Baton Rouge Metal Roofing Materials: Building a Roof

Just like kitchens and countertops and living rooms and flooring, your roof has a variety of material options. Each type of material offers different advantages and features. Inside each category of roof materials, you’ll have several more decisions to make. It’s not as simple as choosing: shingles , slate , tile or metal . You’ll need to decide what composition of shingle, clay or concrete tile, colors, coating, so on and so forth.

Well, if you’re choosing metal, you’re probably doing so for a couple of key reasons. Metal withstands the elements very well. It doesn’t corrode or mildew. Metal roofs also have the potential to last a lifetime. But before you commit to a metal roof for your Baton Rouge home , just like with anything else, it’s important to know how it’s built.

1.) Measure the area of your roof: It sounds simple, but knowing the size of your roof is crucial when it comes to ordering the materials and preparing your home. In addition to the area, you also need to calculate the slope, or rise over run of your roof. It is a good idea when ordering materials based on these measurements to allow for a 10% waste.

2.) Prepare the site: Having the essentials on hand to organize and assemble your roof will be key. A large trash can, a staging area for tools, as well as your ladders are all things you’ll to help you smoothly install your roof. For safety, organize any extension cords and keep your materials in an area that is safe from the weather.

3.) Remove the existing roof: While metal roofing can be installed over existing shingles, it is ideal to remove them and start with a fresh base. Starting at the highest point of your roof and remove all shingles, vents and flashing. This is also a good opportunity to make any adjustments to your gutter system or other permanent elements.

4.) Repair any damage: While you’re on top of your house, and literally under your roof, this is a great chance to take care of any damage you may find. Any ventilation, insulation or frame maintenance that needs to be tended should be done now.

5.) Install insulation: This thin layer of roofing felt will prevent moisture from being trapped between the structure and the roof.

6.) Start by installing the edging: Also called the “eave flashing”, these metal strips are used to cover the perimeter of your home’s roof.

7.) Add the metal panels: Beginning at the longest peak to eave point on your roof, take a piece of metal and position it so it hangs ¾ of an inch over the edge of the roof. Be sure that it is square to the edge of the roof. When screwing this panel to the roof, be sure the screws are aligned evenly.

8.) Flashing: These metal trim pieces will be placed in certain places of your roof, like valleys and end caps. These pieces can be manipulated and positioned as they need to be to fit the roof.

And that, simply speaking, is the process from A-Z for installing a new metal roof on your Baton Rouge home. For the supplies, or the experts to make that replacement for you, trust Cribbs Incorporated. For over 50 years Cribbs has been helping homeowners and improving houses and businesses in the Baton Rouge area. For more information, click here .