Homeowners now see metal roofing as a smart long-term investment. More people choose it because it lasts longer and stands up better to wear and tear.
Metal roofing takes skill and precision to install. You’ll need to work with various trims and large metal sheets that must be cut to exact sizes. Getting these cuts right matters not just for a perfect fit – it helps save materials and keeps your costs down.
Cutting corrugated metal roofing might look challenging at first. You’ll find many tools to choose from, ranging from simple tin snips to circular saws. Your safety comes first, so you must wear proper protective gear – goggles, face masks, and gloves will keep you safe from injuries.
This piece walks you through the quickest ways to cut corrugated metal roofing. You’ll learn about safety practices and pick the right tools for your project. The information here helps both DIY enthusiasts and professional roofers tackle their metal roofing projects with confidence.
Choosing the Right Tool for Cutting Corrugated Metal
The right tools make all the difference in getting clean, precise cuts on corrugated metal roofing. Your material’s integrity depends on it. My first step is to check both project needs and material specs.
Aviation snips work best for small, precise cuts on corrugated metal. These hand tools use a simple color code – red snips cut left, green cuts right, and yellow makes straight cuts. They work great for DIY projects on 26 or 29 gage metal panels, which matches most corrugated steel roofing’s thickness.
Electric metal shears give you cleaner edges and faster results than manual snips on longer cuts. The Malco TSCM TurboShear attachment turns your drill into a specialized corrugated metal cutter. It makes “easy cross cuts, fast lengthwise cuts, and precise circular cuts” in 24-30 gage roofing panels.
Nibblers excel with corrugated profiles. Riverside Sheet Metal’s experts say they are “the very best choice for cutting corrugated panels”. Their slim design lets you cut curves and reach tight spots without material waste.
A circular saw with a metal-cutting blade cuts long straight lines quickly. All the same, you need a non-abrasive blade that runs cool. Too much heat can damage your metal panel’s protective Galvalume coating.
Stay away from angle grinders, torches, reciprocating saws, and hacksaws. These tools get too hot and “melts the Galvalume coating which causes rust”. Hot metal debris (swarf) can also stick to the panel’s coating and create rust spots.
Think over these factors before picking your tools:
- Material thickness (gage)
- Scale of your project
- Precision required
- Budget constraints
- Power availability on site
Most DIY corrugated metal roofing jobs need just two tools – good aviation snips and either a nibbler or electric shears. This combo handles almost any cutting task safely.
Must Read: Metal Roof vs Shingles Cost: Which is More Affordable
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Hand Tools vs. Power Tools for Metal Roofing
| Criteria | Hand Tools | Power Tools |
| Tools | Tin Snips, Aviation Snips | Malco TSCM TurboShear, Swenson Straight Cut Shear |
| Best for | Precise cuts, small repairs | Full roof installations, larger projects |
| Cutting Types | Straight cuts, gentle curves | Cross cuts, lengthwise cuts, circular cuts |
| Advantages | Simple design, durable, few malfunctions, easy to control | Speed, efficiency, eliminates burred edges, handles larger panels |
| Ease of Use | Easy to use, especially for beginners | Requires power, but provides faster results |
| Material Suitability | Works well for lighter gage metal | Best for heavier gage metal |
| Budget | Low cost | Higher cost due to power tools and accessories |
| Power Requirement | No power needed | Requires electricity or battery power |
| Recommended for | Small scale projects, repairs | Large scale projects, full roof installations |
Power Tools That Cut Corrugated Metal Effectively
Power tools provide major advantages in speed and efficiency, especially for larger cutting jobs on corrugated metal roofing. Here are the best power tool options for achieving professional-quality results:
| Tool | Description | Best For | Key Features |
| Circular Saws | Circular saws with specialized metal-cutting blades. | Cutting through multiple panels quickly | 1) 13 amp motor, overload protection, carbide-tipped C-6 blades 2) Ideal for large projects, cutting through metal up to 5/16″ thick |
| Angle Grinders | Versatile tools for curved and non-linear cuts. | Grinding, polishing, and cutting | 1) 4½” cut-off wheels, beveling for clean edges, compact design 2) Slight cutting angle prevents binding |
| Electric Metal Shears | Designed specifically for cutting corrugated profiles, removing a strip of metal for minimal distortion. | Cutting corrugated materials | Minimizes waviness, prevents jamming, works on peaks and troughs |
| Reciprocating Saws | Best for tight spaces and awkward angles. | Cutting in hard-to-reach areas | Rougher cuts but handles steel and aluminum with the right blade |
Safety Considerations
When using power tools for cutting metal roofing, ensure you are equipped with proper safety gear to prevent injuries.
Conclusion
Your corrugated metal roofing project needs careful planning, the right tools, and proper safety measures. The tools you pick based on your project’s scope will make the difference between professional and mediocre results.
Hand tools like aviation snips work best for precision cuts. Power tools such as circular saws and nibblers are the quickest way to handle larger projects. The right tool choice matched to your project’s needs will give a better outcome.
Safety should be your top priority when cutting metal roofing. You’ll get clean, accurate cuts and prevent accidents by using protective gear, proper techniques, and well-maintained tools.
Metal roofing work demands respect for both material and tools. A well-prepared project will guide you to lasting results that protect your home. You can tackle this yourself or get professional help.
Do you just need help with your metal roofing project? Call us at +1 (503) 430-7178 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help with all your corrugated metal roofing needs.
FAQs
Q1. What is the most efficient tool for cutting corrugated metal roofing?
For larger projects, a circular saw with a specialized metal-cutting blade is the most efficient tool. It can cut through multiple panels at once, making it ideal for extensive roofing work.
Q2. Are hand tools or power tools better for cutting metal roofing?
The choice depends on your project’s scale. Hand tools like aviation snips are excellent for precision and small jobs, while power tools like electric shears are better for larger projects and heavier gage metal.
Q3. How can I ensure safe cutting of corrugated metal roofing?
Always wear proper protective gear including goggles, face masks, and gloves. Use the right tool for the job, maintain proper cutting techniques, and ensure your tools are well-maintained to prevent accidents.
Q4. What’s the best tool for making curved cuts in corrugated metal roofing?
Nibblers are exceptionally effective for curved cuts in corrugated metal. They can navigate the peaks and troughs of the corrugated profile without getting stuck or causing distortion.
Q5. Can I use an angle grinder to cut metal roofing?
While angle grinders can cut metal roofing, they’re not recommended for corrugated panels. They generate excessive heat that can damage the protective coating, potentially leading to rust. It’s better to use tools specifically designed for corrugated metal roofing.
