Installing the screw perpendicular to the metal surface is critical. Tighten the fastener so the rubber washer is completely compressed, but as a rule of thumb if the washer is splayed out and visible, then the fastener is too tight.įasteners should be screwed in easily with little resistance. Errors here can be the result of:ĭuring installation, always check the washer to ensure screws are not over- or under-tightened. One of the single largest reasons for metal roof leaks and prolonged roof maintenance is poorly installed roofing fasteners and faulty sealing washers. But, metal doesn’t leak penetrations in metal leak. Leaking is probably the most common problem with metal roofing. Otherwise, the roof will break loose or create gaps for moisture as it expands and contracts. Before installation, check for dry rot and signs of water damage on the roof deck before installation.

Also, a metal roof is only as good as the base it sits on. Mark James, marketing consultant at Roof Hugger, Lutz, Fla., believes some of the top mistakes metal roofing contractors make are not having the roof attachment properly designed by the manufacturer and not selecting the proper roof panel system to begin with. ”It’s crucial to start off on the right foot, which means reviewing drawings and design in detail and working with the manufacturer for proper detailing and to ensure the installation meets warranty compliance,” says Chad McLeish, vice president of estimating, Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, Wheeling, W.Va. Planning and coordination prior to job start and clear communication between project management and crew members during construction is key to any successful project.” Check specifications for weathertightness warranty and engineering requirements follow manufacturer standard details for proper installation. Double-checking dimensions before fabricating and installing metal panels and flashings is a good idea. “Confirm all field dimensions before ordering materials, and be aware of lead time to help the project start and stay on schedule. “Take all penetrations, curbs and skylights into account,” says Bill Lawson, vice president– roofing operations, Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing, Houston. So “measure twice, cut once” to attain panels that mold to roof contours and provide a weathertight fit. Metal roof panels come in a wide variety of thicknesses, shapes and profiles. Each panel should be cut to the exact size, or there could be imprecise cuts and rough edges exposed to the elements leading to rust and roof coating failure. One of the first things to ensure a successful metal roof installation is to measure the roof length and slope correctly and precisely. Below are some of the most commonly made installation mistakes and how you can avoid them. Improper installation can cause leaking, significant life span reduction and potentially damage an entire structure. When a metal roof fails, while it could be due to its design, more likely it is due to installation problems. Installing a metal roof is a complicated process with many details.

Holeless metal roof attachment systems