How to Overcome Vent Pipes When Putting on a Metal Roof

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Things You'll Need

  • Metal roofing

  • Tin snips

  • Tape measure

  • Ladder

  • Marker

For most roofs, metal roofing will need to be installed around a vent pipe.

Metal roofing is commonly found installed in rural areas on barns or sheds. It can also be found on commercial buildings. Metal roofing is a faster alternative to asphalt shingles and can be installed quicker and easier than its competition. When installing metal roofing it is almost always necessary to have to work around a vent pipe sticking up from the roof. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is a job any homeowner can handle in just a few minutes, and then the rest of the roof can be finished up in no time.

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Step 1

Install the panels leading up to the vent pipe until getting as close as possible to the pipe. Measure on the panel where exactly the pipe will be located and make a mark.

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Step 2

Run a tape measure over the diameter of the pipe and add 1/2 to 3/4 inch to that before making the cut. Outline the exact cut that will need to be made on the panel with a marker. Make the mark dark enough and visible enough to be seen when the cut is being made.

Step 3

Follow along the line with tin snips and carefully cut out the hole to fit over top of the pipe. Continue around the mark until the complete cut has been made.

Step 4

Slide the panel over the pipe and line it up in its proper location. Verify that there is a gap of 1/2 to 3/4 inch between the pipe and the metal panel so that the pipe flashing can easily be installed later on.

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Step 5

Install the metal roofing in the same manner as the previous pieces and move on to the next piece. Continue until reaching another pipe and install the roofing the same way as described in the steps above.

Warning

Be careful when working with a ladder on a roof.

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