How To Cut Metal Roofing

Owning a home can come with a lot of maintenance needs. In most cases, a homeowner can contract out the work to an expert. In other cases, the homeowner might find it rewarding and time-saving to conduct the work themselves. Unfortunately, some projects require some major tools. Not all tools are capable of being stored in a garage space. If this is the case, you will likely need to hire a professional contractor that has the experience and tools to complete the project. For example, most homeowners do not own tools to cut metal sheets that are made for installing a metal roof. Wondering how to cut metal roofing? This requires various saws, an angle grinder, measuring tape, and some serious skills for a perfect cut.

Let’s take a look below at the recommended tools and steps to make this happen.

What Are The Necessary Tools?

A project like this requires power tools and materials to accomplish the task. Be sure to acquire the following items below before you decided to tackle a project like cutting metal roof sheets.

• Tin Snips
• Metal Shears
• Circular Saw
• Angle Grinder
• Combination square
• Tape measure
• Protective Goggles
• Protective Gloves
• Protective Hard hat
• Protective Mask
• Protective long-sleeved clothing

What Are The Steps?

If you are adventurous and have the time to tackle the task of cutting metal sheets to fit your roofing needs, then you will want to follow the step-by-step guide listed below. Let’s take a look.

1. Take measurements – Measure the size of your roofing area, then calculate how many panels you might need to cover the roofing area. Divide the area of the roof by the size of one metal roofing sheet.
2. Place on a flat surface – Use a table or workbench and place the metal sheet flat on top. Place the underside of the metal panel upward so that it is easier to mark and cut. The underside is a flatter surface and easier to manipulate.
3. Make your marks – Use your tape measure or combination square to properly measure out and mark the areas needing to be cut. Always double-check your measurements so that gaps aren’t created. Any gaps in your metal sheets and the roof could leak.
4. Lock them down – Lock your metal sheets into place before cutting. Use any adjustable clamp to lock them in place. Also, consider adding weights to the edges of sheets to keep them from moving while you make accurate cuts.
5. Time to cut – Make sure that you have an angle grinder and a circular saw to cut metal roofing panels. Without the right tools, you could make mistakes and create damage that cannot be fixed. Metal sheets are very delicate and any wrong move could cost you more money.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you know about cutting metal roofing, here are some other areas for maintenance. One of those is painting a metal roof. Some people may think that you can’t paint it, but you can! It will help with the aesthetics and you can freshen it up. If it is a new roof, you just need to wait six months so it has time to weather.

Next, many homeowners will have gutters on the roof of their homes. However, if you don’t, you can handle roof runoff without gutters by using rain barrels, adding a drainage system, or some type of dispersal system.

Lastly, the roof isn’t the only area that needs to be maintained. The stucco is an area that needs maintenance as well. It can last from 50-80 years, but you need to check for hairline cracks, remove mold, and reapply paint at the right times of the year.

When Do I Call A Professional?

Cutting a metal roof is not an easy process. Not only does it require you to have the proper tools, but you also need some more information regarding the best way to make your cuts. Call on your local home inspection team to inspect your roof and inform you if there is more damage needing repairs. Doing this before you attempt to install a metal roof is vital for the longevity of the roof. Also, they can recommend a professionally licensed roofing contractor.

Conclusion

When it comes to roofing installations, it is necessary to hire a professionally licensed roofing contractor. This is not a project that homeowners should be doing on their own. Building codes are changing all of the time at the state and local levels, so it is necessary to hire someone who is trained in these codes. Additionally, cutting a metal roof to fit precisely as your roof is laid out requires an experienced person.

Call on your local home inspection team to have your roof inspected before you hire your roofing contractor. This allows you to go into negotiations with the roofing contractor knowing that a metal roof is all that is needed. Reach out to Advantage Inspections to have your roof inspected during a full home inspection here in West Central, Florida.