Installing a metal roof — the right way
DIY tips & guides — empowering you to tackle your own projects
Do it yourself
A roof in a box, sized to be carried
Our modular Stellar and Decora steel tile systems ship as a “roof in a box” or “roof on the pallet”. The tiles are a standard 47″ × 28″ and weigh roughly a third of asphalt shingles, so one person can carry and place them.
The panels can quickly install over existing shingles, on ½″ plywood, or over 1″ × 3″ horizontal and 1″ × 2″ vertical strapping. They follow a pattern similar to traditional asphalt shingles, which makes them suited to gazebos, sheds, garages, homes, cottages, boat houses and roofs with a high pitch.
See what ships on the pallet
Estimating
Work out what the roof needs
Start by identifying the roof type, then measure the length and width of each roof plane, multiply them, and add the sections together for the total square footage.
Then collect everything on this list. It is what a quote is priced from, and missing one line is what turns a two-day job into a three-week one.
- All eave lengths
- All valley lengths
- All hip lengths
- All wall intersections, including dormers
- All transition lengths
- Chimney and skylight measurements
- Pipe and vent positions
- The surface it is going onto
- Roof pitch
How to measure
Draw the roof from above
What we need is a bird’s eye view drawing of the roof, with every measurement in feet and inches. It does not need to be pretty — it needs to be complete. These three examples cover most houses.
Common roof types
How to order
Two ways to get it priced
- Option one
Hire a contractor
Call us for the list of our approved and preferred metal roofing installation contractors for your area. They will do the site measure and give you an estimate, so none of the measuring above is yours to do.
Tell us which profile you are interested in when you call — each one is estimated slightly differently, and changing profile can change the quote.
- Option two
Do it yourself
Send us the completed roof drawing with your measurements. We will come back with a free quote showing exactly what materials the job needs.
Send your drawing
Picking the order up yourself? Make sure your vehicle and trailer are in good working order and have the capacity to handle the load.
How to install
Four stages, in order
- 01Prepare the deckLay a vapour-permeable membrane and fix the wood strapping that the panels will fasten to.
- 02Set the starting flashingsStarting flashing, inside hip, gables and valleys go on before any field panel.
- 03Fasten the panelsCustom-cut steel panels are fixed to the wood strapping, working up the roof.
- 04Finish the edgesOutside gable, wall flashing, ridge caps, end caps and snow guards complete the roof.
On spaced framing — barns and churches, for instance — use a moisture membrane such as Drip Stop to prevent condensation.
We have produced a full video detailing the steps necessary to install your metal roof — the right way
Hear from our customers
Happy customers are our best advertising
FAQs
Got questions?
We have the answers
Still unsure after this? Call the shop. We would rather talk you out of the wrong panel than sell it to you.
(416) 299-8586Why do people choose a Rudan tile roof?
An established supplier with roofs installed in many countries around the world. Rudan tile's design focus is on simple, functional products that provide an aesthetic look and fast install times, with no maintenance required.
How long has metal and steel roofing been around?
Metal roofing materials have a proven track record. Since the early 1800s, lead, tin, zinc and copper were the choice materials used for roofing.
Can you walk on a metal roof?
Yes indeed. Although some care must be exercised while walking on the roof, and you should only place your foot on the flat section of the tile.
Is a Rudan metal roof noisy during rain?
No. The modular tile system, and the ASV ventilation space between the steel panel and the underlay, reduces exterior noise.
How will a Rudan tile roof stand up to extreme weather?
A Rudan tile roof can literally withstand abuse from extreme weather conditions for decades, including high winds, humidity, heat, rain and hail. It is also fire, freeze-thaw and earthquake resistant.
Will a steel roof corrode or rust?
The zinc coating at 275 g/m² has been formulated to provide a long lifespan and is superior to other coatings. It is backed with a lifetime warranty.
Do the colours fade?
The history of Rudan tile's products assures and demonstrates that fading is not a problem — the coatings come from high-quality suppliers.
What is the carbon footprint for the environment?
One hundred percent of most metal roofing materials are recyclable, ensuring the carbon footprint is next to minimal.
Is a steel roof fire resistant and fire safe?
Metal and steel roofing is classified as a non-combustible roofing material (Class A), making it one of the most resistant roofing products to fire.
Is steel roofing energy efficient?
Metal roofs have a high solar reflectivity, and together with ASV (above sheathing ventilation) this contributes to the overall energy efficiency.
Is run-off water from a metal roof usable?
Yes, rainwater collected from metal roofs is safe to reuse. After installation of a new roof, waiting for two good rainfalls before beginning collection will ensure clean, reusable water.
Are steel roofs more susceptible to lightning strikes?
Steel roofing is definitely no more susceptible to lightning than other roofing materials.
Does a Rudan tile metal roof offer a warranty?
Yes. When installed properly and to the required standards of installation, Rudan tile roofs carry a lifetime warranty.