Tools and Materials
Tools
- Safety glasses
- Heavy-duty work gloves
- Respirator
- Ear protection
- Measuring tape
Temporary marker
- Tin snips
Power shears
- Circular saw
Drill nibbler
- Ladder
Metal file
Materials
7 Steps on How to Cut Metal Roofing
Follow these steps to cut the metal roof sheets:
Use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of your roof. Take into account the dimensions of the metal sheet. Remember that you’ll have to overlap the adjacent metal sheets to avoid any water leakage.
Overlap at least two peaks of a corrugated metal sheet for extra stability. Measure and note the dimensions of the roof from all sides. Also, include the amount of overhang you would need.
Measure any peaks or lows on irregular roof surfaces. If there is a chimney or vent, measure the size of the opening. You will need these dimensions while cutting the metal roof.
Do not wear loose clothing when accessing the roof through a ladder. Seek assistance to keep the ladder stable.
Arrange the metal sheets on the floor the way you plan to install them. Overlap the adjacent sheets as per the user manual. Now, identify all the areas which need to be cut.
Edges of the metal roof sheets can be sharp. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when lifting them.
Pick one sheet that needs to be cut. Place it on your workbench with the backside of the panel facing towards you. This will have a smoother surface than the front, which might have protruding ridges. Secure the sheet to the workbench with adjustable clamps.
Use a pencil or temporary marker to mark all the cutting lines. Double-check the marked cutting lines with the dimensions you had noted earlier. Follow the same procedure for all other metal sheets.
You may need to make a straight, angled or circular cut on the metal roofing. Different tools are utilized for these cuts. Select your tools using the steps below.
You can make straight or angled cuts with the help of tin snips or power shears.
Using Tin Snips
One of the best ways to cut metal roofing is to use tin snips. The pin snips are color-coded depending on the type of cut. Plain or yellow tin snips are usually used for straight cuts. Use the tin snips in the same manner as you would use a pair of scissors. Use your other hand to roll up the cut metal so that it doesn’t hinder the cutting process.
Using Power Shears
Power shears are an advanced version of tin snips. They are available in both electric and pneumatic varieties. Align the blade of the power shear above the marked cutting line. Turn on the power and guide the shear along the cutting line.
Refer to the user manual before using any tool to cut metal roofing. Follow all the safety precautions included in this manual.
Wear safety glasses and heavy-duty work gloves when cutting metal roof panels with tin snips.
Tin snips are easy to use but can be time-consuming. They might not be suitable if you need to cut a large number of sheets.
Wear safety glasses, a respirator and ear protection when cutting metal roof sheets.
Using tin snips and drill nibblers is the best way to cut metal roofing in a circular shape. This is useful when you need circular cuts in metal roofing for ventilation ducts or chimneys.
Using Tin Snips
Use a drill machine to make a small hole in the middle of the circular shape you’ve drawn on the metal sheet. Once the hole is made, insert one of the blades of tin snips into this hole. Start cutting along the marked circular line. Opt for snips with red handles to cut counterclockwise. Use tin snips with green handles to cut in the clockwise direction.
Using Drill Nibbler
If you need to cut out a circular shape in ribbed metal roof panels, a drill nibbler can make the task easier. This is because tin snips do not work well with ribbed and thick metal roof panels. Furthermore, drill nibbler is the best choice for achieving clean, accurate cuts for vents and skylights.
Turn on the electric drill nibbler. Place the blade on the marked cutting line. It will draw out small, evenly-spaced holes along this line. Guide it to complete the circular shape. Turn the power off and keep the tool aside. Wear safety gloves and apply some pressure on this circle to remove it.
After you’ve cut the metal roofing, check for any jagged edges. Smoothen these edges with the help of a metal file. It will help prevent any injuries during roof installation. Collect and dispose of the metal shavings as per your state policies.
Wear safety glasses when using a metal file.