Installing Gutters on Metal Roofs: A Complete Guide

Pat Quiroz • Aug 31, 2021

Installing Gutters on Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are becoming more and more popular in today's market. However, most people don't realize how important gutters are for metal roofs. In this blog post, we will talk about how to install gutters on a metal roof from start to finish!


Can You Put Gutters on a Metal Roof?

Yes, you can definitely put gutters on a metal roof. However, it is not as simple as putting them on a traditional shingled roof. Metal roofing is different because they're made of corrugated sheets that overlap each other and are held in place by screws. Because of this, the gutter installation process on a metal roof is usually more challenging than putting gutters on traditional roofs.


What Should You Install Gutters?

The main reason you should install gutters is that they protect your home from water damage that could be caused by ice dams in winter and heavy rains during other parts of the year! Installing rain gutters can save thousands of dollars for homeowners every single year and keep their homes safe throughout all seasons. When properly installed, these are one of the best ways to ensure your roof stays dry at all times, which prevents costly repairs or replacements down the road.


Should You Have Gutters With a Metal Roof?

Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and come in a variety of styles. But how do gutters fit into the picture?


Gutters are an essential part of your roofing system because they help channel water from your roof to one or more drains that lead away from the foundation. That's why you need to have them installed if you choose metal for your home's exterior! Instead of needing professional services every time it rains hard, homeowners can install their own gutter systems by following the steps this article will provide. However, letting a professional handle the installation of your gutters can be an excellent idea for those who are uncomfortable with how to go about it.


Why Do Some Metal Roofs Lack Gutters?

It is possible that the metal roof you live in or are looking to buy does not have gutters. There can be a variety of reasons for this, including how old the building is and how much rain falls in your geographical area. Most homes with metal roofs were built before 1980 when there were fewer guidelines about how many inches of rain should fall per year. The amount varies from region to region, but it's typically between 18-30 inches depending on where you live. If less than 30 inches falls each year, gutters won't need to be installed because they will rarely fill up enough for major issues such as flooding. For those who do experience high rainfall levels annually, though, installing gutter systems seems like an obvious sheet choice.


Installing gutters on metal roofs is a job best left to
metal roofing professionals like Shield Roofing and Sheet Metal, especially for larger buildings like warehouses and commercial properties. Installing the downspouts can be tricky, so it's better to have someone who has already done this type of work before completing the installation process. Gutter systems are typically manufactured in panels that snap together, making them easier to install than other types of guttering materials such as copper or lead.


Attach Gutters To a Metal Roof: What You Need To Know

Installing gutters on a metal roof can be tricky. There are different attachment methods for steel roofs, and each one has its own set of pros and cons that you should consider before making your purchase or installation decision.


A major consideration is how much weight the material can handle in total, along with how heavy individual components are. If you're not sure how to calculate this information yourself, it will likely require some assistance from an expert installer who specializes in metal siding.

You also need to make sure all fasteners (i.e., screws) used to attach everything together fit through any holes originally created by the manufacturer when installing flashing/sealant around chimneys, vents, skylights, etc. Otherwise, water will pool around these holes and soak the roof decking.


Another factor to consider is how well-suited a given metal siding product is for your particular area's climate (i.e., how much it expands/contracts in response to extreme temperatures) or how susceptible it might be to damage from hail storms that frequently occur where you live.

Finally, don't forget about how long the manufacturer stands behind their products and provides service after installation when things inevitably go wrong - which they always do!


Steps on Installing Gutters on Metal Roofs

Follow these steps to install gutters on your metal roofs:


Measure The Length of your roof


You can do this by walking in one direction and measuring how long it is, then turn around to measure how long the opposite side is as well. You should now have a total measurement for how long you want your gutter to be. Remember that gutters are generally wider than tall, so go with a longer configuration if unsure or ask someone from an outside source like Shield Roofing and Sheet Metal, a trusted sheet metal roofing company before proceeding any further. 


Additionally, metal roofs leak more frequently at endpoints such as corners where two pieces meet together. Try and leave enough space between these areas when installing new gutters because rainwater may get caught there, which will result in leaks later down the line! Put up supports on each end of the gutter by using screws to attach them. It's best to have someone holding up each end while you drill in these pieces so that they won't fall down and hit whoever is underneath them!


Install Gutters on Metal Roof


Now it's time to install gutters on a metal roof. First, cut your gutter with either tin snips or power tools depending on how much of an expert you are at this. Some roofs come pre-drilled, which makes adding new rain gutters pretty easy, but other structures may need holes drilled into their surfaces first before attaching anything like washers, brackets, and bolts! You can get special cutting bits from hardware stores as well to make the process simpler! Once all of your ends are cut off, attach the gutter to a bracket that's been installed on your roof. Use bolts and washers or screws depending on how much you trust your skills at this point in time!


Let Shield Roofing and Sheet Metal Assist You!

When you need any assistance in installing your gutters, Shield Roofing and Sheet Metal is here. We are experts in installing quality gutters to your metal roofs! Contact us today for a free estimate!

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