide references to narrow down your search.
Although the contractor will be responsible for most of the heavy lifting, there are a few things you should do to prepare for metal roof panel installation.
Make sure to clear the space around your home or building to prepare an adequate workspace for your contractor. For commercial properties, you may want to set up barriers to keep your customers safe. For residential buildings, you should remove items from the yard, patio, deck or balcony to keep them from being damaged. Consider protecting landscaping that’s in close proximity to the building by covering it with a tarp.
As a courtesy to your neighbors, consider warning them about the loud noises that will likely occur during the metal roofing installation process.
Make arrangements for any individuals that may be disturbed by the noise. For residential buildings, you should also make arrangements for pets that may need to go outside during the day.
Once you’ve hired a contractor, they’ll begin their prep work by measuring the roof to create a materials list and determine order quantities. This list should contain all of the necessary materials including:
Before the materials list is finalized, you should discuss with your contractor whether or not to vent the ridge cap. In residential situations, this is necessary to circulate air throughout the house.
In most cases, your contractor will be responsible for ordering the roofing materials through the local distributor. Before the order is placed, consider which warranty option is best for you. While a 40-year warranty is the most common choice, some of the lighter gauge materials offer a 20-year warranty option.
Once the roofing materials are delivered, it’s important to inspect them. Your contractor should do the following:
Remove the existing roofing down to the decking. After the existing roofing materials have been removed, the installer should check for bad decking and make any necessary repairs. All ice and water shields and underlayment should be removed and replaced as well.
After all of the prep work is completed, the metal roof installation process can begin. During the installation process, it’s important to communicate with the main contact for your project about any concerns you may have. Once the installation process has been completed, make sure the work is done to your liking. Be sure to finalize payment and warranty information as well.
To learn more about the best practices for metal roof installation, contact your local ABC representative.