Installing the Metal Roof on My Tiny House

One of the most significant projects I’ve taken on so far in building my tiny house was installing the metal roof. The roof plays such an important role, both functionally and aesthetically, and I wanted something durable, low-maintenance, and sleek. I went with a black R-panel metal roofing, which complements the modern look of my exterior. This wasn’t the easiest project, especially since my roof had two different pitches, but it was well worth the effort. Here’s how it all came together.

Why R-Panel Metal Roofing?

I chose R-panel for a few reasons. First, metal roofs are incredibly durable—they can withstand harsh weather and last for decades with little maintenance. The black R-panel also adds a modern, industrial look that pairs perfectly with the black board and batten siding I’ve already installed. Plus, it’s energy-efficient, reflecting sunlight and helping keep the interior cooler during the warmer months.

Step 1: Prepping for the Installation

Before I could start with the metal panels, I had to make sure the roof was ready. That meant laying down the roof underlayment, which acts as a waterproof barrier beneath the metal. Once the underlayment was securely in place, I measured and marked where the panels would go. Having two different roof pitches added a layer of complexity, so careful planning was essential to make sure everything lined up perfectly.

We also needed a way to ensure the overhang was the same distance for each panel we put on. To help us, we added string that was exactly 2″ away from the roof line. This way we could line up each panel to the string.

Step 2: Installing the R-Panel Metal Roof

With the roof prepped, it was time to install the panels. We started at the lowest point and worked our way up.

This step required a lot of teamwork. Lifting and positioning the long, heavy panels wasn’t something I could do alone, so my friends came to the rescue once again! We made sure each panel was properly aligned, then secured them with metal roofing screws.

When we hit a skylight, we had to be careful and measure where to cut. Unfortunately, Doug measured right by cut wrong! Luckily, when we go to the end of the lower roof, we had just enough pieces to cover it! Phew! The upper roof went along much more smoothly because 1) there are no skylights and 2) the pitch was less steep and easier to work on top of. You didn’t feel like you were going to fall off at any moment.

Step 3: Installing the Ridge Caps

I purchased ridge caps that were bent to the angle to match the roof pitch. This was super cool because it gives a cool profile to the home. To make sure the panels on each side of the roof were aligned and the ridge cap would easily fit on top, we decided to put one panel on at a time; one panel on the front side and then one panel on the back. This back-and-forth ensured we kept them well-aligned and was definitely worth the extra bit of effort to do so.

I got some putty at Metal Mart to use on the ridge caps as well. This helped them adhere to the metal panel below.

Step 4: Wrapping the Eaves with Metal—The Toughest Part!

The trickiest part of the whole roofing project was wrapping the eaves with metal. This part required a lot of careful cutting and bending of the metal panels to fit the edges of the roof perfectly. The eaves are where the roof extends beyond the walls, so making sure they were wrapped and protected from water was crucial.

The Final Look: Sleek and Sturdy

The black R-panel metal roof turned out exactly how I envisioned. It’s sleek, modern, and ties in perfectly with the rest of the house’s design. The two different roof pitches give the house an interesting architectural look, and the metal panels offer the durability and low maintenance I was looking for.

What I Learned

• Precision is Key: When working with metal roofing, especially around the eaves, precision is crucial. Measuring carefully and making exact cuts is the best way to ensure a good fit.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Installing a roof is not a solo project! Having my friends around to help with lifting the panels, positioning them, and offering moral support made all the difference.
• Take Your Time with the Tricky Parts: Wrapping the eaves was the hardest part, and I learned that patience is everything. Taking the time to make sure every angle was right and every piece fit snugly paid off in the end.

Final Thoughts

Installing the metal roof was a huge milestone in my tiny house build. Now, I can rest easy knowing that my home is protected from the elements and that it looks amazing with its sleek black exterior. It was a tough project, but seeing the finished result makes all the hard work worth it.

Check out the video on YouTube on Kay’s Tiny House.