Metal roof sheds have been on the surge lately, and why not too? Metal is not only reliable, but it is an excellent material to be used around the house. It lasts for decades and isn’t as expensive as other materials. Other than being extremely strong and lasting, metal can be aesthetically pleasing and add to your outdoor decor.
Like all other kinds of roofing options for your backyard, metal roofing is another one you can take upon yourself for installation. Given that you get the job done independently, you can save a lot of money on such roofing. Here, we have gathered everything there is to know about metal roof sheds to help you pick what is best for you and further assist you in installing it in the best way possible. Additionally, for a comprehensive understanding of metal roofing applications, we will explore its suitability for various rooms in a house, highlighting its versatility beyond just shed installations.
What All You Need to Know Before Choosing Metal Roof Sheds
Several things make metal sheds stand out more than other roof sheds. Here are a few ways how;
Material: Metals have always been known to be very versatile and durable when it comes to being used anywhere around the house. Corrugated metal sheets are used as sheds since they are also strong, durable, and easy to install.
Durable: Metal roof sheds are known and praised for their durability since they can withstand various weather conditions, ranging from snowfalls to rainstorms to even harsh winds. They also resist all kinds of decay and damage caused by insects and nature.
Cost: While metal roof sheds may cost you more upfront while buying and installing them, they can be a far more cost-effective option in the long run. They last for decades and are considered to be a long-term investment.
Installation: Metal roof sheds give you much room for creativity and customization. They can be pre-built or custom-made, depending on what kind of design you go for. Most options come in pre-made sections that can be assembled on-site, on your own. The more complicated and custom-built sheds are the ones that could call in for professionals.
Maintenance: Compared to all kinds of shed options and materials you can choose from, metal roof sheds are by far the easiest and cheapest to maintain. You need to clean them now and then and try and remove any buildup that there may be, and that is all. Unlike painting, sealing, and polishing your roof sheds, you must keep them as clean as possible, and they will last for years.
Weather: Metal roofs are impeccable at keeping water out and protecting everything that you may plan to put into your shed. This material repulses water and will not cause any leaking or infiltration. These can also withstand windy conditions and stand firm even when the weather may seem unfavorable.
Heat: Metal roofs are known to have a high heat reflectivity and hence ensure that they reflect away all the heat from the sun and keep the space nice and cool even during peak summers. Another great advantage of this heat-reflection factor is that if you plan to store anything temperature or heat-sensitive in the shed, it will most likely be safe inside a metal roofed shed.
Read more: A Detailed Information About Black Metal Roofing
Types of Metals Used for Roof Sheds
There are several types of metals when it comes to roof sheds. These vary in durability and resistance and fit into different budgets as well. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Steel: Steel has to be one of the most popular options when picking a material for metal roof sheds. These are strong, durable, and cost-effective too. Steel roof sheds work well in various weather conditions and last many years.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is primarily famous for how lightweight, durable, and non-corrosive it is. These roofs do not get any rust and are primarily preferred in places with saltwater bodies nearby. These are also easier to work with and much more malleable than steel, making them far more versatile for creative designs.
- Coated/Galvanized Steel: Sharing the same properties as steel roof sheds, these galvanized roof sheds are coated with a layer of zinc, making them even more durable and protected from corrosion and rush. This extra layer or coating ensures that your regular steel roofs last better and longer and can tackle even more conditions.
- Stainless Steel: Being more on the pricier side, stainless steel is a relatively high-end option when it comes to metal roof sheds. This one metal has it all; anti-corrosive, weather resistant, and very promising durability.
- Copper: Another pricey option, copper is another excellent metal to choose for your shed roof since it is not only a long-lasting metal but also has a very distinctive color compared to all the other metals. The only major drawback in the case of this one has got to be the greenish color it gets over the period. While these could last you for decades, the strange green color is not of many people’s preference and liking.
Read more: The Complete Guide To Houses With Metal Roofs: A Detailed Information
Pros and Cons of Metal Roof Shed
Pros of Metal Roofs
- Long-lasting: Metal roofing is one of the most long-lasting options for shed roofing. Metal can withstand many harsh weather conditions without budging, proving to be a long-lasting choice. Their longevity is mainly based on the thickness of the metal and the coating on it (if any). These are known to last anywhere between 20-70 years.
- Cooling: Metal roofs reflect heat, so they keep out, making the shed cooler.
- Durable: Metal roofs are tough and durable and remain good as new no matter the weather conditions.
- Wind resistance: Metal roofs remain unaffected by strong wind blows even in the harshest conditions. They do not budge whatsoever.
- Colors: There are many color options in metals, and if you prefer for them to be in their natural form, you can always opt for color coatings.
- Fire resistance: Like all metals are known to be, metal shed roofs are also fire and heat-resistant. In cases where any spark or flame goes and hits the roof, even then, the only damage to take place would be that of the paint and nothing else.
- Eco-friendly: Unlike other materials, metal roofs are fully recyclable and reusable. Metal sheets that are used for roofing purposes are already mixed with recycled material at times too.
Cons of Metal Roofs
- Look: Metal roofs sometimes need to be put in the right place and matched. They do go well with modern design homes, but when it comes to traditional-looking homes, they seem like quite the misfit.
- Dents and Scratches: Even though metal sheds look flawless and perfect, they can sometimes get dented and scratched. This mostly happens in the case of lower-quality metals. While this does not affect its purpose, it does make it look less appealing and aesthetic.
- Repair: Another matter of concern with metal roofs is that of repair. Metal roofs do not require as much maintenance and repair as other kinds of shed roofs. But in case they do, it can be much more difficult for you to fix them. You would have to replace an entire panel, not just the damaged area. Repairing customized metal sheds costs even more and is much more difficult too.
Read more: The Best 17 Types Of Roofs: The Complete Information
Installing a Metal Roof on a Shed
While one can always hire professionals to get the job done, installing metal roofs is relatively more straightforward. Given that you carefully carry out this process and follow all steps best, we’re sure you can get the job done right. Here is a simple guideline to help you with the same;
Gathering All Materials
Begin with gathering everything you will need, which would be metal roofing panels, roofing screws, a drill with a screwdriver bit, a tape measure, a chalk line, metal snips or a metal cutting saw, a ladder or scaffolding, safety equipment such as gloves and goggles, and someone to assist and help you.
Prepping the Area to Be Roofed
Make sure wherever you plan to add the roof, that space is clean, has no leaks, and has no debris. A quick tip is to get a thorough cleaning done before you start with the installation.
Make the Measurements and Markings
Using a measuring tape, take the most accurate roof measurements. Make sure you take straight and aligned line measurements, starting from the bottom edge and going to the top.
Put Underlayment Into Place
It is always advised to opt for underlayment for an added layer of protection. So, after you have taken the most accurate possible measurements, put your underlayment into place, and whether you go for a synthetic roofing felt or a self-adhesive membrane, make sure that you are following the necessary instructions related to the same.
Cut the Metal Panels
After your underlayment’s are in place, the star of the show, the metal panels. You have probably measured the panels per your roof by now, so what is to be done next is to place these metal panels and make the final cuts. You can use metal snips or metal cutting saws to make the necessary cuts in the places needed. Be sure to double-check the measurements to get that perfect end-to-end fit.
Start the Installation
The installation part is relatively easy, given that you have completed the previous steps correctly. So, you must start with one corner of the shed roof and keep going aligned with the bottom edge, ensuring the corners meet correctly. Once everything is placed correctly, you can proceed with taking roofing screws and securing the panel into place on the roof.
Keep Going Panel by Panel
Keep going with the same approach, panel after panel, ensuring the panels overlap just right on the other. Keep securing each one with screws until you cover the entire roof area.
Trims and Finishes
Once all the panels are in place, get in there and trim any excess or edges that you find odd. Metal snips or a cutting saw can be used here again, followed by ridge caps which will seal the whole deal and make things watertight and finished.
Final Inspection and Clean Up
After everything seems done, be sure to go through everything and ensure everything is secure. Check for gaps, loose screws, or upheld ends. Once everything seems good to go, give the roof a quick clean-up.
Read more: The Best 10 Ways To Build Various Types Of Shed Roofs
Conclusion
While in most cases, we can DIY things around the house; there are a lot of times when it’s okay to also hand things over to professionals. The above-described installation method may seem relatively easy to work with, but it can vary greatly too. Depending on the kind of metal you are working with or even the area you plan to cover with the same, things can vary immensely. So, seek help if needed, but if you plan to take matters into your own hands, do not forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
