Are you ready to replace your roof? Are you looking for a metal roof instead of traditional asphalt shingles? If the answer is yes, then it is very important that you know how to install a standing seam metal roof. Roof Right, a roofing company in Baltimore, MD, is dedicated to working with you every step of the way and wants to be as transparent as possible about all aspects of the process.

How To Install A Standing Seam Metal Roof

A standing seam metal roof consists of a series of metal panels locked together at the seams. The standing seams are typically between 12-24 inches apart depending on the length of the panel. These panels are fastened under the seams to glide back and forth when your roof expands and contracts.

What Makes Up A Standing Seam Metal Roof?

Standing seam metal roofs are made up of the following materials:

• Roof Decking
• Starter Lock Stip: Lock strips lock your standing seam panels to your roof edges, keeping them from flapping in the wind
• Underlayment: A felt or synthetic material placed over your decking to act as additional protection.
• Metal Panels:  Metal panels are the most visible part of your roof system. These panels are normally made of 24 gauge pre-finished steel with a painted finish that will keep the color from fading.
• Clips
• Z Bar: A piece of metal flashing bent in a Z shape. 
• Ridge Capping: Trim installed at the peak of your roof

The Installation Process

Tear Off Your Old Roof

Before installing your new roof, you will need to have your old roof torn off. Your contractor will remove old roofing materials and tear off your existing shingles from your decking. They will use special tear-off forks to tear off your shingles section by section in a safe and efficient manner.

The tear-off process is an essential part of the roof replacement process.

Install Lock Strips

Next up will be the installation of your lock strips. Lock strips lock your standing seam panels to your roof edges, keeping them from flapping in the wind. These strips are installed at the eaves and rakes of your roof. These strips will be the same color and gauge as your panels. 

Apply Underlayment

Once the lock strips have been installed, it is time for your underlayment. Your underlayment is a felt or synthetic material placed over your decking to act as additional protection. For a standing seam metal roof, your underlayment will come with an ice and water shield.

 This shield must be installed over the top of the lock strips at your eaves. If it is not installed over the underlayment, then your lock strips will be much more vulnerable to condensation, which will lead to rotting. 

Install Standing Seam Panels

Metal panels are the most visible part of your roof system. These panels are normally made of 24 gauge pre-finished steel with a painted finish that will keep the color from fading. Before installing your panels, the bottom of them will be cut at the rib so they can be locked to the lock strips. Once the panels are locked to the lock strips, the rest of the panels are attached at the ribs with clips.

Flashing To Fill The Gap

After the panels are installed, it is time for your metal flashing. This flashing will fill in the spots between the ribs of your panels. This piece of flashing is called a Z bar. By installing the Z bars, you are ensuring that your roof maintains its long lifespan. Once these Z bars are installed, your standing seam roof will be ready to lock in.

About Roof Right

Repairing or replacing your skylight can be a difficult process, but it doesn’t have to be! Roof Right, located in Carroll County, Maryland, works directly with clients to ensure that every step of the process is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Since 1994, we have been providing excellent service to Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County and Montgomery County. Schedule a virtual estimate today!