How to install the roll roof (step-by-step instructions) (2023)

Do you have a shed, garage, tree house or workshop that needs a strong roof? One of the easiest and cheapest roofing materials that you can install yourself is called a roll roof.

While it's always best to trust roofing experts for aroof replacementIn your home, the roll top roof is an excellent choice for smaller structures on your property, especially if you are on a tight budget. Are you ready to start the project? Let's examine step by step how to install the roll roof.

What is a roll roof?

You may be familiar with popular roofing materials such as:

• asphalt shingles
• Cedarwood shakes
• metal cover
• clay tiles

But have you ever seen a roll top? Chances are, you've already passed a building with a laminated roof and didn't think twice because the roll top looks like asphalt clapboards.

Rollroof is an oil based asphalt product that is supplied in 100 sq ft rolls. Just like a rug on the ground, this cover can be rolled directly onto the roof to protect your structure from the elements.

This material is fairly light as a 100 square foot roll weighs around 75 pounds. Although similar to asphalt tiles, rolled surfacing is a less durable product as it is thinner and cheaper.

The roller roof is a dream for do-it-yourselfers. You canfind the materialsin almost every hardware store. But before you run to the store, familiarize yourself with the possible pros and cons of laminate roofing.

Advantages:

• Attractively priced
• easy to install
• Licht

Opposites:

• More prone to tears and tears
• Less durable than tiles
• Considered a less attractive material
• Short shelf life (five to eight years)

If you are looking for a roofing material that is inexpensive and easy to install yourself, a laminate roof could be the solution for your shed or workshop. Remember: ifTime to replace your roof, opt for a more durable roofing material that will be installed by a professional.

Step 1: Gather Materials

Ready to get moving with roll tops? The first step in the installation process is to gather all your materials and tools. The last thing you want is to have your installation stalled because of a missing tool. So make sure you have everything you need in mind before you get started. If you need to buy new materials, you can find what you need at most home improvement or hardware stores.

Gather the following tools and materials:

• roll top
• roof cement
• Stairs
• Hammer
• push broom
• tape measure
• surveyor
• gloves
• Spatula
• utility knife
• Sheet metal shears
• chalk line
• blinks
• primer
• Dachnägel
• to flash nails

Step 2: Measure Your Roof

It is very importantMeasure your roofto know how many rolls of cover to buy. Measure the length and width of your roof area. Then multiply the two numbers together to find the square footage and number of rolls you need.

It's a good idea to buy 5-10% more than you calculated as some parts will need to be cut to fit your roof perfectly.

Step 3: Clean and prepare the roof

Before beginning installation, unroll the rolled roofing material on the ground to flatten it. While the material unfolds, thoroughly clean the roof.

Use a broom to remove loose dirt from the roof. If you notice nails sticking out of the wood paneling, hammer them in.

Prepare the roof by making sure you have a suitable base for installing the roll top. Roll roofs are usually mounted on raw wood cladding. However, placing felt over the liner protects against leaks.

Technically, you can install roll roofs over existing tiles. However, when it comes to almost any roofing project, it's best to do itAvoid roof shedsand opt for a clean foundation.

It is also a good idea to install the drip edge before installing the laminate roof. The drip edge is a type of sheet metal that is attached to the edges of the roof to prevent water from seeping under the roofing. Use roofing putty and nails to secure the drip edge around the bottom edge of the roof.

Step 4: Mark your desktop with the chalk line

Have this tape measure handy as you will need it when you begin the installation. Remember that laminate roofs are usually installedhorizontal.

Take your tape measure and chalk line, measure 35 inches above the bottom edge of the roof and mark with the chalk line. Use a metric ruler to ensure your line is straight and even across the roof. You don't want crooked roofs!

Step 5: Apply cement for the roofing

Then apply roofing cement as you go. Always wear gloves when working with roofing putty. Spread roofing cement around the edges of your work area so it's about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

Apply cement to the entire horizontal section before installing the first layer of roll-up cover. Stay below the edge of the chalk line you created.

Step 6: Cut the Laminated Roof

Use your utility knife to cut a section of the rolled roof to size. Remember you will be placing it as a long, horizontal stripe. The material should be cut to 35 inches wide and the length of your roof.

Cutting the roll roof requires a lot of pressure with the knife.

Step 7: Attach the first layer of laminate roofing

After the first layer is cut, carefully align the edges. Gradually unroll the first layer, stretching it out to avoid wrinkles. The first coat should cover the entire length of the roof up to the chalk line. Press the rolled roof firmly into the wet cement to secure.

Once the layer is secured by the cement, it's time to drive nails into the layer to further secure it. Use 1-inch galvanized nails and a strong hammer. Make sure you're comfortable on the roof before you start pounding.

Hammer the nails 6 to 10 inches apart down the length of the roof. The nails should be just 1 inch from the edges. All nails must be flush with the roofing material. Don't leave nails above the roof.

Step 8: Repeat until finished

When you are ready to place the second layer, make a chalk line 32 inches above the first layer. They measure 32 inches instead of 35 inches as the first layer because you're overlapping the layers.

Overlapping a few centimeters is essential to keep the entire surface covered and protected. Without overlap, rain can easily penetrate through the cracks between the rollers.

You will continue to work upwards, repeating the following steps:

• Cut buns to size
• Cement application for roofs
• set role
• pounding on nails

After you have installed all the rolls, seal the final top edge with roofing putty. Another good tip is to cover all your nails with cement. This will further fix the nails and seal them to the roofing materials.

Excess laminate roofing hanging over the edge? Use your razor to trim away any excess material. After cutting the materials, test if you can lift the edges of the roof. If possible, use more cement to seal the edges.

Step 9: Give the roof a final clean

Before you can officially say you're done, bring your broom back to the roof and clean up any dirt and debris. There shouldn't be a lot of dirt, but there might be mud from your shoes, twigs, and loose nails.

After you've brushed and hosed down the roof (stand on the ground if using a roof hose), you can step back and admire a job well done.

And that's it! When all of these steps are complete, you have officially installed your very own laminate roof.

Entrust your roof to the experts

Installing roll tops is a great low cost solution for smaller structures like sheds and garages. Considering the low cost of materials and the ability to complete the installation in a day, this roofing method is popular with many practical homeowners.

If your home's roof needs repair or replacement, resist the urge to install a roll top roof. When it comes to your home, you need a material that is more durable and has a longer lifespan.

for all yoursrepair roofand replacement needs, work with the professionals at Gouge Quality Roofing.contact us todayto get a free quote for your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you glue laminate roofs?

To glue laminate roofing, brush a generous amount of roofing putty onto the top 2 inches that is present, then place the next roll on top. Cover the brushed cement completely and nail the roof in place.

What is the best primer for roller roofs?

synthetic padIt is currently the most popular choice for roof underlay for a number of reasons. This material is lightweight, extremely durable, water-resistant and quick to assemble. The synthetic backing is also available with non-slip options, making the job site safer for the carpenter.

Is the roller blind waterproof?

Yes, the soft top is waterproof and can provide water and weather protection for up to ten years if properly installed.