How to install corrugated roofing
Installing a roof can be difficult – particularly when you are using materials such as corrugated sheeting. If you require assistance with your next installation, read on for our easy-to-follow guide.
Bring together your tools and materials
Corrugated PVC roofing is a highly durable and reliable material – and is ideal for canopies, carports and gazebos. If you’re looking to install a generic carport, you’ll need PVC sheets, PVC wall flashings, fillers, super fixings, and flashing tape – all of which are available for purchase on the Varico website for your added convenience.
When it comes to finding the right tools, we recommend using an angle grinder with a metal slitting blade or nibbler for cutting the sheets to size, a cordless drill with a 10mm masonry drill bit, a step ladder and a work bench as well as clamps, a marker pen, and a tape measure. Some tools are interchangeable, but if you don’t have the right ones for the job, you are likely to struggle.
Prepare your roof
As soon as you have all of the necessary parts together, you need to prepare your roof for its new materials. If the pitch of your roof is particularly shallow (a minimum of 5° is required to ensure proper water run-off, 10° or higher is optimum), you may need to consider additional waterproofing measures for added protection.
Using moulding strips on top of the rafters will give a secure but pleasing finish, while rounded moulding strips on the vertical rafters and the corrugated ones on the horizontal cross-braces. Fixing the mouldings with galvanised nails will prevent rusting in the case of any leaks, so opt for a nail gun to add your mouldings to the roofing before installation.
Cut the roofing
One of the greatest benefits of PVC roofing is the fact it can be easily cut to your exacting requirements. Some types of plastic can be cut using shears or scissors, but for others, you may need to use a fine-toothed saw. Try to avoid cutting your sheets in particularly cold weather, as the low temperature makes them more prone to damage.
Mark sheets and pre-drill holes
Place your sheets loosely on the roofing to mark the positions of the holes as well as any necessary cuts needed on the sheets. Experts recommend leaving 60mm of overhang on the sheet to ensure rain runs into the gutter. After ascertaining where the holes should be, pre-drill the sheets before the fitting with a masonry bit using a low-speed drill and gentle pressure. Make sure the sheets are secured when drilling. The fixing holes should be roughly 10mm larger than the fixing to allow for expansion. It is also recommended that at least five fixings per support across the width of the sheet.
Fixing the sheets
Installing flashing tape above the sheets is recommended, as it forms a water-tight seal between the sheet and the wall. The PE eaves fillers are foam fillers that secure and support the sheets even further and prevent the roof shifting and making noise during rough weather. Use screws, caps, and washers to secure the sheet. If sheets need to be joined end to end, leave an overlap of at least 150mm. Using sealing tape will prevent dust and dirt getting between the sheets.
By following this handy guide, you’ll be able to install corrugated roofing in no time! Don’t forget to rely on the team at Varico for the best advice and quality, cost-effective parts and materials.