Think about your roof for a moment: there are all sorts of bends, edges, vents, chimneys and meeting points. All of these need to be covered or edged to stop the elements from making their way into your home. Wind and water will take advantage of any opportunity, often resulting in water damage and higher utility bills. On the other hand, ventilation is also a necessity in structures. An improperly vented home can have many problems such as ice dams, mold, and heat buildup.
Metal roofing and siding trims, like the pieces of a puzzle, are manufactured and installed to fit in all of those nooks and crannies that panels cannot. Trims provide crucial weather protection and ensure proper ventilation, but they also cover the cut edges of panels, providing a professional, finished appearance to the project. To help consumers understand this crucial aspect of roofing and siding, here is a short list of some of the main trim pieces and their functions.
Roof Applications
Ridge Cap:
Ridge Caps cover the exposed portion of the roof panel along ridgeline, joining the panels on each side of the roof. This trim piece also conceals the ridge vent, a necessary component for building ventilation.
Narrow Outside Corner:
These trims cap over the edge of roof panels on gable roofs.
Residential Rake:
Residential Rakes also cap over the edge of roof panels on gable roofs. This trim is preferred more in coastal areas, while the Narrow Outside Corner is used often on inland structures.
Endwall:
Endwall trims are utilized to flash (metal material used to direct water away from critical areas) from a wall or chimney running perpendicular to roof panels. Endwalls are also used as transition flashing where two different pitched roofs meet.
Sidewall:
Sidewalls are applied to flash from a wall or chimney to the roof running parallel with roof panels.
Valley:
Valley trims are used to flash the valley of two roofs coming together.
Drip Edge:
Drip Edges are utilized at the eave (the part of the roof that meets and/or overhangs the wall) to keep rain from blowing or wicking under the roof panels, preventing the fascia board from rotting.
Snow Guard:
Snow Guards are available in many different profiles and configurations and hold snow in place on the roof until it can melt. This prevents gutter and landscape damage from avalanches.
Wall Applications
Outside Corner:
Outside Corners are installed primarily on post frame and steel frame buildings to cap over vertical wall panels that meet at a 90° outside corner.
Inside Corner:
These trim pieces cap over vertical wall panels that meet at a 90° inside corner on post frame and steel frame buildings.
Ratguard:
Ratguards are attached horizontally to the bottom portion of the wall, preventing unwanted pests from crawling through the open ribs of the wall panel.
J-Channel:
J-Channels are used to flash around walk doors and windows, giving the end product a finished, professional look.
Overhead Door Trim:
Overhead Door Trims are installed around garage doors. They include a built-in J-Channel to cover cut edges of wall panels, again enhancing the finished appearance of the door.
As can be seen, metal roofing and siding trims are important components for homes and buildings. They provide protection against weather, furnish proper ventilation and add aesthetic value. Each trim part must be configured and bent for its specific application, so choosing knowledgeable suppliers and installers who use top-grade materials is essential. With the proper materials and installation, your metal roof and siding can last for decades to come.
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