As summer approaches, many people look forward to days spent in the sunshine. They plan beach trips and open swimming pools, eager to enjoy the season.
But, summer isn’t all fun and games. It’s also a time that brings several storms. Some of these storms take a severe toll on your house.
Maybe you planned for this decades ago and installed a metal shingle roof. Metal roofing is much more storm-resistant than many other standard roofing options.
However, even metal shingles need replacing over time. The average metal shingle roof lasts for up to 40-70 years. Depending on your roof’s age, it may be time to replace it.
You may wonder, how do metal roofing replacements work? If so, keep reading! We’ll explore how this process works in the guide below.
Remove the Metal Shingles
The first step in replacing a metal roof is removing the roof shingles. However, this can be a tricky process.
First, roofers must determine how your aluminum shingles were mounted. Once they learn this, they can easily remove them.
Many roofers screw down metal shingles with rubber-gasket-sealed screws. However, some install them with a snap-and-lock grid system or use metal fasteners. Sometimes, experts refer to these fasteners as battens.
How do roofers determine how your shingles were installed? Generally, there’s no way to know until they get on the roof. Once they examine the shingles, they can remove them according to their installation method.
For example, roofers may remove the screws first and move the shingles. Alternatively, they may pop the shingles free from their grid and replace them.
Investigate the Underlayment for Metal Roof Over Shingles
When installers lay a metal roof, they first install roof underlayment. This product uses a breathable, synthetic material to protect your roof from condensation threats. It also lets your roof deck breath to prevent the wood from rotting.
Installers take several precautions to ensure this underlayment remains secure and stable. For example, they leave half an inch of the membrane over any eaves and gable for the roof deck. As they proceed up the roof deck, they overlap the membranes with about six inches of material.
The underlayment plays a pivotal role in your metal roofing. So, when roofers replace your roof, they pay significant attention to its condition.
When roofers remove shingles, they’ll search the underlayment below for any signs of damage. Often, your underlayment suffers whenever your shingles do.
If your underlayment has failed, roofers will repair it using several methods. The most common approach is to use a tar-based layer that they apply with a paintbrush.
Roofers can only replace your metal shingles after the underlayment receives its necessary repairs. So, once this layer of protection functions again, roofers can begin replacing the shingles.
Check on the Flashing
Shingles and underlayment aren’t the only parts of a metal roof that can suffer damage. Your flashing may also become weathered once your shingles start to fail.
You may ask, “What is flashing, exactly?” Flashing refers to the metal stripping along the edges of the roof. You’ll find it along the sides, bottom, and top ridge of the roof.
Roofers install flashing by caulking it and screwing it into place. Then, they wrap the edges of the installation. This way, your flashing can keep the overall shingle installation locked in place.
Since it plays such a vital role, flashing must be in excellent shape. As such, roofers investigate it for any signs of loosening or damage. They’ll check on it whenever they examine shingles near the roof edges.
Flashing damages usually include:
- gaps in the caulking
- water damage
Fortunately, roofers can usually fix caulk gaps by applying more caulk. Water damage, however, usually indicates that the flashing needs replacing.
Installing New Shingles
Once roofers repair the underlayment and flashing, they can begin installing new metal shingles. This process is often more intricate than people know.
First, roofers must find a way to keep the shingles straight. Usually, they do this by using horizontal chalk lines. They begin with half a shingle, starting from the left of the flashing and moving forward.
Many roofers work diagonally, therefore raising each row of shingles gradually. Once they reach the ridge of the roof, they install the ridge vents. Finally, they cover the ridge with interlocking caps.
The Benefits of Replacing a Metal Shingle Roof
Replacing a roof is expensive, especially when it has metal shingles. You may be hesitant to replace your roof for this reason.
However, there are several benefits to replacing a metal roof. For one thing, a new metal roof is much more energy-energy efficient.
Metal roofs reflect sunlight away from the house itself, making it easier for your HVAC system to keep the house temperate. Researchers found that a metal roof can lead to a 25% reduction in cooling costs.
A new roof also increases your house’s value. Usually, it adds several thousand dollars to your house’s price.
Finally, a new roof adds to your house’s curb appeal. Potential buyers are more likely to notice your new roof and find it attractive. This attraction makes it easier to sell your home.
Find a Roof Contractor to Replace Your Metal Roof
Understanding this process can help you find a contractor to replace your metal shingle roof. It gives you a clear idea of how the process works and how long it may take.
All that’s left is to find the best contractor for you. If you don’t have anyone yet, try working with us!
We offer several roofing services ranging from repairs to replacements. We can help you determine the scope of your roofing issues and what would best fix them.
So, contact us today to get a free estimate! Before long, you’ll have a new roof that provides several benefits to your home.
