Top 9 Metal Roof Accessories for Added Strength and Durability

1. Flashing Prevents Water Damage

One of the main perks of metal roofing is that it's much more durable than other types, so you can benefit from the environmental and financial advantages of this choice. However, water damage can be a problem even with a metal roof. That's why we recommend adding flashing, an important tool to improve the water-resistance of your home. 

The device can stop water from entering joints and roof penetrations and helps to create a more resistant roofing envelope using gravity, wind pressure, and surface tension. Flashing should be installed strategically, for example near your skylight, chimney, vents, or dormers. 

2. Gutters Protect Your Home

Gutters don't directly affect the strength and durability of your roof, but instead, they protect the rest of your house from damage. If you don't install any, you run the risk of water trickling down the side of your house and causing major damage to your brickwork. Over time, cracks may form, and you could even be faced with water damage in your home or your basement. 

Because of their importance to your home, we at Hill Country Metal Roofing Supply will create custom gutters for you, so you can choose both the material and the style that suits you best. The most common types are made of vinyl, aluminum, copper, or steel, and we can help you to determine which of these will fit your needs the best.

3. Clips Hold the Roof Together

Using the wrong clip can make even the best metal roof fail. These small but crucial accessories are needed to anchor your metal panels to the substrate, or, the material that lies beneath your panels. They can be made from a variety of metals such as steel, copper, and aluminum, and not all clips are the same. What you need is dependent on the type of metal you are using for your panels and the weather conditions of your location. 

Although we are great fans of using clips, they are contingent on installation, which means that you shouldn't attempt to install them yourself and it's advisable that you hire a competent professional. If your clips are placed wrong, your whole metal roof system could fail, so double-check that your roofing contractor has experience with this type of accessory.

4. Underlayment Adds Extra Security

Your rafters and joints are covered with sheathing and the underlayment is placed on top of this. It can stop both water and moisture from penetrating into your house. The materials vary, and we may recommend synthetic sheet underlayment or a self-adhering membrane. Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages, and the one you choose depends on your individual situation. 

Underlayment is a great idea for the majority of homes, since an extra layer of protection is never a bad thing. This can prevent you from dealing with costly issues like entrapped moisture or roof leakage over the years. However, it isn't necessary in certain special cases. For example, if your roof is installed over asphalt shingles, this accessory won't be needed.

5. Caulking and Sealants Can Prevent Moisture Build-Up

One of the most important metal roof accessories you'll need to stop water from entering your building is caulks and sealants. Both are used to seal gaps in the main material and they are applied in the same manner, by using a caulking gun. However, caulks are the more traditional variety and they are quite rigid once they have dried. They may be the right choice for areas that need to be painted or areas where you need to be able to remove smears easily. 

On the other hand, sealants are a modern, elastic version that can be a better fit in certain cases. They are often made from silicone and therefore work great in areas where there isn't much expansion and contraction. In general, sealants are a bit more durable because they aren't prone to cracking, but unfortunately, they can't be painted over and are much harder to clean. 

6. Butyl Tape Evens Out Irregularities

Butyl tape is a synthetic rubber adhesive and can be used to connect metal, but also rubber, plastic, glass, and wood. As such a versatile tool, it has many uses in and around your home. If you regularly do DIY, you may have used it for tasks such as sealing your windows, protecting your vehicles from leaks, and fixing underground pipes. 

On your new metal roof, it can fix any irregularities on the surface and seal the joints. That way, a barrier is created that can prevent dust, dirt, moisture, and water from getting in. There are many different choices of Butyl tape on the market, so you'll need an expert to tell you which one is suitable for use on your home. Fortunately, we can provide you with guidance and also help with the installation of the tape. 

7. Boots to Secure Your Vent Pipes

Every home has some vent pipes that run from the bathrooms and the kitchen to the roof. Their purpose is to circulate the air in your plumbing system. You will need a rubber cover for the section of the roof that this runs through. This device, called a roof boot, will help to prevent any water or debris from entering the house. 

Once you've installed your boot, it pays off to keep an eye on it, especially as it gets older. We only use high-quality materials, but it can still wear out over time. In particular, you will know you need a new boot if your old one is cracked, as this can cause water damage on your ceiling and damaged shingles. Installing a boot and replacing it as needed can help you to prevent any additional issues and costs.

8. Custom Crickets for Your Chimney

Not only will your roof need to be water-proof, but also your chimney. Chimney crickets, also called chimney saddles, are the small peaked structures you can see on many homes, which help to divert the water away from your chimney to another part of the roof. This can be a very effective way of reducing leaks and the collection of debris in this delicate area.

While there are pre-made options out there, we strongly believe that chimney crickets should be made to fit your home. That's why we are happy to discuss this issue with you and offer you custom crickets to fit your roof perfectly. As with all accessories, the necessity for a cricket depends on your home. Most places can benefit from one, but you may not need this if your chimney intersects the ridge.

9. Chimney Caps to Keep Water and Wildlife Out

Any opening or un-tight structure poses a risk to your home, and the chimney is the most prominent one. Because you want chemicals to be able to leave your home, this structure needs to be open, but this doesn't only let the smoke out. It also lets water, wildlife, and debris into your home. That's the reason why a good chimney cap is so important.

Some additional benefits of chimney caps are that they can protect your roof in case of a fire, prevent a build-up of debris, and block downdrafts so your home becomes more energy-efficient. You can get this accessory in many different materials, such as aluminum, steel, and copper. There are options for all kinds of budgets, but before deciding, keep in mind that they will be subject to lots of chemicals and need to be able to withstand this.

From flashing to chimney caps, there are many different metal roof accessories that can help make your building safer and your new roof more durable. By installing these extras, you will ensure that you won't be faced with expensive maintenance work and repairs later on, so you can enjoy your roofing choice for the next 30-50 years.