When roofing a garage, does it matter which way the new boards go?
Q. Our garage roof had a lot of water damage so we have to replace the old boards. Does it matter which side of the plywood goes up - smooth or rough side? Any re-roofing tips would be appreciated, it's the first time doing it ourself.
Asked by tanner - Thu May 3 22:31:54 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I'd suggest using OSB (oriented strand board) instead of plywood. It's stronger, costs less per sheet, and there is no directional grain as in plywood to consider when spanning rafters. OSB has a slick side and a textured side. The textured side can go up to give you additional grip and footing. Use ply-clips around the top edges in-between each rafter to give you needed expansion. If you don't have a pneumatic decking stapler, use 8d box nails to fasten. Apply felt over the decking before you lay the new shingles. Start at the bottom, as you do with the decking, and overlap a few inches each time. Fasten felt with cap nails. Use 1" galvanized roofing nails and follow the instructions on the packaging. Good luck.
Answered by Turnhog - Thu May 3 22:44:53 2007

What is the proper way to install metal roofing?
Q. My neighbor installed her metal roofing on her new garage, 10' from my house, using strapping that was nailed to the roof rafters with no plywood backer. Now the temperature changes make the stuff pop when the temperature increases or decreases and I get to listen to that. It sounds like somebody is remotely locking and unlocking a car door and louder! What can I do about it?
Asked by iswaswill - Wed Sep 19 20:53:06 2007 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Don't kill the messenger...but I'm afraid it's a noise that you may get very familiar with, due to the roof being improperly installed. There should have been lathe strips attached to decking substrate and then the metal attached to the lathe strips. In all reality a felt underlayment on the decking before installing the lathe strips would also have been recommended. My husband and I have run a roofing company for 20 years and we have NEVER gone down to the rafters for a metal roof. The metal will continue to bow and flex with all weather changes. Sorry
Answered by Checkered Dreams - Wed Sep 19 23:36:53 2007

How do I calculate how many pieces of metal roofing I need for my hip roof?
Q. We are building a house in South America. It is 47ft x 30 ft and will have a hip roof (8 or 10 ft. pitch). We are trying to figure out how much metal roofing we will need to cover it. Does anyone know of an online calculator or website where I can input the dimensions and it tell me how much metal roofing we will need? Or at least the dimensions of each of the sides of the hip roof? Thanks!
Asked by mgt17ga - Wed Jun 16 20:59:07 2010 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. according to roof plan all the valleys and narrow section plus end of the roof edges all around and any connection to the wall if there's any ,need to be sealed by metal roof .If roof is a simple gamble roof only end roof edges and top of the roof on the ridge board.
Answered by JOHN K - Wed Jun 16 22:46:46 2010