How To Install A Tin Roof

If your local building codes allow, you may save a lot of money when replacing a shed or garage roof with a tin roof. A tin roof provides a relatively inexpensive investment while maintaining a reputation for durability. Learn to install a tin roof by following some simple instructions.

Step 1 – Select Tin Roof Type

Decide what type of tin roof you want selecting either an R-panel or V-crimp style. The former requires use of 5/16-inch lap screws where V-crimp doesn’t use screws and may be a simple option to choose.

Step 2 – Measurements

Measure the roof length and width on each side that will determine the amount of edging needed.  Then measure the roof height by adding two to four inches for the overhang.

Step 3 – Buy Material
With measurements in hand, visit your local roofing supply store where an employee will provide you with the needed amount of material.

Step 4 – Roof Removal

Remove all your old shingles and paper down to the roof planking before installing the tin roof.

Step 5 – Line the Roof

Use new tar paper or felt to line the roof before installing the tin roof.

Step 6 – Install Slat Board

Install slate boards to accept the new tin roof so it can easily be attached by laying lengths at two-foot intervals length-wise working from the roof bottom up. Secure the slat board with 3-inch Philips-head screws.

Step 7 –Metal Edging

Nail the metal edging using a hammer and roofing nails.

Step 8 – Lay Tin Panels

Screw the first panel using wood screws at two foot intervals following the slat boards as guide along the center and inside edge of the sheet only.

Step 9 – Overlap Panel Installation

The second and subsequent sheets need to overlap the one before. If V-crimp, one crimp in the sheet above will overlap one crimp in the sheet below. When using R-panels, one ridge should overlap another panel’s ridge.

Step 10- Secure into Slat Boards

Secure each panel to the slat boards every two feet using ¼-inch metal wood screws.

Step 11 – Cut Along the Edge

The last panel will need to be cut to fit when you reach the roof edge. Mark the ridge or crimp that runs along the roof edge with a chalk line to guide your tin cutter before screwing the last panel in.

Step 12 – Repeat

Repeat the above for the other side.

Step 13 – R-Panel

R-panel installation requires using 5/16-inch lap screws every four feet where the metal sheets will overlap.

Step 14- Trim

Install metal trim along the roof edge and also across the peak. Notch the trim to lay it over the peak and secure with ¼-inch metal wood screws.

Step 15 – R-Panel Closures

Install your R-panel closures that are 36-inch foam rubber lengths with self-adhesive strips that are pushed into the openings to prevent animals from entering. Make sure to screw the bottom of all sheets down.

Step 16 – R-Panel Ridge

Use a foam enclosure to fill the wide gap at the top of the R-panel sheets. Screw the R-panel ridge at the high point every two feet using 5/16-inch lap screws.