When you’re getting ready to install a standing seam roof, you’ll need to prepare your installation by preparing how you’ll lay out your metal panels. Western States Metal Roofing has the expertise to help with this. We’ve created step by step written instructions and pictures that illustrate each step on panel layout.
Follow along by watching our step by step panel layout video:
This article is intended to support the video. Follow the instructions within the video and refer back to this article if you need a written copy of the instruction.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know to plan the layout for your standing seam panels including:
- Planning your panel layout
- Pipe penetration
- Preparing your roof for panel installation
How To Layout Metal Roofing Panels
When laying out your panels, you must plan the number of panels you will need to cover the width of your roof. For example if you are installing an 18” panel and your roof is 182” wide, you will have a small two inch gap.
A better option is to add the remaining distance needed to a full panel width of 18” and divide that number by 2. In our example, it would give us two panels at 120”. That means you should start your run with a 10” panel, lay out 9 full panels, and finish with another 10” panel.
How To Layout Pipe Penetrations
Pipes and other penetrations will also factor into your layout. You don't want the seam of a panel to land where a penetration is located. If there’s a pipe in the panel seam, you will need to adjust the sizes of the first and last panels to compensate for the adjustment.
If you are working on a newer build or you have access to the pipe runs, you can also cut the pipe and rerun it to where it will land in the middle of a panel.
If you are removing a pipe, make sure the cuts fall flush or below the roof line. You do not want any pipe pieces creating bumps on the metal roofing panels.
Next, cover the hole with a piece of flat stock. For example, if you have a 4” hole, it is recommended you cover the whole with a 16” x 16” piece of flat stock.
Fasten the flat stock using pancake screws 2” apart around the perimeter.
Next, seal with a 4’x 4’ piece of sharkskin underlayment.
How To Prepare Your Roof for Installation
Before you install your panels, always clear your roof of any dust or debris. Check your roof for any protrusions. You can often find raised screws, nails, or leftover scrap in the underlayment. Remove these since they can damage your standing seam panels.
Underlayment should be cut as small as possible to access the object. Fasten screws or nails flush to the roofline or remove completely. When the object is removed or flush to the roof line, cover the hole with a round piece of sharkskin underlayment.
Your roof is now prepared for successful installation of standing seam side panels.
Looking for more metal roofing installation videos? Go to our YouTube Channel and subscribe as we post new installation videos weekly.
Need More Help With Standing Seam Metal Roofing Installation?
For panels and accessories needed for your standing seam installation, go to the Western States Metal Roofing website to see our catalog, and request a quote or metal color sample as there are hundreds of colors to choose from.
Looking for more homeowner guides and step-by-step installation help? Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel as we release new installation videos weekly. You can also find everything you need at the Western States Metal Roofing Learning Center to help you have an easy and successful installation.
