How to Install a Metal Roof? A Step-by-Step Guide

Metal roof is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home or commercial business. Metal is great for roofing and is often chosen for its durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re learning how to install a metal roof or even learning how to install a metal roof over shingles, you need to become familiar with the basics first. Learning how to install a metal roof can be a bit intimidating, and here are my top tips that you should know.

When it comes to installing metal roofing, we are the best in the business. This article will cover the fundamentals of how to install a metal roof, including what to prepare for, what kind of materials you need, installation steps, and why it’s crucial to hire a certified professional

Why Metal Roofing?

But, before we jump into all the nitty gritty details on how to install a metal roof, let’s first take a moment to look at why you would even want to install metal roofing at your house. And for homeowners and businesses — in town and the country — the metal case is building, since:

• Life span: With proper maintenance, metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years.
• Long-lasting: Resists high winds, hail, fire, and insects.
• Efficiency: Reflects the sun’s light to reduce cooling costs.
• Environmental: Virtually all metal roofing is made of 100% recyclable material.
• Appearance: Seventeen colors of standard colors with the choice of several different colors or finishes.

These are only some of the benefits that metal roofing is going to offer you. But the benefits begin with installation.

Materials You’ll Need

If you want to learn how to install a metal roof, there is no shortage of resources, but you need to know how to use the different materials and tools that you will need.

• Metal Panels (e.g., steel, aluminum, zinc, or copper)
• Underlayment (synthetic or felt)
• Fasteners (screws with rubber washers)
• Flashing (ridge cap, drip edge, sidewall, valley)
• Sealant and closure strips
• Protective Gear (harness, gloves, non-slip shoes)
• Knife or metal cutter(scissors or powered shears)
• Measuring tape, chalk line, and drill

This list offers a pretty good idea of what to expect, but the actual materials can vary a bit, depending on the type of roofing system and current style of your home.

Step 1: Scrutiny and Measurement of the Size of the Roof

Before you do anything, a thorough investigation of the roof ought to be in order. A Freedom Roofing Group licensed roofer will evaluate your present roofing structure by showing up at your home and taking some measurements to identify if your current home’s roof structure is in good standing, what pitch your home’s roof is designed and any concerns about whether rotted or water-damaged sheathing may require repair. After that, you would take some measurements to find the number of panels and fasteners you need.

Step 2: Removal of Old Roof, if needed

Please be aware, some metal roofing can be installed on top of shingles, but a tear-off is suggested for best performance. Remove old roof and clean decking for a fresh new start. This also helps to avoid moisture accumulation due to the heat staying trapped or leaks in the future.

Step 3: Installing Underlayment

Once the deck is built, underlayment is rolled out to provide the secondary prevention of moisture intrusion. We also install high-quality synthetic underlayment for excellent water protection. It’s rolled out and tacked down from the eaves up, and the seams overlap to shelter the weather.

Step 4: Attaching the Flashing and Trim.

Flashing is installed at the valleys and eaves and on the sidewalls before the metal wall panels are installed. These sections carry water off from the most vulnerable parts of the roof. A strip of trim — with drip edge—is installed all around the perimeter to keep water from getting under the panels.

Step 5: Panel Installation

This is where we start to get into how to put on a metal roof. Panels will be installed from the corner, bottom, and out and across. Panels overlap one another slightly to keep water from penetrating inside. Secure with rubber-washer screws through crushed areas of the panel to prevent metal from pushing out.

Proper alignment is critical. They must be installed square in them(think rotated 90 degrees from vertical to horizontal) and consistently fastened down to allow for thermal expansion. The panels are fitted under the ridge and in any transitions where there is a gap with closure strips to keep out pests and water.

Step 6: Ridge Caps and Final Flashing

The final step for how to install a metal roof is to put a ridge cap on the rooftop. The item extends over the joint between the two roof halves, and is at least partially ventilated for air circulation and to reduce condensation. Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is also checked and repaired.

After the installation is finished, a full roof inspection is carried out to ensure the fasteners are correctly seated, sealant, where necessary, is present, and all accessories are installed correctly.

Why Professional Installation Matters

While knowing how to install a metal roof is so important, it’s also something that trying this as a DIY could be a costly mistake. Here are a few reasons why professional installation with Freedom Roofing Group will be the smarter move:

History: Leed Metal Roofing Systems has installed 100s of metal roofing systems in Florida’s climate and with our various architectural designs.

Safety. There is quite a bit of safety gear and safety protocol associated with roofing material and work, and these things are best left to trained crews.

Important Information: All New Trucks quoted with add-on, after-market toolbox, tie down (rear winch for non-winch model if needed)

Manufacturer’s Warranty: All Manufacturers have a requirement that the truck is approved and fitted by a means of a toolbox/Tiedown.

Precision: Proper installation, sealing, and alignment can make the difference between having decades of protection or costly early repairs.

Cutting corners during installation can affect a roof’s performance and even void warranties. Rest easy, the professionals have you covered for years to come.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As you ponder how to install a metal roof, you should also keep in mind at least two pitfalls you’d probably prefer to avoid:

• Wrong fasteners were used, or fastened too much.
• Inadequate space allowed for thermal expansion.
• Panels aren’t aligned correctly or didn’t extend far enough.
• Failure, flashing, or misapplied substrate material.

Freedom Roofing Group has the answers to all these problems with expert installation leading the way to the perfect installation each time.

Maintenance Tips After Installation

After your metal roof is up,

Frequent gutter cleanings deter water backups.

Inspect the flashing and fasteners at least once a year to see if they’re showing any wear.

Rinse the roof completely free of all debris and loose material.

Trim tree branches close to your home to reduce the potential for falling limbs.

While metal roofs are almost maintenance-free next to asphalt, a little tlc can extend the life of your asset.

Why Choose Freedom Roofing Group?

We’re not just another roofing company—we’re your trusted partner in durability, strength, and transparency. Freedom Roofing Group offers:

• Expert metal roof installation
• Free on-site inspections and estimates
• Top-tier materials from industry-leading suppliers
• Fast project schedules and good communication
• 100% cover guarantee and satisfaction guarantee

From home remodeling to commercial building renovations, we tailor our service to fit your needs – and your budget. Rest assured, our team takes pride in that every metal roof we install is built to last and look great for years to come.

Conclusion

There are so many steps in learning how to install a metal roof that can hold up, and you are about to see everything step by step, and that’s pretty neat. From the prep and the materials to the clinching and the sealing, every step matters. But there is one, crucial thing to keep in mind: the most important decision you’ll make is who installs it.

If you work with Freedom Roofing Group, you’re partnering with a skilled, educated, dedicated team that will get the job done right.

Need a protective metal roof for your home or business?

Call Freedom Roofing Group today and ask for a free estimate and learn why we’re the name to trust!