No matter the style or material, your roof is installed for a reason. They protect your home and valuables from harsh weather and external factors, such as heavy rains, snow, strong winds, and extreme heat. To enhance the performance of your roofing system, you need to add accessories that will provide more benefits and complement the design of your home.
Various accessories will help your roof do its job and protect the structure even more. Before you start your roofing project, it’s important to find the right tools and accessories. Here is a list of some roofing accessories to consider for your home.
Gutters
Roof gutters and downspouts help divert the water away from the foundation of your home. It will also drain precipitation from the roof and prevent damaging your property. Gutters come in various materials, sizes and shapes, but a heavy-duty, aluminum gutter works best for metal roofs.
During the installation, make sure to hang the gutters as high as possible. A higher pitch is required to ensure there is proper drainage away from your home. In addition, your gutters should be installed using fascia-mounted brackets to avoid contact with the roof.
Underlayments
Roofing underlayments are any layer of a vapor barrier or water-resistant material installed directly onto the roof deck. Since it is placed under the metal panels, it provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and extreme weather conditions. When installed properly, it will keep the roof deck dry and maintain the health of your home.
There are many different types of materials you can choose from, such as synthetic sheet, self-adhering membrane, and felt underlayment. No matter what material you prefer, adding underlayment will improve insulation and waterproofing.
Metal Coping
A metal coping system refers to the vertical/horizontal wall flashing designed to protect the horizontal surfaces at the top of your wall. These bent sheet metals cover the vertical wall adjacent to the low-slope roof. You install a metal coping cap to waterproof the top surface of the wall. Metal roofing installers need to get the precise size and shape of the materials for best performance.
Metal Roofing Screws
To ensure the longevity and strength of your roof, you need the right screws that are ideal for attaching roofing and wall panels. When you consider roofing screws, you need to determine the length and screw material. Your screws should have strong holding power and a premium finish so that they won’t rust when exposed to harsh outdoor environments.
Fasteners
Self-drilling metal roofing fasteners help secure metal panels and trim to the roof deck. As the main anchor points for the metal panels, fasteners are integral to the overall performance of your roofing system. They come in a multitude of sizes, shapes, materials, and coatings, so make sure you buy the right one for your roof. Choosing the wrong fastener means your roof might not last long and perform to high standards.
Adhesive Sealants
As the name suggests, sealants help seal out water, dirt, and other substances that can get into nooks and crannies. This roofing accessory makes the roof as weather-tight and waterproof as possible. Available in different colors, polyether or silicone sealants are the best for metal roofs.
Metal Trim and Flashing
Your trim and flashing are important for your weather-resistant barrier system. They prevent water from getting through a joint while bringing your metal panels together. When you install high-quality trim and flashing, your metal roof will certainly look 100% much better.
Most trim and flashing are designed to protect the panels and edges of your roof and prevent water damage. By sealing the seam, water won’t get under the metal panels. They are available in coordinating finishes and colors to match your roofing project requirements.
Chimney Caps
If you have a chimney installed in your home, a custom-made chimney cap needs to match your metal roof. Chimney caps are protective coverings that ensure safe chimney functioning. These caps are usually made of steel or copper mesh that keep out birds and protect your chimney from extreme weather. When choosing a chimney cap, pick something that will complement the look of your metal roof.
Fiberglass/Skylight Panels
Energy efficiency is currently the trend when it comes to home improvement projects. If you are planning to increase home value and add energy-saving solutions, choose skylight panels. Daylighting can help your home stay warm, prevent mold growth, and reduce electricity costs.
Install skylight panels on your metal roofing so that you can reap all the benefits brought by natural lighting. Hire a professional contractor to mount the skylights and perform the job right the first time.
Butyl Tape
This tape is a non-curing compound sealant that is suitable for bonding applications. It has a high degree of adhesion, which makes it compatible with different types of metal surfaces. Butyl tapes are usually used to seal cracks and seams on metal roofing because it provides a long-lasting, effective watertight barrier. It bonds instantly and stays flexible even on smooth and non-porous surfaces for a very long time.
Snow Retention Systems
When the snow starts to accumulate and slide off your metal roof, the result can be bad and harmful. It can damage your home, gutters, and vehicles while potentially causing injuries to people and passersby. Snow retention systems or ice guards can reduce potential risks by increasing the friction between the roof and the snow. Every roof is different, so make sure that your snow retention system is custom designed for your metal roofing.
Work With the Best Metal Roofing Contractor
To learn more about metal roof accessories, reach out to Pittsburgh Metal Roofing. We are ready to complete your roofing project on budget and without any delays. Contact us today to get an estimate.