
Considering that metal roofing is durable, energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and attractive, it’s no surprise that it’s surging in popularity as more aesthetic options have become available. Whether facing sun or snow, rain or ice, metal roofing can withstand the elements longer (and remain attractive and functional longer) than other roofing materials, making it the perfect option whether you are a homeowner or business planning new construction, or replacing an older or dilapidated roofing material. It pays to build a complete material list for metal roofing alongside your metal roofing tools list, so nothing holds up your project once work begins.
In addition to its strength and sustainability, metal roofing can often be repainted rather than replaced. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofs can last 50 years or more, may improve home resale value, and can potentially help lower homeowners insurance costs. Here’s what you’ll need in order to successfully complete your roofing project.
Building Your Material List for Metal Roofing: Core Supplies
ADCO Metals can supply metal roof panels in a variety of colors, finishes, and styles. Your first task is ordering panels that complement your home or business color aesthetic or architectural style, but a complete material list for metal roof projects goes well beyond the panels themselves. Before you start, gather these basic materials and tools:
- Scaffolding or ladders to safely work on the roof
- Insulation to manage condensation
- Roofing felt for underlayment
- Drill and an assortment of drill bits
- Staple gun
- Roofing screws sized for your specific panel profile
Every material list for metal roofing should account for the roof’s pitch, local wind and rain exposure, and the panel profile you’ve chosen, since these factors change how much underlayment, insulation, and fastening hardware you’ll need. Skipping this step is one of the more common reasons DIY installers run short mid-project and have to make an extra supply run to finish what they started.
Metal Roofing Tools List for a Safe & Clean Installation
Materials get most of the attention, but a proper metal roofing tools list matters just as much for a clean, professional-looking finish. Here’s what a well-prepared metal roofing tools list should include:
- Shears or a nibbler to cut metal panels cleanly without warping the edges
- A drill with magnetic bits sized for your roofing screws
- A chalk line for keeping panel rows straight
- Tin snips for trim and flashing work
- Safety harnesses and non-slip footwear, since metal panels can get slick underfoot
Keep this metal roofing tools list on hand throughout the project, not just on day one, as all of these tools work to help keep you safe and on track. Flashing, trim, and vent work near the end of installation often calls for a different set of tools than the panel-laying stage does. A homeowner working through a DIY project should treat the metal roofing tools list as a checklist to review before each phase of the job, since running back to the store mid-install for a missing tool can cost a full afternoon of daylight.
Metal Roof Accessories to Round Out Your Material List for Metal Roof
In addition to your roofing panels, materials, and tools, there are also additional pieces, parts, and accessories that belong on any material list for metal roof projects:
- Roofing Screws: Required in order to secure the roofing panels to the structure. Make sure your screw choice is recommended for your specific application.
- Lap Tape: Applied to the top of lap ribs between overlapping panels to seal metal panels.
- Pipe Flashing: A specific type of impervious flashing designed to fit the contours of tubes and pipes to prevent water from passing into a structure through a joint. Also known as boot flashing.
- Trim: Depending on your roofing style you may need rake trim or gable trim to protect against wind damage and to provide a finished appearance.
- Ridge Vent: A venting strip installed at the peak of the roof to allow for a straight, continuous roofline, eliminating the need for box vents or turbines.
- Valley Flashing: A barrier that prevents water from passing through a susceptible joint into a structure.
- Transition Flashing: Seals and prevents leaking at the meeting point of two different roof pitches.
- Eave Flashing: Also known as edge flashing, this flashing covers and seals the entire perimeter of the roof.
Leaving even one of these off your material list for metal roof installation can mean water finds its way in at a joint, valley, or pipe penetration during the first hard rain.
Putting Your Material List for Metal Roofing to Work in the Gulf South
A material list for metal roofing built for the Gulf South looks a little different than one built for a drier, milder climate. Humidity, heavy rain, and hurricane-season wind loads all change what belongs on your list. Panels with proper Galvalume protection resist rust in humid conditions, while properly rated screws and flashing keep wind-driven rain from working its way under the panels during a storm. If you’re planning ahead for hurricane season, your material list for metal roofing should include extra fasteners and trim, since reinforcing a roof now is far less work than replacing a damaged section later.
Local code requirements can also affect your material list for metal roof projects, particularly around wind uplift ratings and underlayment type, so it’s worth confirming requirements with your parish or county before you finalize your order.
Sourcing Your Materials and Roofing Tools From the Pros at ADCO Metals
Whether you are a homeowner or builder planning your own DIY roofing project, looking for a metal building kit you can erect yourself, or interested in a turn-key installation, ADCO Metals has the products, materials, accessories, and personalized service to help you succeed. Our team can help you put together a complete material list for metal roofing before you buy a single panel, so you order the right amount the first time.
Call in the professionals at ADCO Metals today for a no-obligation quote. We’ll help make sure your material list for metal roof and metal roofing tools list are both covered — and at a great price to boot!