The average cost to install a standing seam metal roof at the beginning of 2024 was about $16,150. Since these cost estimates vary so much, they depend on important things like the type of material chosen and the size of the roof. This shows that there is a need for careful calculation when installing metal roofing sheets for your project to ensure that the installation is quite smooth, quick, and economical. In this blog post, we will be showing you how to calculate the number of metal sheets to ensure a budget-friendly and a stress-free roofing project.
What Are Corrugated Metal Sheets Made Of?
Mainly galvanized steel is used to make corrugated metal sheets. This comes from hot dipping mild steel into a zinc bath to prevent corrosion. This largely increases the strength and life of such sheets, hence rendering them very workable in a wide field of application, mostly in roofing.
Corrugation involves cold rolling of the steel into a linear ridged pattern which increases the sheet’s bending strength in a direction perpendicular to the corrugations. Other materials for the manufacture of corrugated sheets are aluminum and copper.
How Much Does a Sheet of Metal Roofing Weigh?
The weight of a sheet of metal roofing would vary with respect to its size and composition. A standard 3×12 galvanized steel sheet can weigh between 40-80 pounds. Quite reasonably, the thicker sheets weigh thanks to a greater composition. Compared to steel, the sheets made of aluminum are lightweight, and that makes them easier to install.
How Much Does a Sheet of Metal Roofing Cost?
The cost of a metal roofing sheet can vary based on the type of material, how thick it is, and market conditions. Usually, galvanized steel sheets cost between $2 and $6 for each square foot.
Aluminum sheets cost between $3 and $8 per square foot just because they donot corrode and are lightweight. However, copper sheets are some of the most expensive as the price sometimes exceeds $10 per square foot, probably because it is both pleasing to the eye and highly durable.
How Wide Are Metal Roofing Sheets?
Metal roofing sheets are manufactured in wide ranges to cater to every requirement for different types of roofing jobs and aesthetic satisfaction. In general, its most common sizes range between 12 to 60 inches.
In most homes, 18 to 24 inches are usually used. For big commercial buildings, the sheets usually range in width from 24 to 36 inches because, for larger areas, wider sheets are needed to reduce the number of seams and the chances of leakages.
Types Of Metal Roofing Sheet
The roofing sheets are made of various metals, all having pros and cons. The right one is chosen according to the budget, environment, and preference in design.
Aluminum Roofing
Light and strong, the corrosion-resistant nature of aluminum makes it ideal, especially for harsh weather conditions such as experienced at the coastal areas. Due to their ability to reflect sunlight, it becomes an energy efficient roofing choice and keeps the homes cooler in warmer climates.
Copper roofing
Copper is a very durable, high-end roofing material that overtime oxidizes and forms a protective patina, which gives a greenish color. Extremely resistant, copper roofs can last more than 100 years, and they are also the most expensive roofing choice.
Tin Roofing
The once popular tin roofing has now become obsolete. They have always remained a favorite for residential and commercial buildings because of their high durability and low cost. But as building materials evolved, the term “tin roof” is now referred to a more modern type of roofing material known as steel.
Zinc Roofing
Zinc roofing is highly regarded for combining durability with distinctive looks. Like copper, zinc also develops a patina over time, leading to color changes that simultaneously offer protection against natural elements. While it is durable, having a life span well above 80 years, however, its relatively higher cost makes zinc a more luxurious option.
Steel Roofing
Steel is by far the most common metal roofing material, which is durable, reasonably priced, and comes in a wide variety of finishes. It will resist corrosion and can mimic other materials, so it’s a great option for both residential and commercial buildings.
Metal Roofing Installation Tips
Although the installation of metal roofing gives a stylish boost to your home, it also demands for a correct finishing and proper planning. Here’s how to do it right!
How to Cut Metal Roofing Sheets?
Cutting of the metal roofing sheets accurately will ensure that they fit perfectly. Preparation tools for doing the task are safety goggles, gloves, tape measure, chalk line or marker, tin snips for a very thin sheet, and circular saw with metal-cutting blade for very thick sheet.
First, measure the place where the sheet has to be fitted and draw the cutting line using chalk or a marker. Second, fix the metal sheet on sawhorses or a workbench and tighten it till the end to eliminate movement of material while cutting.
Start at one corner of the sheets being used on the application and slowly try to cut along the marks. For thicker sheets use a circular saw and the right blade to mark the cut. After cutting, smooth out the sharp edges with a metal file or grinder to avoid injury while handling and installing.
How to Install Metal Roofing Sheets?
Installing metal roofing sheets seems like a hard job, but with good preparation and right steps, it can easily be done. First of all, the roof deck must be clear of dirt, old materials, or debris so there will be a good base from which the new sheets could start.
Place the first sheet of metal flat across the roof, letting it hang about an inch over the edge so water can flow off correctly. Secure the sheet with metal roofing screws by placing a screw every 24 inches along the top edge. Lay down the other sheets, overlapping them a little as the manufacturer recommends for a tight seal that will help with good water drainage.
Repeat the same on the entire roof, ensuring proper fastening and alignment among adjacent sheets. Once placed, check for looseness in screw holes and joints. Seal caulking should be applied at joints. Finally, ensure that everything is well secured and gives a professional and weather-resistant finish.
How Many Screws Are Needed Per Sheet of Metal Roofing?
You will need the right number of screws to make your metal roof both strong and durable. For a standard sheet of metal roofing that measures 3 by 12 feet, you will need at least 20 screws. Place the screws 24 inches apart along the top edge and down both sides of the sheet. You may need to add more screws for your metal roofs if your house is in the area that experiences strong winds and harsh weather.
How to Calculate the Metal Needed for Your Roofing?
Begin by measuring your roof dimensions to know how much roofing material is needed to cover the roof. Multiply the length by width for a flat roof to obtain the total area. Use a pitch multiplier for a sloped roof to get the total area. Calculate how much area one metal panel covers by multiplying its length by its width.
Divide the area of the roof by the panel’s covered area and round up for waste. Add 10% to all orders for possible mistakes and replacements. These can also be done using an online calculator which will give quicker and more accurate results.
Conclusion
Put more simply, the calculation of the amount of required metal roofing sheets for your roofing is really very important. In simple terms, it saves you from several unwanted situations that may include a shortage or excess of material, unwanted delays, or unexpected cost. You can calculate confidently the quantity required by just going through the steps mentioned here, which has roof pitch and panel size as an element. Adding extra material for waste or errors will also guarantee smoothness within the process. Remember to round up on the nearest whole number to make sure you have enough material about your roofing project.
FAQs
How would I find out how much metal roofing I would probably need?
Calculate how much area your roof is. Add up all those areas. Then take that sum and divide it by the area each sheet of metal roofing covers. You should add about 10% more to your total count since you may have a few mistakes or waste when you are beginning to install.
Is metal roofing costlier than shingles?
Undoubtedly, metal roofing will cost you more than asphalt shingles. The price of asphalt shingles ranges from $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot while the price of metal roofing can range from $4 to $30 per square foot. However, the initial high cost of metal roofs is worth the investment because they are durable and require less maintenance as compared to shingles.
What should be considered in choosing between metal roofing and shingles?
When choosing between metal roofing and shingles, you need to consider the initial material cost, how long does it last, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, and aesthetic preferences. Metal roofs are usually more expensive upfront but they last longer and require less maintenance as compared to the traditional shingles.
