Make Shingles and Siding Out of Aluminum Cans (Beer Can Roof)

Step 2 Mark and Cut a Die

Use a pencil and square to mark the 1x6 board to the measurements in the picture. This should be hardwood so it holds up to the abuse; If you have the resources you could have this machined in metal for durability.
Using a circular saw I cut the receiving die (negative?) grooves as shown below.

Comments

[67spyder]

I hate to be a "negative nelly" but you said 900 cans to cover 100 square feet (10X10), Where I live (maybe not where you live) beer and pop cans have a 5cent deposit which means that 900 cans will give you $45 which will easily buy 3 bundles of shingles which will coincidentally cover 100 square feet with much less work.  Otherwise a great idea

[wrenawild]

Anyone can get plenty of free, empty cans. You wouldn't have to spend a dime. If you can't figure out how to collect some for free, you probably shouldn't be building a roof.

[DIY-Guy]

Hmm, my neighbors would object to me "making money" off the deposit refund, but would be proud to contribute to a dog house or a shed that "beer built!" Some states have draconian tax and identification requirements which deny some people the right of refund. Maybe the beer-u-crats on the state payroll think the homeless are getting rich from cleaning up trash? That was the idea after all, was it not? Reduce the litter by making it valuable?

One or two layers of non-degrading aluminum will withstand the UV for decade after decade. My asphalt and mineral surface shingles always need replacing before their projected lifespan is up. Metal is more permanent.

Besides, this is all about re-purposing and DIY.  :) 
Good method, good results, good for RobbToberfest!

[67spyder]

Don't get me wrong this is a fantastic idea.  Also I have been thinking a lot about the refund issue.  Although it motivates the uninitiated to be environmental it does discourage re-use which is better than recycling.  In a state where there is no deposit there are usually easier facilities for recycling the aluminum based on weight which you can still do after you cut the top and bottom off (the heaviest parts) once you cut up a can it is no longer eligible for the refund.  Mabe the bounty should be placed on the can top?? (RobbToberfest, Sorry about hijacking your excellent instructable with a political discussion)

[robbtoberfest]

 I'm lovin the discussion.

[robbtoberfest]

 I would definitely go your route; but in Kansas here we're like a decade or two behind in recycling and incentive things like that.

[neblotti]

What a good article. I am always trying to find out how to recycle things. Thank You. My chicken coop needs a new roof. Can not wait to try this.

[TheDeviant13]

haha I saw a pun no-one else did {Can} not wait to try this. get it because the shingles are made from CANS

[robbtoberfest]

Thanks, post some pics if it works for ya.