How to Attach a Metal Roof to a Shed

Buy metal panels to conform to the dimensions of the roof. Try to get panels that will cover each side of the shed from a peak to a side wall with as few panels as possible for width. Standard panels are 26 inches wide, to cover 24 inches, allowing for overlap. Figure using four panels for an 8-foot-long shed, five for a 10-footer and so on. Buy panels to fit the length of the roof to avoid cutting; panels come in lengths from 6 feet to 20 feet.

Attach panels with galvanized steel or aluminum screws, to match the panels, with plastic washer caps to seal the screw holes. Start on one side of the roof with the panel aligned with the edge of the roof and between the wall and peak. Drive a screw with a screw gun into the roof sheathing at least one corrugation valley inside the panel and another screw at the other side of the panel, but at least one corrugation in from the edge. Install screws in valleys between corrugation peaks, across and up the panel.

Put the second panel in place to overlap the first by one ridge and one valley. Drive screws through both panels into the sheathing all along the overlap. Secure that panel and add another, until the roof is covered from side to side. Leave slight overhangs on all edges.

Install ridge caps, made to match the corrugations, at the peak. Secure these with screws on both sides of the roof. Add edge caps, also to match the style of the panels, on both sides and the bottom, to seal the edges against moisture that might get between the metal and the wooden roof decking.