Steel and metal components are installed in the final stages of completing a roofing project. Accessorizing across various regions of the roof, the various ways in which steel and metal are used are integral to keeping a roof safe and efficient.
Among the areas where steel and metal are used in roofing, these include with drip edges or eaves. The main purpose of these edges and/or eaves are to keep ice from accumulating. It is common in some roofs for ice to back up over eaves-troughs and also, under the shingles. If this is left to fester and accumulate, it will inevitably damage shingles and result in leaks. The use of metal in this area of the roof prevents it from happening. Drip edges are used at the eaves or peaks, sometimes both. For regions across Canada where winters can be particularly brutal, metal or steel in this application must be a strong consideration.
Then, there are flashings which are a common way to accessorize and protect certain aspects of a roof. Chimney flashing is one example, sometimes removed and replaced altogether, and other times, it is simply gone over with new flashing. By employing steel roof flashing surrounding a chimney, it guards against leaks which are common at its base. The integrity of the chimney structure is also maintained, in accordance with this method of flashing. There is also wall flashing which addresses horizontal areas where the roof meets a wall, including above garages or under a window. The ultimate goal of this style of flashing is to keep moisture and problematic weather from puncturing entry points. This way, the life span of a roof can be extended and minimal damage can almost be guaranteed.
Roofing with skylights also require steel or metal flashing to be set up around the perimeter. New skylights may have their own flashing kit. If the skylight is being reused, re-using flashing might be recommended in combination with an ice and water shield. There may be opportunities to use additional flashings however not all roofing contractors may seek to do so.
As steel or metal pertains to valleys, it is highly recommended to have steel valley material present. Be it a ‘closed’ or ‘open’ valley, steel is required. They should always be steel underneath. For most roofing contractors, they will keep valleys open in accordance with the belief that open valleys are less likely to leak. Meanwhile, closed valleys are known to deteriorate shingles faster, which may lead to a potential roof leak down the line.
Steel and metal play such an important role to contemporary roof installation and repair. Metal flashings are required to be in functioning, high quality shape. They should be properly installed, caulked properly, and checked regularly for cracks.
If you have specific concerns regarding the use of metal or steel on your roof, please be sure to speak with a roofing contractor’s representative to acquire more information. Be it a metal roof installation or replacement, it is more common to see increased functional uses of metal and steel to maximize the life span of a property. In some ways, they provide the ultimate protection against ice and water, and miscellaneous roof penetrations. Metal and steel roof profiles of numerous varieties employ design techniques like these, with much success. As North America continues to adopt metal and steel as its go-to roofing material, it should be increasingly common to see these strategies and others used in roof installation and repair.
