can you install shingles over metal roofing

Asphalt shingles are pretty standard in residential construction. Usually, the installation of asphalt shingles is done by a roofing contractor; however, a homeowner can also install the shingle roofing himself with a few skills.

Installing shingles over metal roofing is not a thing that you should even try to do. However, you can install metal roofing over the asphalt shingles but vice-versa is not recommended.

Besides the necessary roofing skills, you will need to learn tips specific to shingles installation.

This article will explore the best roofing practices when shingling your roof, as well as all the essential details you need to know when undertaking a project to install asphalt shingles on your roof.

How to install shingles on your roof?

Once you have decided to install shingles on your roof, you must understand what shingling is all about, and you will not wake up one day and start installing the shingles, it is a process that involves some things.

1. Determine the number of shingles you will need

The very first step in your shingling project is to determine the number of shingles you need. This will be done by measuring your roof with a tape measure. Measuring your roof will require you to climb to the roof; safety is of utmost importance.

If you are not comfortable climbing up the roof, you can hire a professional who can take the measurements for you. Measure the length and width of your roof; make sure to measure all your roof sections multiply the height and width to obtain the surface area of your roof.

Once you have the surface area, you can buy the shingles and the underlayment. Make sure that you buy enough to cover all your roof.

2. Ensure all your roof flashing is in place

Install flashing on every section of the roof where two parts of the roof meet at different angles or where the roof meets a wall or chimneys.

Use roofing nails to lock the flashing down, Nail the edges and ensure that you leave the center free of nails, pins at the center or too close to the center of the flashing could lead to leaking of your roof.

3. Install roof underlayment

The third step of your project is installing the roof underlayment. First, install the ice and water underlayment at the edge of the roof use nails to ensure that the underlayment folds down over the side of the roof.

The ice and water barrier is then installed on the lower side of the roof. Nail the drip edge to the barrier ensuring that they overlap to ensure a continuous protective cover. The next step is to install the underlayment.

Roll out the material, ensure that it hangs over the drip edge, use cap nails to lock it down with an 8 inches spacing.

Layout the underlayment row after row; ensure that they overlap with at least 6 inches to cover up the whole roof. Finally, install a drip edge at the edge of the roof on top of your underlayment.

4. Install the roof shingles

Finally, the preparation is over, you can now install the shingles. Start on the lower edge of the roof, install the starter shingles by nailing them down using roofing nails. Install another set of starter shingles at the sides of the roof, ensure the two sets overlap.

Your first row of shingles should overhang the drip edge, nail four to six nails below the tar line on every shingle. Lay the shingles on the whole surface of your roof; when done, install the ridge cap shingles over the ridge.

Ideally, start on the left side of the hill by nailing it on the right side, lay the next shingle cap over the first, ensure it covers the nail on the fist shingle, nail it down and continue this way to the last shingle cap.

Apply roofing tar on the nail holding the last shingle to prevent leakage.

Installing metal roofing over shingles

Over time, you may note that your roof has aged and desire to replace it. You can either choose to tear down your shingle roof and install a new one or install a new metal roof on the already existing shingles.

If you choose to use metal roofing, you will not need to tear down your old shingle roof. It is the best option.

Metal roofs are more durable compared to asphalt shingle roofs. You have two options when installing metal roofs: stone coated or painted shingles and standing seam solutions.

With painted shingles, small panels are installed horizontally to have a traditional shingle look while withstanding seam solutions single panels run vertically from the eaves to the ridge.

These roofs are durable and can withstand elements such as heavy rains, strong winds, and hail.

Here are the steps you need to take when installing metal roofing over shingles.

1. Determine the measurement of your roof

The measurement of your roof will help you know the number of materials you need for your project. As you take your measurement you must consider the chimneys, dormers, and valleys of your roof. Accurate measurement of your roof is preferred to an estimate; thus you could engage a professional to do it for you to ensure precision.

2. Apply roofing felt all over your roof

You need to make the roof as straight as possible; thus, wood strips would be helpful here. Flashing will also be installed on the chimneys and dormers to ensure that there will be no water damage later on.

3. Install the metal panels

You need to keep the surface as well as the edges straight ensure that the screws are kept in line, the screws will be used to fasten the metal in place, keeping everything straight and symmetrical will make it easier for you later on.

4. Install closure strips

You will need to install closure strips when working on overlaps. Closure strips will ensure that there is no risk of water damage in the future, resulting from violent rains or snowfalls.

You can choose between rubber and foam for the closure strips; however, it is essential to ensure that the closure strips are of the same shape as the metal.

5. Install the ridge cap

The final step in your project is to install the ridge cap. This is installed at the top part of the roof, where the two sides of the roof meet (the ridge). The ridge cap prevents your roof from leaking.

You can choose to install mesh on the ridge cap to create a ridge vent that will allow airflow into the attic of the house.

Metal roofs are a bit expensive when compared to asphalt shingle roofs; however, they are quite durable too, they can last you a lifetime. They have a life span of approximately 50 years, giving you peace of mind where you do not have to think about your roof for decades.

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly common in residential houses, the main reason could be the excellent performance, but besides the exceptional performance, metal roofs come in different styles, colors, and types giving you a range to choose from.

It is more than ideal to install metal roofs over shingle roofs; however, it is not appropriate to install shingle roofs over metal roofs.

Tips that will help you when roofing your home

1. Safety

The very first and most important thing to consider when starting your roofing project is safety.

You will need to climb to the top of the roof which when not careful, could lead to a bad fall. It is thus essential that you hire professionals to do the roofing for you.

If you need to DIY, then ensure that you research the safety precautions when roofing.

2. Work with a rhythm

Professionals work from left to right and bottom to top; it is recommended that you do the same.

In case you are many workers on the same roof, one of you will start working with the shingles along the eave overhang while the others fill in the shingles in the field bottom to the right.

3. Use the right materials

You are working on a roof; thus, you need to use roofing nails do not get tempted to use regular nails.

Roofing nails are made of galvanized steel; therefore, they are corrosion resistant.

Using other nails could cause problems on your roof later on.

4. Follow instructions

Before you start your roofing project, you must read and understand what you need to know about roofing, understand the science involved so that you can produce a perfect roof for your home.

The nailing technique is much emphasized, each shingle should be nailed using six nails, and at a particular position, it is important that you follow these instructions to ensure that the roof you make will be as it should be.

The truth is that roofing is not an easy task; it is pretty complicated with tiny details to take care of that may escape your notice.

Hiring a professional for your roof installation is the best option as you are assured of quality work done by a skilled professional. Hiring a professional also reduces the possibility of accidents.

Roof contractors install roofs for a living, it is something they have done reputedly and thus are less likely to make mistakes and fall or hurt themselves during the roofing process.

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts