If you're looking for a long-lasting roof that also looks distinctive, metal is an excellent choice. Before you can install them, the metal sheets must be trimmed to fit your roof, but with a few simple tools, this is straightforward. Cut lengths by hand using tin snips or shears. A circular saw and a nibbler, among other things, are useful for cutting sheets in large quantities more quickly. To make excellent sections that fit over your roof, plan your cuts carefully, Here are 2 Ways How to Cut Metal Roofing:
1- Cutting Metal Roofing on the Marker (How to Cut Metal Roofing)
A) Roofing sheets should be laid on a flat surface, with the underside facing upward.
Cut the sheets as quickly and painlessly as possible while they are on a flat surface, such as a workbench. Before you attach them with adjustable clamps, turn them over so the correct side faces up. The bottom edge is flatter than the top edge, making it simpler to cross.
- Each sheet has ridges on the top side that stick up and are difficult to cut cleanly across. Turn the sheets upside down so that the ridges are pointing downward and the valleys are facing upward.
B) The number of panels required for the roof should be calculated.
If you haven't already figured out how big the panel needs to be, you'll need roof measurements. Guess by measuring the length and width of each section of your roof. You'll need to know the size of the roofing sheets you'll require to build them together. To figure out how many you'll need for the job, divide the roof area calculation by the average sheet size. To assist you to figure out how many sheets you'll need, look up a metal roofing calculator online. Then, using your roof measurements, fit the sheets together.
In other words, you need 42 sheets of 90 in. -> For instance, if your roof is 21 feet by 10 feet (6.4 m × 3 m), you have 210 square feet (20 m2) of space to cover. Dividing it by an 18 square foot (1.7 m2) sheet gives a figure.
C) Make a mark on the edge that coincides with the line you want to remove.
To properly cut and size a piece of molding, first determine where you want to start and end the operation. Determine how big the panel needs to be by consulting your roofing calculations. Then, with a permanent marker, note the locations.
- Keep your attention on cutting the sheet precisely where you need to. Any roof gaps cause a significant water problem, so double-check your measurements.
D) Use a combination square to draw a straight line across the top of the shape.
A combination square is a large ruler that adheres to the sheet's edge. Hold the adjustable section of the square flush against the edge of the sheet, then stretch out the ruler part. Begin connecting the start and endpoints with a permanent marker.
- When working with metal roofing, accuracy is critical. After you cut the metal, any mistake you make may cause it to rust. Make certain that your line is as accurate as possible!
E) Put on goggles, a dust mask, and any other necessary safety equipment.
Metal dust and fragments are possible while cutting steel. Take the appropriate safety precautions no matter what tool you employ to minimize the danger of injury. Insert earplugs if you're using a chainsaw. For added protection, cover up with a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and good boots.
Circular saws create the most racket and scrap of any equipment for cutting metal. If you have one, double-check that the roofing is sized correctly and that you have safety gear such as a good pair of earplugs and a dust mask.
2- Using Shears and Tin Snips (How to Cut Metal Roofing)
A) If you need to make a cut, use snips instead of scissors.
If you don't mind doing it by hand, tin snips are an easy way to snip single sheets of metal roofing. Snips are simply tiny scissors for metal, so you use them just as you would with conventional scissors. There are several distinct types of tin snips to choose from, depending on your demands. The disadvantages of laser cutting are minor. The process is a little slow and difficult to finish correctly if you have a lot to accomplish.
- To cut straight lines with tin snips, choose yellow or plain ones. This type is ideal for most cuts needed when working with metal roofing.
- Locks, hinges and latches in kitchens should all be cut using left-handed scissors with red handles for counterclockwise trimming of metal. For cutting clockwise and removing metal to your right, pick out green-handled snips.
B) If you want an existing base, make a pilot hole with a drill.
For example, if you're attempting to make a hole in the center of a solid piece of metal, make a pilot hole. When you need to remove the center of a roofing sheet, it is crucial. The simplest method to achieve this is with an electric drill and a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) metal-cutting drill bit. Make a hole in the middle of the component you wish to chop and then trim away from your drawing.
- If you're cutting end-to-end across a sheet, there's no need for a pilot hole.
- Another method is to pierce the metal using a nail or a screwdriver. Make an indentation for removing the sheeting by putting a small bit of masking or paper underneath, then remove the old material.
C) Snip the line, then place the blade along the cutting line you just made.
Consider it a school craft project using tougher, more durable materials. Cut the metal straight across in half. With the scissors positioned as far apart as possible and the metal firmly between them, snip. Tip: Keep the metal sheet pressed against the snips' jaws as you cut. Trim with the scissors opened wide and exposed as much of the metal surface as possible.
- Slowly cut along the line, maintaining the scissors on their marks and locked onto the metal.
D) Place the knife on a level surface and squeeze the handles to cut along the line.
Hold the metal securely using one hand, and then press down firmly on the snips' jaws with your other hand. Repeat this process until you've reached the end of the metal. As you progress across the cutting line, keep in mind that if your blade is coarse, it will cause it to catch and bind as you cut. Use a smooth-cutting file to sharpen the tip of your knife after each session of sawing.
- After cutting, tin snips create jagged edges that must be handled with care. To protect yourself, use a sturdy pair of gloves.
E) If you need to make faster straight cuts, use a set of power shears.
The terms "power shears" and "tin snips" are often used interchangeably, but they aren't the same. Power shears are similar to tin snips, though they come in both electric and pneumatic versions. Shears are faster when cutting a length 2 ft (0.61 m) or more, resulting in superior quality cuts. Also, when you need to cut many different sheets in a short period, use power shears.
- Shears are electric scissors that cut similarly to regular scissors. Simply hold the shears where you want to trim, press the trigger, and control the blade as it travels along the metal.
- Quality shears cut more smoothly than a hot knife through steak, but you still need to be cautious with them. Sometimes they become trapped, requiring you to work from the other side for a rescue. You won't have much trouble as long as you don't hurry or force the shears.
Metal roofing is a versatile material that can be cut by using many different types of blades. Tin snips are best for cutting across the width of a single sheet, but if you need to make faster straight cuts or want to use power shears, those will work as well. there are so many ways how to cut metal roofing, you just need to be careful!