How To Cut Metal Roofing To Fit Valleys

Metal roofing is one type of roofing system made from tiles, panels, or metals. Roofing systems provide a physical separator between the inside and outside parts of the building that provides resistance to air, water, heat, and sound. 

But what makes metal roofing different from other roofing systems is the higher resistance, impermeability, greater longevity, and most importantly aesthetic appearance of a building anyone will be fond of.

That’s why it’s getting popular day by day. This article will help you to know “how to cut metal roofing to fit valleys”.

Let’s get started.

How to Cut Metal Roofing to Fit Valleys

Well, you can cut the metals on your own if you are an expert on driving some of the cutting tools, and to fit these sheets onto the roofs you need a proper measurement.

It is obvious to cut the metal sheets properly to fit your roof before installing them. It is easier to do with some tools and by following operative steps.

The process to follow:

1.   Marking the metal for cutting

i.  Lay the panels on a plane surface putting the topside down

• Finding a stable periphery, set the sheets properly. The undersides of sheets are flatter than the topsides (which have balks) making it (Underside) easier to cut across.

 ii. Calculate the number of panels you need for your roof valley.

•  You need roof measurements to determine panel size. Divide the estimated roof’s area by the average size of the sheets you’re using to estimate how many sheets you need to cover up the roof.
•  For example, if you have to cover a 20 feet * 10 feet= 200 square ft roof space, you will need 200/16= 12.5 sheets for the project. ( if a single sheet sizes 16 sq. ft)

 iii.   Take the measurements of both sides of the sheets and mark the spot you need to cut (Using a combination square)

• A combination square is a big ruler whose one side attaches to the side of the sheet and the remaining part works as a stretch ruler.
• First, set out the point you want to begin and where to end the cutting. Now, spot those parts with a permanent marker.
• You should focus on your marks precisely because a single pause on the surface of the roof can cause a major leakage problem. Measure more than once every time.

2.   Cutting

 I.  Use of Tin Snips and Shears

i.  Use snips when you have to make short (other than straight) cuts

• Snips are used to cut metals as a similar way how scissors are used to cut sheets of paper. Snips work best when cutting a shorter length of sheets.
•  If you need a starting point, create a pilot hole with a drill to mark and then trim the sheet lining the blade of snip towards the cutting line.
• You should work slowly making sure that you keep the blade on the marked line and handle the edge of the metal carefully.

 ii.  Use power shears if you need to make a quicker straight cut

•  Power shears work in the same way as scissors but these are electric ones. And all it needs to hold the shears. Where it needs to be cut, just press the trigger and then control the blade of shears as it moves along the metal.

II. Using a Circular Saw or a Nibbler

  i. Use a circular saw if you want to cut multiple sheets at a single time

• It’s the choice of interest whether you want to cut multiple sheets at the same time.
• There are different types of blades for the saws. So, choose the blades according to your needs. (Example: Steel-tooth and carbide-tooth blades). Other experiences are similar to using a power shear.

  ii.  Use an electric drill nibbler for rounded cuts

• Using a nibbler is similar to using a saw but it is a better tool than a saw while completing a specialty cut such as a hole for a vent pipe.

Verdict:

In modern days, smart people are making smart tools available concerning everything you need in your life. All you need is the money and to know the use of the tools.

There are different tools to cut metal sheets for roofing. Those tools help us make the metals fit in the roof of the valley. All it needs is a good measurement and planning for the roof as well as metals. 

And to accomplish the planning, the uses of some smart tools are required to make your roof unique and aesthetic to watch.