--- title: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Metal Roofing description: If you’re using stone-coated metal roofing for the first time or wish to learn more about it, here are four mistakes to avoid when installing our roofing. image: https://www.decra.com/hubfs/avoid-mistakes-during-install.jpg --- - [ Blog ](https://www.decra.com/blog) Enter your email address and zip code to find contractors in your area - [ Gallery ](https://www.decra.com/metal-roofing-gallery) Enter your email address and zip code to find contractors in your area - [ For Professionals ](https://www.decra.com/pro) Enter your email address and zip code to find contractors in your area - Find Contractor Enter your email address and zip code to find contractors in your area - [ (877) 463-3272 ](tel:8774633272) Enter your email address and zip code to find contractors in your area - [ METAL TILE ROOFING ](https://www.decra.com/metal-tile-roofing) - [ METAL SHINGLE ROOFING ](https://www.decra.com/metal-shingle-roofing) - [ METAL SHAKE ROOFING ](https://www.decra.com/metal-shake-roofing) - QUICK LINKS - [Design Your Roof](https://www.decra.com/design) - [Request Sample and Estimate](https://www.decra.com/request-sample) - [Metal Roofing Blog](https://www.decra.com/blog) - [Metal Roofing Myths](https://www.decra.com/metal-roofing-myths) * Menu * * Menu * - HOMEOWNERS - [ Request Sample and Estimate ](https://www.decra.com/request-sample) - [ See DECRA on Your Home ](https://www.decra.com/design) - [ Register Warranty ](https://www.decra.com/register-warranty) - PROFESSIONALS - [ Join Contractor Network ](https://www.decra.com/join-contractor-network) - [ Visit Knowledge Base ](https://www.decra.com/pro) - [ Ventilation Calculator ](https://www.decra.com/ventilation-calculator) - Resources - [ Blog ](https://www.decra.com/blog) - [ Gallery ](https://www.decra.com/metal-roofing-gallery) - [ Case Studies ](https://www.decra.com/case-studies) - [ Metal Roofing Myths ](https://www.decra.com/metal-roofing-myths) - [ 1230 Railroad St, Corona, CA 92882 ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1230+Railroad+St,+Corona,+CA+92882/@33.8877827,-117.5875414,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80dcc85b2843c881:0xde8667dc4e01a741!8m2!3d33.8877827!4d-117.5853527) - [ (877) 463-3272 ](tel:8774633272) [![Request Call](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5712265/09a36b95-b407-4c8b-934b-39d40abbba7b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5712265/09a36b95-b407-4c8b-934b-39d40abbba7b) - - - - - # Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Metal Roofing - By [ Trevor Underwood ](https://www.decra.com/blog/author/trevor-underwood) - February 15, 2021 - [Contractors](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/contractors) [What is Metal Roofing](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/what-is-metal-roofing) ![](https://www.decra.com/hubfs/avoid-mistakes-during-install.jpg) Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Metal Roofing 7:35 Demand for metal roofing is at an all-time high. If metal roofing isn't part of your service offerings, now is the time to add it. Homeowner demand exceeds the amount of reputable contractors that can install metal roofing. And it's clear why: - A higher return on investment. - [Reduced cooling costs by up to 25%](https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/metal-roof-pros-and-cons). - Using materials that are 100% recyclable at the end of the life cycle. - [Increasing home value by up to 6%](https://homeguides.sfgate.com/metal-roofs-improve-resale-value-home-54257.html). - Longevity and performance. The good news for roofing contractors is that you already have the skills and experience to install a DECRA roof – even if you’re new to working with our materials. For starters, our roofing doesn’t require any special tools during installation. Many of the issues involved with installing and maintaining large panel standing seam or corrugated metal roofs are also eliminated when using our products, making them an ideal choice for contractors looking to specialize in a unique roofing system. However, we know that some contractors new to our materials want additional resources covering installation. So, if you’re using DECRA Metal Roofing for the first time, or simply wish to learn more about it, here are a few common mistakes to avoid when installing stone-coated metal roofing. ### Mistake #1: Not Following Manufacturer's Guidelines When your roofing team is ready to install a DECRA roof, you’ll find all of our [installation guides](https://knowledge.decra.com/knowledge/installation-guides) at the [DECRA Knowledge Base](https://knowledge.decra.com/knowledge/marketing-and-samples) for our products. There, you can download technical documentation designed for new contractors, including information that lets you know which products to use based on the roofing style of the home. DECRA offers multiple looks of Tile (DECRA Tile, DECRA Villa Tile), Shake (DECRA Shake, DECRA Shake XD) and Shingle (DECRA Shingle XD and DECRA Shingle Plus). Some of our products can be applied directly to the deck and others can be applied on battens. While all of our products provide extreme performance once installed, roof slope and layout may make installation–and costs–easier to manage. [DECRA installation guides](https://knowledge.decra.com/knowledge/installation-guides) also include important details for component and accessory installations that can cause problems later on if instructions aren't properly followed, including: - Properly installing panel vents and venting. - Installing over spaced sheathing. - Compatible sealants and flashing techniques. - Pre-painting any vertical or exposed portions of the DECRA channel. Keep in mind that we designed DECRA roofing profiles for roof slopes of at least 3:12. Any pitch less than 3:12 is considered decorative and should be installed over an approved waterproofing material. Therefore, you’ll need to consult your local building codes to ensure that the roofing system complies with regulations before installing DECRA panels. [***View DECRA Installation Guides***](https://knowledge.decra.com/knowledge/installation-guides) ### Mistake #2: Using Substitute Fasteners and Incompatible Metals Never use cheaper and less durable substitute fasteners or incompatible metals when installing stone-coated metal roofs. Remember that lead and copper in flashing or fasteners are also incompatible with DECRA Metal Roofing and should not be used. DECRA also discourages the use of [stainless steel fasteners](https://knowledge.decra.com/en/knowledge/decra-discourages-the-use-of-stainless-steel-fasteners-with-decra-roof-systems-installation) for installing any DECRA panel or accessories to avoid the possibility of galvanic corrosion response. For roofs in [HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zones)](https://knowledge.decra.com/knowledge/decra-wind-charts-for-hvhz), DECRA provides a durable #10 x 1.5” corrosion-resistant fastener with a ¼” hex head. This superior DECRA fastener has been approved in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and meets the rigorous wind resistance requirements in the most challenging [code jurisdiction](https://www.decra.com/hubfs/Website%20Files/Code%20Compliance/DECRA-code-compliance.pdf) in the United States. Meaning, our roofs can withstand hurricane-level winds and the corrosiveness of salt water. Ultimately, you want to use the materials we recommend for our roofing products to deliver the highest quality craftsmanship to the homeowner while extending its long-term value. ### Mistake #3: Under- or Over-Ordering Materials Ordering the right amount of roofing materials is crucial, whether you’re re-roofing a home or doing a complete tear-off. DECRA provides estimating sheets for each individual profile that makes generating a material list simple, easy and accurate. The calculation equations allow you to take the square footage of the roof surface as well as your linear measurements of all eaves, hips, valleys, rake/gables, ridges, sidewalls and headwalls to create an accurate list which can be sent electronically to your supplier for an instant quote. DECRA even has a formula to calculate anticipated waste based on the design of any given roof. Find each estimate sheet below: - [DECRA Villa Tile (Direct-to-Deck) Estimating Sheet](https://knowledge.decra.com/knowledge/estimating-sheet-for-decra-villa-tile-direct-to-deck) - [DECRA Tile and DECRA Shake (Battens) Estimating Sheet](https://knowledge.decra.com/knowledge/shake-and-tile-estimating-sheets) - [DECRA Shingle XD (Direct-to-Deck) Estimating Sheet](https://knowledge.decra.com/knowledge/estimating-sheet-for-decra-shingle-xd-direct-to-deck) - [DECRA Shake XD (Direct-to-Deck) Estimating Sheet](https://knowledge.decra.com/knowledge/estimating-sheet-for-decra-shake-xd-direct-to-deck) ### Mistake #4: Roof-Over Instead of Doing a Tear-Off Here’s where your professional roofing expertise and advice to the homeowner becomes crucial. When homeowners learn just how lightweight DECRA Metal Roofing systems are, they often assume that a quick and easy roof-over without a complete tear-off is the solution they need. If the old roof is able to pass a thorough roof inspection as is, then there’s no problem with a direct-to-deck or batten roof-over – As long as local codes allow it. Some jurisdictions have specific restrictions on how many layers can be installed, while others might be based on total weight regardless of layers. **But in many cases, a tear-off of the old roof is recommended**. You can tell a roof is in a less than serviceable condition for a roof-over and will need a complete tear-off for the following reasons: - Extreme age. - Fishmouthing (folding in the edge of the roofing membrane). - Widespread thermal cracking. - Damage caused by storm debris impact or ice damming. It’s also important to verify the condition and structural integrity of the substrate itself, which may have warped or weakened after long-term elemental exposure. Additionally, let the homeowner know that the felt underlayment's condition is essential as a backup barrier for preventing moisture penetration into the home. In freeze or thaw areas susceptible to snow and ice buildup, refreshing the Ice and Water Shield in critical areas to help extend the serviceable life of a new DECRA roof. Additionally, it’s recommended to update skylights (or at least flashing kits) and other penetrations so they can thrive with the roof well into the future. The long term benefits of a roof tear off not only offers a long-term solution for the homeowner by upgrading the structural integrity, but that a roof tear-off increases property value more while giving the house a brand new look. ### DECRA Online Resources for Roofing Contractors At DECRA Metal Roofing, we’re always here to help any roofing contractor needing additional assistance when using our products or looking to add them as an option to your product portfolio. Should you need help, we offer online training sessions with our sales representatives and dedicated training specialists online that allow us to partner with you to review your job, offer supporting materials, share pictures, and much more by contacting us. Need help placing an order or have additional questions? [Contact DECRA today](https://www.decra.com/contact-us). YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE ![feature image](https://www.decra.com/hubfs/decra-metal-roofing-web-title-24.jpg) [Title 24: What Homeowners Should Know About Cool Roofs](https://www.decra.com/blog/title-24-what-homeowners-should-know-about-cool-roofs) July 17, 2026 ![feature image](https://www.decra.com/hubfs/decra-metal-roofing-web-rain-on-metal-roof.jpg) [Are Metal Roofs Loud in the Rain?](https://www.decra.com/blog/are-metal-roofs-loud-in-the-rain) July 10, 2026 ![feature image](https://www.decra.com/hubfs/decra-metal-roofing-web-fireworks-and-metal-roofing.jpg) [What Happens When Fireworks Hit a Metal Roof?](https://www.decra.com/blog/what-happens-when-fireworks-hit-a-metal-roof) July 2, 2026 ### Subscribe to Our Blog ![cta-image-1](https://www.decra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cta-image-1.webp?width=767&height=767&name=cta-image-1.webp) [![Request a complimentary sample](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5712265/9d22d188-56ec-46a6-94a4-a438bce4f6bc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5712265/9d22d188-56ec-46a6-94a4-a438bce4f6bc) ABOUT DECRA Since 1957, DECRA stone-coated metal roofs have bridged the gap between industrial durability and architectural beauty. ### Post By Topics - [Homeowners](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/homeowners) - [What is Metal Roofing](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/what-is-metal-roofing) - [Why Metal Roofing](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/why-metal-roofing) - [Best Roof for my Region](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/best-roof-for-my-region) - [Contractors](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/contractors) - [Metal Roofing](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/metal-roofing) - [Home Remodel](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/home-remodel) - [Roof Remodel](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/roof-remodel) - [Hurricane](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/hurricane) - [Damaged Roof](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/damaged-roof) - [Hail](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/hail) - [Storm](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/storm) - [Tornado](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/tornado) - [Wind](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/wind) - [Snow](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/snow) - [Home Builders](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/home-builders) - [Solar Energy](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/solar-energy) - [Rain](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/rain) - [Project of the Year](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/project-of-the-year) - [DECRA Contractor Network](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/decra-contractor-network) - [Energy Efficiency](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/energy-efficiency) - [Fire](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/fire) - [Ice](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/ice) - [Insurance](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/insurance) - [Asphalt Shingles](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/asphalt-shingles) - [Commercial](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/commercial) - [Concrete Tile](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/concrete-tile) - [Earthquakes](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/earthquakes) - [Hail Damage](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/hail-damage) - [Historic Renovation](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/historic-renovation) - [Manufacturing](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/manufacturing) - [Roof-Over](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/roof-over) - [Warranty](https://www.decra.com/blog/tag/warranty) - [Show All](https://www.decra.com/blog/all) ** Back to Top Help us improve your experience. 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We have been in business since 1957 and are the inventors of Stone Coated Steel Roofing Material Category.", "founder" : { "@type" : "Person", "image" : "https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C141047", "jobTitle" : "Founder", "name" : "L. J. Fisher", "url" : "https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C141047" }, "foundingDate" : "1957", "foundingLocation" : { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "New Zealand" }, "image" : "https://decra.com/hubfs/decra-metal-roofing-web-villa-tile-hero-3-1.webp", "legalName" : "DECRA Roofing Systems, Inc.", "logo" : "https://decra.com/hubfs/Decra%20Logo-1.svg", "name" : "DECRA Metal Roofing", "sameAs" : [ "https://twitter.com/DECRAMetalRoof", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/decrametalroofing/", "https://www.instagram.com/decrametalroofing/", "https://www.facebook.com/DECRAMetalRoofing" ], "telephone" : "(877) 463-3272", "url" : "https://www.decra.com/" } ```