FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
How-To

The Classic ‘Tin’ Lid

Hand-forming a standing-seam metal roof.

By Matt Holmstrom Issue 39

Synopsis: Metal roofing specialists these days turn rolls of sheet metal into panels with specialized bending equipment and join them on the roof with the help of mechanical crimpers. Here, the author shows how a metal standing-seam room is fabricated on site and installed with relatively few hand tools and the right technique.

With a few peculiar hand tools and a knowledge of some old-time techniques, an enterprising remodeler/restorer can produce one of the most attractive and longest-lasting residential roofs around — the standing-seam metal roof. While its clean lines and unmistakable hand formed look are still admired by old house lovers, “tin roofing” has generally fallen into disuse, as roof after roof is replaced with composition shingles. This is unfortunate, because metal roofing is indispensable for solving some of the common problems of old-house roof work. For example, hand-worked metal roofing is essential when matching existing architecture with new additions. It’s great for covering cornice returns, bay window roofs and other locations you don’t want to roof again for many years. A standing seam roof is perfect for roofs too flat for shingles, yet too steep for built-up roofing. Here in western Virginia a tin roof has been the roof of choice for many years.

A standing-seam metal roof is really quite simple. The idea is to fold sheets of metal together to create a weather light skin, without penetrating the skin by fasteners. The metal is cut to length and bent into a “pan” having an angular, U-shaped profile. Unlike rows of shingles, pans run vertically from peak to eave. As each pan is laid on the roof deck, it is fastened with “nail cleats,” cut and formed on site from the same metal as the pans. As the pans are laid edge to edge and fastened in place, the edges are double rolled, or “locked” together by hand to create a 1-in, high standing seam. No sealants other than solder are used, except at flashings, where we sometimes use silicone caulking.

Choosing materials

A hand worked standing seam roof can be fabricated from either sheets or rolls of galvanized steel, terne (steel coated with a lead-tin alloy), copper or terne-coated stainless steel. For workability, terne and copper are best; galvanized steel is stiffer and more difficult to solder, and terne-coated stainless is stiffer yet. Copper and terne-coated stainless are the premium materials in terms of longevity — and cost. Terne (the vernacular term is “tin”) is long lasting if painted every few years. Galvanized steel can be left bare for a few years, but then it too must be painted. Whichever metal you select, use only compatible materials for nails and flashing.

My choice for a roof, at least in this area, is the terne roof, because terne is readily available, very workable and easily painted (compared to galvanized roofing, anyway). It comes in coating weights of 20 lb. and 40 lb. (the weights refer to the amount of terne coating per 100 sq. ft. of metal). Twenty-pound terne is a flashing weight; forty-pound should be used for the roofing itself. The metal also comes in two thicknesses: 30-ga. steel for general use, and 28-ga. steel for heavier use. It’s made by Follansbee Steel Corp. (Follansbee, W. Va.).

For more photos, illustrations, and details, click the View PDF button below:

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Hook Blade Roofing Knife

Cutting asphalt shingles is made faster, easier, and safer when using a hook-blade. Suitable for any standard utility knife, these are a must-have on any roofing project.
Buy at Amazon

Ladder Stand Off

Stability is key when working off a ladder or accessing the roof, and this lightweight aluminum stand-off makes any extension ladder safer and more comfortable to use.
Buy at Amazon

Flashing Boot

Adequately seal vulnerable vent penetrations through the roof with this galvanized flashing and flexible rubber collar.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
View PDF

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips

Learn how the pros keep their hand tools sharp without breaking the bank.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Insulation for Homes in the Wildland Urban Interface
  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details
  • Stop Ice Dams When Reroofing
  • Simple, Site-Made Trusses

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Air-Seal Penetrations With Canned Foam
  • Podcast 513: Members-only Aftershow
  • How to Install Faux Stone-Veneer Siding Panels
  • Podcast Episode 165: Live from the Builders' Show: Strong Sheathing Systems and Show Favorites
View All

Roofs

View All Roofs Articles
  • A More Resilient Roof
  • Step Up Your Stair-Gauge Game
  • Better Plumb Cuts on Hips or Valleys
  • Pool Noodle Ladder Protection
View All Roofs Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in