There are hundreds upon hundreds of tutorials outlining how to install metal roofing on a house, each providing a slightly different method and somewhat different insight. As it pertains to installing metal roofing in Toronto, Ontario, there are a few key pieces of information that bear mentioning.
Many residents choose to install metal roofing over their traditional asphalt shingle roofs. For many people, this is worth the expense and the savings of not having to remove the old roof. Building codes in Ontario allow for a maximum of two layers of roofing before requiring a complete removal. Therefore if your roof only has a single layer of asphalt shingles, the installation of metal roof panels is easy.
Prior to installation, get a sense of what to expect from the anatomy of your metal roof panels. For example, holes need to be cut in the old roof to allow for air circulation and ventilation. These holes are typically cut above the soffit. It is also common for there to be a ridge vent, allowing for cool outside air to travel under the shingles while simultaneously pulling out moisture and heat.
When installing a metal roof on a house over asphalt shingles, avoid using standing seam roofs which use long, single vertical panels that run from the eave to the ridge. Instead, using smaller panels installed in horizontal rows will mimic the pattern of shingles and assist with ventilation.
Many people choose a framework of ‘2 x 2’ for three reasons. The first advantage of this is that its frame screws directly to the rafters and its interlocking shingles are screwed to the frame. The act of doing this allows for the roof to withstand winds of up to 120 mph without any significant damage. The second advantage is that the frame will create a flat, straight surface that will maintain its form even when the underlying shingles are curled or when the ridge is bowed. Thirdly, the frame will naturally create a ventilation gap, preventing ice dams in the winter and cooling the property throughout the summer months.
Some Toronto residents who see metal roofing as unattractive in residential settings or noisy can be put at ease. When metal roof panels are installed over an existing asphalt roof, this effectively puts to bed any noise you would otherwise hear. From an appearance standpoint, metal roofing adds significant curb appeal and from the wide array of different colors and style choices, it’s not difficult to find a metal roofing option that works for your home. As it pertains to installing metal roofing in Ontario, many manufacturers offer do-it-yourself systems that provide more detailed instruction on how to install. For any direct questions pertaining to your choice, always contact the manufacturer if the subject is not covered in the instruction. The majority of these systems install directly on the old roof and do not require being attached to the frame.
Prior to and throughout installation, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Make sure to measure the area and ensure all the required measurements are done. Preparing the materials for use and ensuring that you have all needed materials will save on down-time. Preparing the work site, examining for any unexpected damage in the materials themselves, and finally, ensuring that the roof is fully covered upon installation are all keys to ensuring a successful installation.