If you need a new roof, metal is a good option.The metal sheets used to form the roof need to be cut to fit your roof before you can install them, but it is easy to do with a few different tools.Use shears or tin shears to cut lengths.You could use a circular saw to cut a lot of sheets quicker.If you plan your cuts well, you can make the perfect pieces for your roof.
Step 1: The roofing sheets should be laid on the flat surface.
You can cut the sheets on a stable surface.Before you put them in place, make sure the side faces up.It is easier to cut across the flatter underside.The ridges on the top side of the sheets are difficult to cut across.Turn the sheets so the ridges are upside down.
Step 2: Determine the number of panels needed for the roof.
If you don't know how big the panel needs to be, you need to measure the roof.Measure the length and width of your roof to make an estimate.You need to know the size of the roofing sheets available in order to fit them together.Divide the roof area estimate by the average size of the sheets to figure out how many you need.You can use a metal roofing calculator to figure out how many sheets you need.Put the sheets together according to the roof measurements.If you have a 21 ft 10 ft roof, there is 20 m of space to cover.To get an estimate of 12 sheets, divide it by 18 sq ft.
Step 3: You need to mark the spot on the sides.
To plot out where you want to begin and end the cut, use a tape measure.Refer to your roofing calculations to figure out how big the panel needs to be.Then, use a permanent marker to write down the spots.Make sure you get the marks where you need to cut the sheet.If there are gaps in the roof, measure twice.
Step 4: A straight line can be cut over with a combination square.
A combination square is a big ruler that is attached to the side of the sheet.Hold the square flush against the edge of the sheet and stretch the ruler out across it.The start and end points should be connected with a permanent marker.When working with metal roofing, precision is very important.The metal could rust after you cut it.Make sure your line is precise.
Step 5: Dust mask, goggles, and other safety gear should be worn.
There is a risk of metal dust and fragments.No matter what tool you use, take the proper safety precautions.If you are using a saw, wear ear protectors.It's a good idea to cover up with a long-sleeved shirt, pants and boots.Circular saws produce more noise and debris than any other tool.Double-check that the roofing is sized correctly and that you have safety gear like a good pair of earplugs and a dust mask.
Step 6: If you have to make short cuts, use snips.
Tin snips are an easy way to cut single sheets of metal roofing.If you want to cut a sheet of paper, you should use the scissors that are meant for metal.Depending on your needs, there are several different types of tin snips.The cutting process is difficult to complete accurately if you have a lot of work to do.To cut straight lines, use yellow or plain tin snips.Most cuts you need to make when working with metal roofing can be made with this type.If you want to remove metal to your left, choose left-handed scissors with red handles.Pick right-handed scissors with green handles to cut clockwise and remove metal to the right.
Step 7: If you need a starting point, you can create a pilot hole with a drill.
If you want to cut a hole in the middle of a piece of metal, make a pilot hole.It's important to cut out the middle of a roofing sheet.The easiest way to do this is with an electric drill and a metal-cutting drill bit.Make a hole in the center of the part you want to cut, then trim toward the guideline you drew.If you are cutting end to end across a sheet, you don't need a pilot hole.By hammering a nail or screwdriver through the metal is another way to do this.Make a hole on the part you plan to remove in order to prevent damage to the sheeting.
Step 8: Line the blade with the cutting line you marked.
Think of cutting metal as a school craft project, only with bigger, sharper materials.To fit the metal between the blades, open the scissors as wide as you can.As you cut, keep the metal sheet pressed against the jaws of the scissors.Make sure you keep the scissors on the line and latched onto the metal.
Step 9: The handles should be squeezed to cut the metal.
The jaws of the snips should be pressed down as firmly as possible.Continue until you reach the end of the metal.Make the cut as smooth and steady as possible by getting as much metal as you can with each stroke.Handle the metal with care because tin snips leave jagged edges.A pair of gloves is needed to protect yourself.The best way to cut shorter lengths is across the width of a single sheet.
Step 10: If you need to make quicker cuts, use power shears.
Both electric and pneumatic power shears are similar to tin snips.Shears make for better quality cuts if they are more than 2 ft (0.61 m) long.When you need to cut up several sheets in a short amount of time, use power shears.Shears are similar to scissors.All you have to do is hold the shears where you need to cut, press thetrigger, and control the blade as it moves along the metal.Quality shears slice better than a hot knife through steak, but you still have to be careful with them.You have to approach the cut from the opposite angle when they get stuck.You will not have much trouble if you don't rush or force the shears.
Step 11: For a quicker way to size multiple sheets, cut with a circular saw.
A lot of safety concerns come with using saws for slicing through multiple pieces of roofing in one go.If you are not careful, they can be very destructive.The saw can't slip out of position if the metal is secured well.Replacing old blades is costly if you cut a lot of metal.If you are not careful, saw blades can get hot and damage the roofing.Dust and metal fragments pose a risk to anyone without proper safety gear.An angle grinder is an alternative to a circular saw.It is a handheld version of a circular saw and works on roofing as well.It requires more hand control.
Step 12: Attach the saw with a blade.
You should use something spiky and abrasive when cutting metal.There are two good choices for blades.The perfect size for most circular saws is a 7 in blade.If you are using an angle grinder, choose a 4 in (10 cm).To make sure the blade is right for your project, always check the label.blades meant to cut sheet metal or metal roofingIf you plan on using a lot of your saw, choose a blade that will last longer.
Step 13: You should line the blade up with the guideline you marked.
Set the saw on the edge of the metal to slice it.You need to approach at the right angle.If the sheet shifts at all, you might fall off of the guideline because you only get one chance to cut it cleanly.You don't get a second chance to adjust, so keep a close eye on the blade.Keep your hands on the saw's guard as you move slowly.
Step 14: Cut along the guideline at a slow and steady pace.
At a rapid rate, saw blades cut through metal sheets.Rushing is still risky.Keep the saw positioned on the line by holding it with a gentle amount of pressure.To complete the cut, push it forward along the metal.Don't force the saw forward if it stops working.Take it to the other side of the guideline.To create a secure but whole panel for your roof, complete the cut from that angle.
Step 15: An electric drill nibbler is needed.
Specialty cuts can be done with a nibbler, which is a much better way to do them than using a saw.There is an attachment that fits on an electric drill.It takes small rabbit bites out of the metal.Push the nibbler forward along the guideline you drew to complete the cut.Nibblers aren't great for straight cuts.You have a saw for that.Cut a hole for a vent pipe with a nibbler.