If you are considering replacing a panel or part of your metal roof, you might be wondering how to do it. As with most home maintenance tasks, the process is easier than it looks. The first step is figuring out what type of metal panels you have on your roof and then checking that they are in good condition before starting work.
An advantage of having a metal roof is that in the event of a repair, you can replace a single panel rather than the entire section of the roof. This will save you a lot of time and money since it is cheaper to replace an individual panel. The next advantage is that replacing a panel is something that you should be able to do relatively easily.
While metal roofs are typically strong, one challenge that can come up with them is rusting or corrosion near screws attaching panels together or on nails holding down battens that keep your insulation in place between panels. These issues need to be repaired before beginning any kind of replacement project for a single panel because they may cause problems while you’re trying to remove existing pieces from your roof.
It is essential to thoroughly inspect your whole roof for bad spots before preparing to replace the damaged or worn panels. In addition, you will need to remove old panels and dispose of them properly.
Advantages of The 138T Standing Seam
The advantage of this type of metal roofing panel is that it has a neutral leg, opposed to the male and female legs of other types, making it difficult to repair a part of your metal roof. This means that the seams make a T when joined side by side. The seam is made by placing a seam cap over the neutral seam. This is the key selling point on this type of metal roof, making them easy to repair.
The 138T is held in place by a metal clip, which makes it easy to clip in and out of place by a push or pull. This is a very easy repair process.
How To Replace A 138T Standing Seam: Step by Step Guide
Tools You Need
Ladder – Ensure that you have a ladder that will be tall enough to reach the roof safely. It is vital to inspect the ladder for any defects, as working at heights is considered a high-level risk when doing this kind of work. Additionally, ensure you have someone who can hold the ladder as you ascend or descend on the ladder.
Safety Harness And Anchor Rope – It is always advisable to install an anchor rope on the opposite side of the roof you’ll be working on, effectively creating a loop on which you can attach the lanyard of your safety harness. This will prevent a potential accident. You should only consider this work if you’re confident that you can safely perform the task.
Metal Panels – Ensure that you have your panels ready as per your measurements.
Seam Caps – Double check that you’ve purchased enough seam caps for the intended roof area requiring repair.
Can Opener – This is an electric piece of equipment you’ll need to remove the seam caps from the panels you’d like to remove.
Seamer – Similar to the can opener, the seamer is a machine used to seal the new seam caps mechanically into place, ensuring a proper weather seal.
Extension Cord – Ensure that your extension cord is long enough to reach the power source you’ll need for both your can opener and seamer.
Safety Gloves – This will protect you from any sharp edges or objects on old panels.
Metal Clips – It is advisable to keep a spare metal clip in case you need to replace an existing clip.
Screwdriver/Drill – This will be used to fix the metal clips with two screws, should an existing clip need replacing.
How To Replace Individual Metal Roofing Panels
- Inspect all your tools and equipment.
- Install your anchor rope on the opposite side of the house, throwing the looped section of the rope on the roof.
- Set up the extension cord in the nearest room and ensure that it is near your working area.
- Set up your ladder on level stable ground, preferably near the area you intend on working on.
- Climb halfway up the ladder, and ask an assistant to hand you the tools and panels as you place them a safe distance on the roof. If you cannot safely place the tools and material, consider placing a few items before moving the ladder a yard before continuing to place the material on the roof.
- Next, bring the extension cord up the ladder and place it safely on the roof as you climb onto the roof. Next, tie your safety harness to the lifeline to ensure that you don’t fall.
- Now it’s time to use them can opener. The machine is placed over the seam cap of the panel you intend on removing; the machine runs up the seam all the way to the top, opening the seam cap.
- Next, you can pull the panel up out of the metal clips and place it clear of the working area.
- Inspect the roof area where the old panel was, check the metal clips for rust and decay. Also, check the insulation for any damage before placing the replacement panel in.
- Now place the new panel in place by pressing down in the area of the metal clips, ensuring the panel is in place.
- Once the panel is in place, replace the seam caps on the neutral leg joint before using the seamer to mechanically bend the seam cap in place to provide the needed weather seal.
- Safely remove the old material from the roof and clean your tools.
In conclusion, it is always advisable to hire a professional if you’re not confident that you can work safely. You should also ensure that your tools and safety equipment are in good working order before starting the process of replacing the roofing panels on your metal roof, as it could be very dangerous for someone who isn’t experienced with these types of repairs. If you’re not up for the task, reach out to our team of specialists for a free quotation on your roof repair needs.