How to cut the metal roofing sheets

How to cut  correctly the metal roofing sheets and the metal tile roofing sheets in particular? This is one of the most common questions that we have to answer.

The priority number one is safety. Use protective clothing, eye ware and gloves. Freshly cut edge of a metal roof sheet is very sharp.

There are few tools that you can use: tin snips and/or electric cutter (electric shearers). We do not recommend top use an angle grinder or circular cutter because they burn the paint and damage the metal structure which may result in rusting.

However is this is the only option to use the grinder (for example because of a difficult access) - you might choose to do it from underneath of the roof sheet or use masking tape to protect the good edge.

Using the tin snips - make sure the you use the right type. There are left, right and straight cut tin scissors.
They design to leave one good side and the other can go into the off cuts. Straight shearers supposed to give you a nice and straight cut but it takes time to get use to it.

Electric cutter will give a nice and straight cut and you can use both parts of the roofing sheet. Using electric cutter is easy but still it takes some practice before the cut looks good.

In case of metal tile roofing sheets we suggest to start from the top of the sheets, so you can cut through the step. Otherwise the blades will get stuck into the steps.

Use a chalk string to mark the line. Think of the overlaps and other extra length or width that you might need plus to the measurement before you cut the sheet.

Whenever it is possible make a roof layout first. That will give you a mad map for the roofing project as well as the list of required materials.

You can find more tips about installation at www.coroofs.com.au. Look for the installation manual.