Further Reading

If you're seriously considering a DIY standing-seam roof installation, you'd best bone up on your general knowledge regarding what is undoubtedly a great roofing solution. While successful amateur installations are not unheard of, your surest bet is to seek the help of a professional. Standing-seam roofs are made of numerous interlocking panels, which run vertically from the ridge, or edge, of the roof to its apex at the eave. The seam where any two panels interlock is raised just above the surface of the roof, allowing water to run off the roof without it dripping in between the panels. This simple structure belies numerous details of installation that, if not properly attended to, can lessen the efficacy and lifespan of the roof.

Also, should you choose to hire a professional accomplished in the craft of roofing, you're probably not going to find yourself looking at roof installation costs that are anywhere near as expensive as those of ordinary clay or fiber-glass shingle installation. Metal roofs in general and standing-seam roofs in particular are lightweight (between 1 and 2 pounds apiece), making them very easy to move around. They can also be installed over the old roof, which eliminates the time and manpower it might have required to tear the whole previous layer of roof off.

This is why, if you've already got your roofing materials, that trying to do a DIY standing-seam roof installation is going to be so much more trouble than it's really worth. If this sounds like a load of codswallop to you, and you intend to forge on no matter what the challenges, then here's a couple of metal roof installation tips. First off, after everything's been covered with a protective plastic membrane to prevent unexpected water seepage from entering the house, you should put down some roofing paper. Scratch that - lots of roofing paper. In fact, it needs to fill just about every bit of roofscape you can find, including the roof valleys (these are the spaces in between roof surfaces, which often resemble gutters). On top of that you'll need to lay a ridge cap, a preformed cover that fits over the roof's peak. The edges of this will be covered by your shingle, but it rounded apex will still peak out from the shingles, giving the roof it its essential character.

If you're intent on going through with your DIY standing-seam roof installation, however, here's a few tips. You'll probably want to lay down some kind of waterproof plastic membrane over the existing roof structure, followed by a good layer of roofing paper which will ensure that water stands no chance of making it through and into your home. Don't neglect to fill in the roof's valleys (the spaces between roof surfaces). Then you'll need to cover the roof's peak with a preformed ridge-cap, which you'll need to get made to order unless you really intend to go into the roofing business professionally.

When it comes to shingles, there are a few companies, such as Permanent Roofing Systems, that design shingles specifically made for DIY metal roof installation. There are four-way systems of shingles that can be made to interlock with each other by hand or with minimal use of tools. Get someone from the manufacturer, or a qualified person at your local construction outlet, to show you how to fit the pieces together, which should be in a staggered pattern for the best visual effect. The same company circulates a PDF choc-full of useful DIY metal roof installation tips available for download at www.permanentroofing.com. It's possible to buy their shingles pre-assembled in sheets, making for the easiest possible solution to your roofing needs.

So maybe, on just this one occasion, it's the time to loosen those fists and hand over the cash for a skilled roofer's work. Indeed, if your worker as recommended by the manufacturer, or at least is recognized as qualified to install standing seam roof panels, it'll mean that your roof is subject to warranty - and that you can look forward to fifty or more years of being secure in the knowledge that you've a strong roof over your head.

So don't be tight-fisted now. Well installed standing seam roofs often come with manufacturer-warranties of up to fifty years - assuming the roof was installed by a certified professional. A once-off payment now could be the key to a home that retains its value for decades.

For more interesting articles on DIY Metal Roof Installation Tips check out www.DurableMetalRoofs.com