Except for a gambrel roof in the barn style with an overhang, you can put a metal roof on any shed roof rather quickly. This is due to the overhang’s negative angle, which necessitates careful flashing to stop leaks at that junction.
A long lifespan is one benefit of a metal roof, often known as a tin roof. And it has a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes. For the duration of the shed, you can essentially forget about upkeep if it is installed properly.
A sturdy deck or battens are required before installing a metal roof if the shed’s interior won’t be heated. Aside from the edging pieces, install the fascia. It will extend past the top borders of the edging if roof underlayment is used.
Table of Contents
Steps To Install a Metal Roof On A Gambrel Shed
Replace Damaged Decking
Up to the decking, remove any outdated roofing. Any damaged decking should be replaced with new material similar in thickness and type. Use a circular saw to cut off the damaged areas, then pry the pieces free to remove them.
Using treated deck screws, fasten the patches to the rafters after cutting them to size with a circular saw. Lay a layer of roofing felt over the entire roof surface and staple it down. Use a utility knife to trim the edges, so they fit.
Start Installing Metal Sheets
Begin at one of the bottom corners of the gambrel end. The first sheet should be installed with its short end flush with the bottom edge of the decking and its long edge parallel and flush with the gambrel end.
The following piece should be placed next to the previous one, with the overlap indicated along the long edge by the manufacturer. Using a cordless drill or impact driver, screw self-tapping, hex-head sheet metal screws with rubber washers into the decking through both metal thicknesses.
Apply Sealing Tape
Keep adding pieces to the far end of the roof as you go. Using a circular saw and a fine-tooth metal blade, measure and cut a piece to fit flush with the opposing gambrel’s face. To the top edge of the row of panels, apply a row of butyl sealing tape.
Install the following row by pressing firmly into the butyl tape, overlapping it by two to three inches on top of the first row. As far as practical, keep adding full-height panels just below the gambrel break and cut enough panels to fill the row, extending above the row below and past the top of the break.
Install Metal Flashing
Over the gambrel break, apply a row of wide metal flashing. Use roofing nails to affix the flashing. Overlap the flashing when installing the cut row of panels. Install a rubber butyl end strip at the top edge of this row, fitting it tightly into the metal’s contour.
Install a broad metal flashing folded in the middle and affixed 6 inches above the break. Thus, the lower part is supported by, the lower panel row and rides on top of it. Cut a row of pieces to fit at the peak and erect the upper portion of the roof in the same manner as the lower portion.
Apply Sealing Tape Again
Glue butyl tape to the end strip at the peak, the top and bottom of each overlapping row, and between. For the opposite roof facing, repeat the entire procedure. A ridge peak should fill the space between the two faces.
The same screws that you used for the other panels should be used to secure them firmly against the butyl end strip.
Is It Essential To Install An Underlayment To Metal Roof?
No, underlayment is not required for a shed’s metal roof. A correctly constructed metal roof on a shed does not require a second waterproof covering. However, underlayment is required to prevent condensation damage if you plan to heat your shed.
Unless you improperly build your metal roof, neglecting to apply underlayment isn’t a terrible decision for shed owners. If you don’t address the issue as soon as possible, your roof sheathing will rust, deteriorate, and fail structurally.
You can also use tar paper. Tar paper is resistant to the elements and will soak up moisture, eventually allowing it to evaporate. The disadvantage of tar paper is that it will become oversaturated and ruin the wood beneath it if there is a persistent leak.
A waterproof self-adhering membrane is an ideal underlayment for a shed metal roof. You may relax after putting it into practice. This membrane is strong, waterproof, acts as an air barrier, and endures both highly hot and extremely cold climates like two roofs stacked on top of one other.
Bottom Line
It is vitally important to obey all cautions and suggestions provided by the company that makes the metal roofing panels you purchase while installing a metal roof. You go with your chosen product; make sure to get matching edging pieces, ridge caps, and screws.
Don’t forget to take your shed’s purpose into account. If you intend to install a stove in it in a few years, you’ll need to think about underlayment and perhaps a different kind of roof deck underneath your metal panels.
Compared to an asphalt roof, some metal roofs are not all that expensive. The installation charges are frequently what makes a difference. To put it simply, more roofing businesses provide asphalt shingles. The price decreases as competition increases.
