Metal roof frustrations

[GLyford]

Could you bolt/nail/screw/clamp a temporary pair of 2x's to the fascia, one just below roof level to set the overhang, then one attached to that that sticks up enough so that the tin can slide down the slope and rest on it? Then measure top and bottom width to push/pull where it needs to be and then screw down. Forget where I saw this tip but it means you free up a set of hands from trying to hold it in place at the same time.

 

[kubotacres]

Can't argue with good results...perhaps my experience was with heavier gauge panels?

I used 26 gauge galvanized metal. I've used this method of cutting on old barn tin for years and its worked great. However since I was installing the galvanized for my carport and porch I figured I would try the cutoff for a better cut. Seems my "old style" cutting turned out better.

 

[1gr8bldr]

Some roofs are just built out of square. You'll have to live with the "saw toothing" on the bottom edge. I never works for one person to fit the top and another to fit the bottom. I run all mine by measurements, I'll pull a tape and mark where each panel sholud lay. If the house overhangs are off just a bit, I'll add whatever it takes to each measurment so that it is divided up into the entire roof and not just the last few pieces

 

[1gr8bldr]

Lowes sells a "steel saw blade", about $50 that cuts metal very well. Sometimes if the house is really off or an addition was added, I'll have to cut the "saw tooth" out

 

[waycoolmarine]

did you use caulk tape on the seams? did you use roof panels? or the stuff they sell at menards ? there is a difference . roof panels have taller and wider ribs , for expansion. we did a 250 by 200 metal building you keep re measuring all the time its real easy to set a panel a little off. I would cut the bottom and bend a cap for the top. if you move the panels the screws will not line up or you will have holes 1st one is always a learning experience .

 

[YardBikeBob]

I believe the pooh-poohing of reversed CC blades cutting tin is not about its effectiveness but blade selection. An old, dull framing blade works well enough. But using a carbide-tipped blade reversed is a really bad idea as you're now set up to tear those little, sharp chunks of steel off at high velocity.

That will leave a mark!

Bob

 

[waycoolmarine]

we use electric sheers to cut panels . or snap a line and use a saws all take your time and keep edge strait. lay the blade down. and reseal the edge with spray paint or galv.in a can

 

[2458n]

Worked at a garage door factory and the panel cut_off saw was a reversed plywood saw blade. Had end caps on the doors to hide the cuts but ,been doing this since the 60's. The theory was the blade smeared some of the galvinized over the cut. Paint the drip edge with a brush if you are really concerned. Saw was used only for replacement panels cut down from 24 foot long.

 

[gtrippleb]

When my father in-law had his metal roof installed on his house, the installers screwed a 2x4 on each end of the house with a 10 inch overhang or so, hanging off the eave/front of the house. This gave them enough room to square up the string. They then put a screw into each 2x4 and ran string from one 2x4 to the other 2x4 squaring this line to the roof as the eave edge. This allowed them to have a straight line to use versus the non straight eave line. Leaving the string in place, they then used this line as the overhang and cut each panel from the ridge to the string. Thus allowing the eave overhang to be the same, but leaving any uneven length under the ridge cap. This also helped to make sure each panel was in line with the other on the eave end as the person would just line the end of the metal panel up to the string.

I don't know if this will help or not but it looks like Union Corrugation Company has added some installation videos on their site. They also have some installation manuals on their different products.

Videos: Metal Roof Installation Videos - Metal Roofing Product Installation Videos - Union Corrugating

Installation Manuals: Metal Roofing Literature - Metal Roofing Color Charts, Product Brochures, Installation Manuals, and Warranties - Union Corrugating

If you your roofs are flat with no dormers, could you not measure from one corner to the opposite corner and then measure the other two opposite corners to see if the roof is square itself? Then you would know how much you would need to shift the panels to make the panels squared to themselves.

 

[Egon]

There are metal cutting circular saw blades on the market at reasonable cost.