How to Apply Old-Style Tin Roofing

Put on safety harness, gloves and goggles to minimize chances of injury. Secure the line of the safety harness according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place the ladder securely against the house so that it can’t shift.

Lay the insulation over the first section of the roof, nailing it securely every 4 feet. Start at one corner and work across the roof along the eaves. Stretch the insulation tight enough to be smooth.

Place roof closure strips along the edge of the roof. These fit under the metal panels and prevent wind, rain, insects and other creatures from getting under the tin. Use roofing nails to hold them in place.

Set the first tin panel on the roof, fitting the edge of the metal snugly over the closure strips. Start at one corner of the eaves and work across the roof. Screw the panel in place with self-tapping roofing screws that have nylon collars. Be sure the nylon collars are in place, to prevent leaks.

Fit the second panel along the eaves next to the first one, overlapping by several inches. Caulk the area between them, where they overlap, with a thick bead of caulking. Screw the panel in place.

Add panels along the eaves in the same manner, being sure to caulk between them. Also continue to ensure that the closure strips are sealing the ends of the panels along the eaves.

Move up the roof toward the peak and place the next row of tin panels. In addition to overlapping the sides, as with the first row, ensure that the bottom edges of these panels overlap the first row of panels by 4 to 6 inches. Caulk this area as well as the sides, so there is no place for water to get under the panels. Install all panels in the second row in this manner.

Repeat the installation process for the third row as well as any subsequent rows until you reach the peak of the roof. Use the metal shears to make cutouts for any vents, pipes or other roof protrusions you encounter. Add caulking around these, then place a rain collar over each one and screw the collar in place.

Run a bead of caulking along both sides of the ridge at the top of the roof. Place the ridge panel there, being sure it covers any gap between the panels along the peak, then screw it in place to finish the roof.