How to Cut & Bend Metal Roofing
Applying sheet metal to roofs isn't a hard project, but cutting and bending the metal can be difficult without the proper tools. Many people use sheet metal on structures like carports and sheds. Most sheet metal comes with raised edges to help with water run off.
Things You'll Need:
- Saw Horses
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Circular Saw
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Dry Erase Marker
- Clamps
- Wood
- Hammer
- Place the sheet metal on sawhorses, usually one at each end is all you should need. If the sheet metal is really long, place a sawhorse in the middle.
- Measure and mark the spots where you want to cut the sheet metal with a pencil and tape measure.
- Cut the sheet metal with a circular saw. Make sure you wear eye protection and gloves so you don't cut yourself or damage your eyes. Also make sure you don't work around anything that is flammable because sparks will fly from the saw. Cut at a slow pace so you stay in a straight line. The sheet metal will break into two pieces when you reach the end. Repeat this process for each piece of sheet metal.
- Mark another spot on the sheet metal where you plan on bending it. Use a dry erase marker because you can easily remove the mark when you're finished bending.
- Place the sheet metal on a straight edge like a workbench with the portion you want to bend hanging over the edge. Fasten the sheet metal to the straight edge with clamps.
- Take a piece of wood and push against the sheet metal until you've bent it as far as you need. You might want to use a hammer against the pieces of wood for extra strength.