Even when you aren’t planning to have a DIY roofing project, you still should know how to overlap corrugated metal roofing correctly so you know the facts. This knowledge can also help you find the right service to do the installation.
After all, you don’t want to risk hiring someone who doesn’t know how to do it right, do you? And if you know, it helps you make a better and educated decision that prevents you from spending a fortune.
The Specialty of Corrugated Roof Sheets
Corrugated roofing sheets, formed by a roll-forming machine, are designed with alternating grooves and ridges for maximum strength. This unique shape contributes to its durability and popularity as a roofing material. Lightweight and easy to handle, the sheets are also corrosion-resistant, offering long-term protection against elements.
Basically, you need to overlap the sheet’s lengthways and widthways with only minimal cuts.
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You may not believe it, but the sheet has been around for quite a while. It was invented in the 1800s to be a lightweight and more adaptable option for roofing installation. Even today, this roofing type has been considered one of the fastest and easiest sheeting options for any roofing project – commercial or domestic.
What Is the Correct Way to Overlap Metal Roofing?
When you learn about how to overlap corrugated metal roofing, you want to learn the proper way to create a watertight shelter or cover. When you overlap the sheets, you create a watertight cover over the roof because the overlaps (between the sheets) help avoid leaks and seal the roof.
That’s why you need to carefully plan the project before the actual installation, such as considering the specific requirements for the overlap depending on the roof’s pitch and such things.
How Do You Join Corrugated Roofing Sheets?
To properly secure corrugated sheets, always install them away from the prevailing wind. This prevents water from entering under the sheets and reduces the risk of the side laps lifting during high winds. Ensure that each sheet overlaps by at least one corrugation to create a secure and watertight connection.
Are you not sure about determining the prevailing wind direction? You should observe the wind or weather in your area for several weeks before you execute your project. It will help you determine the right wind direction. Consult the internet to find tips and information about this matter.
The Calculation
Installing a metal roof can be a good way to protect your house, but you should also consider the proper amount of overlap. Overlapping can deliver better results, but you shouldn’t do it more than you need to.
Professional roofers recommend an overlap of at least 2.5 to 4 inches between each panel to ensure a watertight seal. For additional security, the end laps between two sheets should have a minimum sheet-over-sheet lapping of 25 cm, with adequate support on a purlin underneath.
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When planning your project, consider that Cladco Corrugated Sheets are available up to a maximum length of five meters (0.5mm thickness) and six meters (0.7mm thickness). This size allows for single-sheet runs up to six meters. For longer roofs, multiple sheet runs will require careful planning to ensure proper overlaps and support.
| Step | Description | Recommended Overlap | Additional Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measure the Roof | Measure the roof’s width and length to determine the number of sheets needed. | Minimum 4 inches for sheet ends. | Consider using sheets of 5 or 6 meters for longer roofs. |
| Install First Sheet | Start placing the first sheet at the bottom corner, moving sideways. | Overlap each sheet by one corrugation. | Install away from the prevailing wind to avoid water ingress. |
| Secure Sheets | Use TEK Screws with BAZ Washers to attach sheets securely. | Overlap by 2.5 to 4 inches between panels. | Do not overtighten screws to prevent leakage. |
| Seal the Seams | Apply roofing cement or sealant for a watertight finish. | Use Mastic Lapping Tape for joints. | Position sheets correctly before applying tape. |
Conclusion
If you are clueless about the roofing stuff, don’t do a DIY project. Consult a pro to have it done. But the knowledge about how to overlap corrugated metal roofing won’t hurt anyone, so don’t stop learning.
