Cutting Roof Paneling

[enggass]

What's the best way to cut something like Tuftek Roof Panels? Can I use my jigsaw? Should I tape it first? Any tips appreciated...
Thanks!

 

[patandchickens]

This is one of the plastic corrugated roofing panels, yes? (Not familiar with that particular brand name). Use scissors. Seriously. Good pair of heavy scissors. Try to do it when the panel is warmer rather than cooler (preferably not below freezing if it is a PVC product rather than polycarbonate, as the pvc gets brittle)

I suppose you may be able to cut with power tools and extreme care but I wouldn't know, scissors is so much easier LOL

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[enggass]

Yes. It is the Tuftex Panel. Not the PolyCarb one though - the next step down. Vinyl maybe? Anyway... Not sure I have scissors that strong

I thought maybe if I taped it then cut with a jig saw.

ETA: It's actually the SeaCoaster Model of Tuftex - lower end.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

I use a fine toothed skill saw blade turned backwards. This also works great for vinyl siding and sheet tin. Only attempt if you are familiar with a skill saw. Don't forget to protect them eyes!

Good Luck!

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I know for a fact this is a great way to cut metal roofing. If faced with cutting vinyl I'd no doubt try the same thing -- if I couldn't manage it with scissors.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Hm, googling does not work so well for me for that, but from a couple of mentions I *think* it is pvc. In which case before you cut into it, you would wnat to make sure you WANT it... it will get brittle once it gets down into the single digits F, should not be installed anywhere that will get especially hot e.g. over top of plywood roof decking, and basically you should not expect to get many years' use out of it or to have it withstand impacts or very high winds. It does have the advantage of cheaper-ness but for a reason

Just making sure you know.

Incidentally, having opened the pdf installation guide for it in search of materials info, I notice it says "cut single panels of tuftex with a utility knife or a pair of scissors. multiple panels may be cut using a circular saw with a plywood blade reversed or a fine handsaw". To answer your original Q straight from the manufacturer's mouth

http://www.westmansteel.ca/public/File/products/tuftexInstallGuide.pdf If you haven't, read the whole thing b/c it gives you specs about supports and overhang and predrilling hole sizes and so forth, if you do not install plastic roofing exactly right it tends to do unsatisfactory things during storms.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[patandchickens]

whoops, duplicate post

 

[macadam8157]

Quote:
Agreed! Just pop you a chalk line and cut away.

 

[NevadaRon]

I used those kind of roof panels - got them at Lowe's. I also used my SkilSaw to cut it - but with a carbide metal cutting blade. You do have to be careful though, even if you use a jigsaw. I sandwiched it between two pieces of plywood to keep it from moving vertically - I would think if you used a jigsaw that could be a problem, too!

 

[TN_BIRD]

Manufacturer suggests using a utility knife or snips or a fine tooth blade on a circular saw (installed in reverse).

Me...I'd probably try my tin snips or tape it and hit it with the circular saw. If you don't already have some tin snips...get some. They are great for cutting chicken wire and hardware cloth.


http://www.tallantinc.com/Admin/PagePDFs/Tuftex Edit Residential/Tuftex Installation.pdf