Metal roofing is incredibly durable, fashionable, and weatherproof. Working with metal roofing demands a specific procedure, just like with other materials. Normally, you won't need to cut any of the panels to length while installing a metal roof. They will either overlap one another in panels or be precut to fit the roof. Nevertheless, there will be a lot of additional metal roofing to cut while installing.
Ultimate Guide Of Cutting Metal Roofing Panels & Sheets
Metal is an excellent alternative if you need a new roof because it is long-lasting and has a distinctive appearance. Before you can install the metal roof, the sheets must be cut to fit your roof, but fortunately, this is simple to perform with a few different tools. Cut lengths by hand using tin snips or shears. Additionally, you may cut numerous sheets more rapidly with a circular saw and make rounded cuts with a nibbler. Make precise cuts to produce the parts that fit over your roof.
Step 1: Mark The Metal For Cutting
- On a flat surface, Arrange The Roofing Sheets with the underside facing up. Find a firm surface you can use to cut the sheets without moving them, such as a workbench. Before pinning them in place with adjustable clamps, flip them over so the proper side is facing up. Since the bottom is flatter than the top edge, cutting across it is simpler. Each sheet includes ridges on the top that make it difficult to make clean cuts through them. Always flip the sheets so the valleys are instead of the mountains and the ridges are downward.
- Determine How Many Panels Are Required for the roof. You need roof measurements if you haven't already decided how big the panel should be. Calculate the cost by determining the length and width of each roof piece. To fit the roofing sheets together, you will also need to be aware of their sizes. Calculate how many sheets you'll need for the job by dividing the estimated area of the roof by the typical size of the sheets.
- To designate the location where you need to cut, Measure Along The Sides. Plan out the start and end points of the cut using a tape measure. The size of the panel should be determined using your roofing calculations. Then use a permanent marker to mark the places. Make sure to place the marks exactly where you want to cut the sheet. Measure again because even a little opening in the roof can lead to serious leaks.
- To cut over, Draw A Straight Lineusing a combination square. In essence, a combination square is a large ruler that fastens to the sheet's side. Stretch out the square's ruler portion across the page while holding the adjustable portion flat against the edge. With a permanent marker, start tying the start and end points together.
- Put On Your Safety Goggles, Dust Mask, and other accessories. Metal dust and pieces are a problem when cutting metal. No matter what tool you use, keep yourself safe by following the correct safety procedures. Additionally, if you're using a saw, use earplugs. For further protection, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and sturdy boots.
Step 2: Using Tin Snips And Shears
- If you need to take a shortcut, use Snips. Tin Snips Are An Easy Way To Cut Single Sheets of metal roofing if you don't mind using your hands. Snips are really just metal scissors, so you use them just like you would with scissors designed for paper. Depending on your demands, there are a variety of tin snips available. The cutting procedure is a little slow and challenging to finish precisely if you have a lot to do as drawbacks. To cut straight lines, choose tin snips in either yellow or plain. When working with metal roofing, this type is useful for the majority of cuts that are required. To remove metal to your left while cutting anticlockwise, pick red-handled left-handed shears. To cut anticlockwise and remove metal to your right, choose right-handed shears with green handles.
- If you require a starting point, Use A Drill To Make A Pilot Hole. Make a pilot hole before cutting into something solid, such as a piece of metal, to avoid damaging the material. When a roofing sheet needs to have the center taken off, it is necessary. Using an electric drill and a 12 in (1.3 cm) metal-cutting drill bit is the simplest way to accomplish this. Create a hole in the middle of the part you want to cut, then trim along the drawn line.
- Open The Snips, And Position The Blade such that it follows the cutting line you indicated. Consider cutting the metal as a larger, sharper version of a craft project from elementary school. Make the scissors as wide-open as possible before inserting the metal tightly between the blades. As much as possible, keep the metal sheet pressed against the snips' jaws when cutting. Work slowly and watch to keep the scissors attached to the metal and on the line.
- To cut the metal along the line, Squeeze The Handles. You should firmly close the snips' mouths before opening them wide once more. Up to the metal's end, keep doing this. Make the cut as steady and smooth as you can by grabbing as much metal as you can with each stroke. Handle the metal cautiously since tin snips can leave sharp edges. Put on a pair of sturdy gloves to protect yourself. The snips function best when cutting small distances, like a sheet's breadth.
- If you need to make straight cuts more quickly, Use Power Shears. Tin snips and power shears are extremely similar tools, although power shears can come in electric and pneumatic versions. Shears are quicker and provide superior cuts when cutting lengths of at least 2 feet (0.61 meters). Power shears can also be useful when you need to quickly chop up a number of different sheets.
Step 3: Using A Circular Saw Or A Nibbler
- Use A Circular Saw To Quickly Cut Many Sheets To Size. Saws are also useful for quickly cutting through several pieces of roofing, but they also pose many safety risks. If you're not careful, they can be devastating and incredibly loud. Wear earplugs, and firmly fasten the metal sheeting to prevent the saw from moving.
- Install A Metal-cutting Blade In The Saw. Consider using something spiky and rough while cutting metal. Blades with steel or carbide teeth are both suitable options. For the majority of circular saws and projects, a 7 in (18 cm) blade is the ideal size. If you're using an angle grinder, choose a 4 in (10 cm) disc. To make sure the blade is appropriate for your project, always read the label. Look for blades designed to cut metal roofing or sheet metal. Choose a carbide-tooth blade if you anticipate using your saw frequently because they are more expensive but last longer.
- The cutting guideline you marked should be in line with the blade. Set The Saw On The Metal's Edge once you've determined where to cut it. Aim to approach from the proper angle. You only have one chance to make a clean cut, and if the sheet moves at all, you could lose your footing.
- Cut Steadily And Slowly Following The Line. Metal sheets are sliced through by saw blades very quickly. Rushing is still dangerous, though. Use light pressure to regulate the saw and keep it in the proper position on the line. To finish the incision, advance the object along the metal.
- For circular cuts, Use The Nibbler Attachment On An Electric Drill. Similar to using a saw, employing a nibbler is a far superior approach to making specific cuts. You can purchase an electric drill accessory or a separate tool. It scrapes little rabbit bites out of the metal, as the name implies. To finish the cut, move the nibbler forward along the line you drew starting at the edge of the roofing sheet. Nibblers are specialized instruments, thus straight cuts are not the best use for them. You can use your saw for it, thankfully. For activities like drilling a hole for a vent pipe, use a nibbler instead.