How to Build a Flat Seam Metal Roof

Preparing

• 1

  Put on work gloves, boots and safety glasses.

• 2

  Set up your ladder for easy access to your roof.

• 3

  Carry your roof sheathing up to your roof one board at a time if you need to build up the roof. Bring up the first board and place it over the roof frame in a straight, even formation.

• 4

  Use your roofing nailer to nail the sheathing to the roof frame. Repeat this process until sheathing covers your entire roof.

• 5

  Cover the sheathing with your weatherproof roof membrane using your paintbrush. This material assumes a sticky, glue-like form and goes on in a thick layer that hardens to protect sheathing from moisture.

• 6

  Allow the membrane to set. Read the membrane manufacturer's instructions to gauge how long this process takes.

Installing the Panels

• 7

  Collect your flat seam metal roof panels at the bottom of your ladder.

• 8

  Read the manufacturer's manual for your roof panels. If you received no manual when you purchased the panels, contact the manufacturer to get one.

• 9

  Bring your flat seam roof panels up to your roof using the ladder. Carry them up one at a time.

• 10

  Using the instructions provided in the manual, arrange the panels on the roof so the seams lock together to form a single surface.

• 11

  Use your roofing nailer to affix the flat seam metal roofing to your roof sheathing. Drive nails through the weatherproof membrane into the wood of the sheathing.

• 12

  Lock panels together across your roof until they cover the entire surface, repeating the instructions provided by the manufacturer's manual.

• 13

  Apply weatherproof sealant or caulk, as recommended by the metal roof manufacturer, around and between all roofing panels, as an additional source of weather protection.