Easiest Way About How to Cut Metal Roofing Sheets

If you want your roof to last for many years, metal roof is a fantastic alternative. Although cutting metal might be challenging, it is fully achievable with the correct tools and knowledge.

Find out what equipment you need to properly cut metal roofing along with the necessary maintenance to make sure the metal fits your roof.

Tools You Required

Here is the list of the best tools you need.

• • Tin snips: Tin snips are tools that resemble scissors but are far more powerful since they can cut through metal panels that are up to 29 gauge. They are more suited for quick cuts, however, a tin snip will function differently depending on the color of the handle. Always keep in mind that a tin snip with a yellow grip will cut straight whereas one with a green or red handle will pass counterclockwise to the right or left.

• • Metal Shears: The simplest cutting instrument to utilize is a pair of metal shears since they are powerful tools that can more easily cut through thicker metal panels.

• • Angle Grinder: When cutting several panels, an angle grinder is an ideal option. You can use it on your own, making it easier to use than a metal shear. To achieve the straightest line possible while using an angle grinder, make sure both of your hands are solid and in line with the marking you have made.

• • Circular Saw: Circular saws work well for cutting many sheets of metal, much like an angle grinder. Although the procedure is the same, a circular saw works significantly more quickly.

Safety precautions before cutting metal

1. 1. Wear protective gear

When cutting metal, it’s crucial to wear safety equipment like goggles, a facemask, thick gloves, and a helmet because as you work, small sparks, pieces, and dust will fly everywhere. Wear earplugs and cover your arms and legs in addition to wearing them.

2. 2. Keep a sectioned-off work area

If you have children or pets, make sure you’re working in an area out of their reach so they can’t tread on sharp pieces or burn themselves.

3. 3. Handle tools with care

You should be exact and take your time while cutting metal. Ensure that your hands are appropriately positioned in relation to your marks and apart from the blade. To ensure a perfect cut and avoid any injuries from out-of-control power instruments, go as slowly as you can.

Preparation

1. 1. Get Measurements

You must take measurements before you start the cutting process so you can figure out how many panels you’ll need to cover your roof and the size of the roofing sheet.

2. 2. Place Roofing Sheets Firmly

To prevent your sheets from shifting while you are cutting and producing slanted edges, be sure to operate on a flat, sturdy surface. For a quicker and smoother cut, ensure the underside is facing up. Additionally, you can utilize movable clamps to hold the sheets firmly in position.

3. 3. Mark Areas for Cutting

You must transfer these measurements to the real metal panel sheet in the same way as you did for your roof. Before adding any more lines using a marker, use a tape measure to identify the areas that need to be cut.

4. Decide which tools you’ll use

After making all of your markings, choose the tool you’ll be using next. It may be necessary to use both hand tools to navigate the circular edges more readily and power equipment to move more quickly. In order to avoid damaging your actual panels, practice using the tool and getting accurate cuts before you start.

How to cut different types of metal

Metal roofing

The best instrument to use to cut metal roofing is a pair of shears. To speed up your operation, shears can also be connected to a cordless power tool. The largest challenge you can have is making room for pipes that enter your roof. It’s crucial to complete this step precisely because if you don’t, you risk exposing yourself to leaks. To ensure that roofing fits perfectly, there are numerous boot sizes that you may use to create holes that are fitted for any pipe size. Once the holes have been set, tighten every inch of the circular edge with screws to push the rubber boot tightly around the pipe and prevent leaks.

Corrugated metal roofing

Cutting corrugated metal roof is similar to cutting flat, smooth metal, however in order to put your corrugated metal sheet around a pipe, you may need to add a rubber flange or boot depending on where the tear is located. It’s crucial to make sure the corrugated metal is trimmed to match the shape of your roof. It can also be required to caulk your roof to stop leaks.

Metal roofing panels

Because they couldn’t generate heat that would destroy any paint on the panel and allow the potential for rust to occur in the future, you should avoid using any power tools on metal roofing panels. Tin snips are what you’ll need for this because they’ll help you make a precise and clean cut.

Aftercare

After cutting your metal roof, you should secure it to your roof. For this, you need a certain kind of screw with a washer on it and a washer cushion made of neoprene that is designed to seal any possible leaks in your roof. The neoprene washer will go down to your metal and collapse to provide a watertight seal when you tighten the screw.

If you live in a region that gets a lot of snow, you may also add a snow guard to your metal roof to stop snow accumulation. Additional protection might be provided by adding rakes and trimmings.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to cut metal roofing properly we want to remind you to take the necessary precautions in order to do so safely. Typically, a professional roofing contractor with experience working with metal roofing should complete this operation. However, if you are a skilled handyman or have expertise with power tools, you could complete the tasks efficiently provided you take the necessary precautions in advance to ensure maximum precision. Now you can enjoy your metal roof which will prove to be an eco-friendly option for your home.