Metal roofs have grown immensely in popularity over the years as more homeowners realise the potential of their durability, ease of installation, and, of course, modern appeal. Regardless of how great metal roofs are, if they’re installed incorrectly, you can kiss those beneficial qualities goodbye, as the mistakes may prove more costly than they’re worth. 

Simply put, many metal roofing installation mistakes could easily be avoided by simply following the right instructions or getting a professional to do the job. But to help avoid making some of the most common mistakes when installing a metal roof, we’ll highlight them for you right here in this article.

1. Having little to no planning

Planning is arguably the most important aspect of any project, especially when you’re installing a metal roof. That’s why one of the biggest and most common mistakes people make is not planning their installation well (if at all).

Planning doesn’t just help you plot out the project, it provides you with a guide and helps you catch potential issues. For example, you’re just about to finish installing your roof, but you can’t find the last of the fasteners. Thankfully, you planned ahead and bought some extras – just in case. Simple but effective. If you hadn’t bought extra, you’d have to stop the job, go to the store, get more and only then continue.

2. Taking the wrong measurements

There’s nothing worse than cutting all of your materials to size, getting ready to put them together, and then realising that their measurements are off. If you’ve made the measurements too long, then you could probably still save some, but if you’ve cut them all too short, you’d need to purchase more. The same goes for if you don’t have enough materials to cover your roof as a result of measuring wrong. 

Getting accurate measurements the first time around ensures that your roofing installation is done right and that you don’t have to redo any of it. In regards to a roof, even the smallest measurement miscalculation can cause you hassles. For example, that point could become the origin of a leak. 

3. Fastening the roof down incorrectly

Fasteners are the things that hold your roof panels in place. So, if they’re not fastened correctly, your roof might be unstable and secure when the weather gets bad. Loose panels allow water to seep through when it rains or for the panel to blow off when a strong wind comes around. When you’re fastening roof fasteners, follow the recommended manufacturer instructions, make sure that they’re placed correctly, and avoid over-tightening them. They must be tight but not so tight that they damage the panels.

4. Using the wrong underlayment

In addition to adding some insulation to your home, underlayment also acts as a barrier to stop any water that may seep through the roof. It stops moisture from reaching your ceiling boards and acts as a secondary protective barrier for your house. Homeowners will often choose a cheaper underlayment that doesn’t deal with moisture as well to cut costs. Little do they know that this heightens the chances of their roof getting damaged, reducing its lifespan. Purchasing a better-quality underlayment is a better investment. 

5. Not following manufacturer instructions

Quite the typical thing to do for most: when we get something new, we try to work it out without looking at the book that explains how to work it out. We’ve seen this happen with many roofing installations. A homeowner decides that they know what they’re doing, and they install their roof incorrectly and then call us to dismantle it and do it properly, and that’s if the materials are still usable. Don’t skip the instructions during your roofing installation! This can lead to you making simple mistakes that could have been avoided if you followed them. 

6. Doing it yourself

We’re not totally against DIY enthusiasts here. However, we caution those who put up their own roofs. While DIY might save you money if you do it right, it can also cost you even more. 

Consider what happens if you make a mistake that ruins a bunch of your materials. The cost of replacing them would be on you. However, if a professional contractor makes a mistake, they’d be responsible for fixing it. Thus, you’re covered. More than that, you’re assured that the individuals working on your roof are highly qualified and trained to get the job done right on all fronts, including legal regulations and build quality.

Final Thoughts

Putting up a roof isn’t a small job. It costs you both your time and money and even more so if you do it wrong. For residential properties, putting up the roof wrong could cause leaks that could damage other aspects of your home. So, best get it right the first time around, wouldn’t you say?