Understanding Metal Roofing Components & Accessories
- On January 2, 2022
When considering roofing solutions, metal is one of the strongest and longest-lasting materials available today. Metal roofs are designed to withstand even the most demanding environments and last for decades while retaining their aesthetic appeal and protective qualities. If you are looking at metal roofing, it is important to ensure that you understand all the different accessories and components that make them tough, durable, reliable, and beautiful.
Important Metal Roofing Accessories and Components
Metal Roof Panels
You cannot talk about a metal roof without first discussing the metal roof panels – the most obvious and biggest component. Metal roofing panels are metal sheets shaped into a particular profile and join together to form a roof covering.
At Ironclad Roofing, our metal roof panels are designed to provide superior protection to your home and improve its curb appeal. Made from 26-gauge steel, these panels offer excellent protection against wind, hail, snow, and ice. This means the roof will last for decades while still looking great.
Fasteners
Fasteners refer to a wide variety of hardware used to assemble and secure various parts of the metal roof and include clips & screws referred to as fasteners. On a metal roof, these fasteners can either be exposed or hidden. Exposed fasteners are secured on top of the panels and are exposed to the elements. Hidden fasteners, on the other hand, are secured beneath the panel, so they are out of sight and away from the elements.
At Ironclad, we use Canadian-made, colour-matched semi-exposed fasteners (screws) that are above the industry standard and provide increased durability and weather resistance. These fasteners work well with our unique roofing profile and produce a roof that is not only reliable but also aesthetically pleasing. They are referred to as semi-exposed as they tuck nicely under the unique scallop of our panel profile which gives added protection from the elements.
Sealants
Sealants are another important element of a metal roof used during installation to ensure that water, wind, dirt, and other things that may get in small spaces are kept out. This makes the roof as weather resistant as possible. It is important to note that a sealant is not designed to be an adhesive but rather an extra line of defence against water and moisture.
Ironclad uses the best sealants available in the market today that are highly rated for longevity in both extremely hot and cold temperatures and are colour matched with our panels.
Underlayment
The underlayment is the layer of material underneath the metal roofing panels and is one of the most crucial elements. It provides a layer of protection against ice, moisture, extreme temperatures, and more. Underlayment is applied over old shingles if left in place. There are more durable underlayments used on new builds or straight to deck applications that provide additional protection for bare plywood decking surfaces.
Different Parts of Metal Roofing Systems
Metal roofs are a careful symphony of many different parts that all work together to provide unbeatable protection and appeal. Additionally, the parts, installation requirements, and other metal roofing accessories required may vary based on the metal roofing panels and panel profile chosen. The list below is not exhaustive of the variety of components that make up a metal roof system.
Decking
This is the surface installed over the roof framing to which the underlayment and the metal panels are attached.
Soffit
The metal roofing sheet or panel that connects a roof’s overhang to the side of the building
Valley
This is the internal angle formed by an intersection where two sloping planes meet. It provides water runoff.
Pitch
It refers to the slope of the roof plane and is measured by dividing the roof’s rise by its run. Steep slopes refer to any roof pitch greater than 3:12, while low slopes refer to a pitch less than 1.5:12.
Eave
This is the portion or edges of the roof that hang out over or extend past the supporting wall and typically project beyond the side of the building.
Ridge
Refers to the highest top section of the roof, where at least two roof slopes come together and typically form a horizontal line.
Fascia
The trim below the roof around the perimeter of the building or structure. It is typically a border for low-sloped roofing systems that prevents water from running into the structure and can provide waterproofing for the home’s interior.
Metal Roof Flashing
Metal roof flashing is thin pieces of metal used to waterproof and seal different portions of the roof, including chimneys, valleys, and more. It is another way to ensure a watertight seal.
Hip
These are external, jutting angles formed by two sloping roof planes intersecting and which run from the ridge to the eaves.
Gable
The edge of the roof that runs from the eave to the ridge. It is a triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches.
Drip Edge
A piece of metal placed on the eave of a roof to steer water away from the fascia and into the gutter. It is used to protect the eave and the underlayment by directing water in the proper direction.
Gutter System
A series of metal channels that collect water from your roof and direct it to a safer area to drain, which helps prevent water damage and leaks.
Choose Us for Reliable Metal Roof Installation
A metal roofing system is comprised of many different parts and accessories that all work together to provide unbeatable protection and peace of mind. If you are considering using a metal roof for your home, make sure to talk to a qualified roofing specialist about your vision and project details.
At Ironclad Roofing, our seasoned experts can help you determine if a metal roof will suit your needs. We will also help you learn more about metal roofing, metal roofing accessories, and tips on how to care for a metal roof. Our roofing solutions have been tested and proven over many projects and are guaranteed to provide you with the durable, energy-efficient, long-lasting, and reliable roofing solution you want. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our metal roofs and to request a free estimate.
Also Read:
