Instructions for Metal Roof Panels

Nail or screw protective moisture barrier media to the roof deck and apply the drip edge or eave trim along the eaves, overlapping ends of the strips by at least 1 inch. Follow with roof felt underlayment as directed, starting at the eaves and laying the felt across the roof. Overlap felt about 4 inches to protect against infiltration.

Trim flat sheets and bend them to form flashing for valleys where roofs meet, around dormers, chimneys and other places where two trimmed panel edges will meet. Use an electric trimmer to achieve straight cuts and a bending tool -- a piece of heavy, flat-edged steel on a handle -- to make straight folds. Fit the flashing to the area and attach it with screws at least 6 inches from the fold.

Snap reference chalk lines from the peak of the roof down the rake to the eaves every 24 inches. Measure carefully -- these guidelines will help you lay your panels straight.

Start the first bottom panel 1/2-inch in from the gable end and attach it with screws along the side and across the top; succeeding panels will overlap both sections. Lay succeeding panels up the roof, overlapping each panel by 4 to 6 inches as you go up the roof. Leave space at the peak for J-strips or Z-bar, depending on the product.

Set bottom panels so they overhang the drip edge by 2 to 3 inches. Snip the ribs of each panel off at the edge of the eave and fold the flat part, called the pan, down onto the drip edge.

Work across the roof, starting with bottom panels. Panels may slide together with J-strips, clip or crimp together. To keep panels straight, measure to ensure that the edge of each panel is the same distance from a reference chalk line all the way to the peak.

Cut openings in the panels for plumbing vents and flash the vents with pipe boots, flexible covers that seal against the pipe and roof.

Add gable trim with J-strips or closure strips recommended for the product. Use screws with rubber gaskets to seal the holes when screws are not covered by panels or trim.

Install the Z-bars or J-strips along the peak of the roof and attach the ridge cap.