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TOPIC: Installation

Fixed valleys and eaves, are they OK?

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I have a 29 gauge standing seam metal roof, installed 2021, over a vented attic at 19 degrees pitch, gabled roof. I was expecting a folded over metal detail at the valleys and eaves, like I've seen on other roofs. I've heard this described as a "floating valley" or "floating eave" where the metal is hemmed over a cleat piece to lock it down and prevent water ingress.

The contractor did not bend the metal at all, and instead just overlapped the panels onto the valley pan and caulked with "solar seal". At the eaves, he overlapped the drip edge and did not install any sealant between the panel and the drip edge. I believe what I have is now a "fixed valley" and "fixed eave".

I have a number of concerns, and I'm trying to determine the right fix or if any fix is needed. Here are my concerns:

  1. Is there any need for the panel to float at either end? I think both ends are fixed, and the panels are screwed down every 4 to 6" at the seams. The only place thermal expansion can take place is by bending the panel upward. At the valley, this may also be prevented by the solar seal. Is thermal expansion a concern with this installation?

  2. Is solar seal reliable for the life of the roof or is this something that will require maintenance? Should there be screws through the panel between the seams to hold it down to the solar seal? The widest valley section is about 24" between seams, so there's a 24" span for instance that is only held down by solar seal and does not have any other fastener.

  3. Should I be concerned about the eaves? We've discussed a fix where butyl tape could be installed between the panel and the drip edge, with or without additional screws. Would this be a recommended step to take? Would it be better to have them slide the panels down and bend them over the drip edge to lock them down and prevent water/ice ingress?

  4. Should I be concerned about the exposed factory cut edges at the eaves or the exposed field cut edges at the valleys, other than the fact that they are not very straight?

20210927_173354_HDR.jpg

Chaz Ott

9/27/2021
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Thanks for choosing a metal roof.

The practices employed here are not unusual though they may not be what many would consider to be "best practices"

I hate to sound like I am passing the buck but because there may be warranty issues here, I would suggest you contact the company that manufactured the panels for their input and guidance on this.

Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

9/28/2021
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Thanks for your advice, Todd. Unfortunately, it's not really a manufactured roof system which I was not aware of when I hired the contractor. It seems to be a local metal company who buys the metal stock and rolls the panels themselves. When I asked for warranty documentation, the only thing covered is the finish which is not supposed to fade or peel for X number of years. Right now all I have to go by is what the contractor is telling me (that it's fine), which is why I'm seeking another opinion.

If you have any other information that may help, I would greatly appreciate it. The contractor seems to be willing to make this right however they can, but I'm not sure what fixes to request in this situation. Are there any major concerns?

Chaz Ott

9/28/2021
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Or copy this URL: https://www.metalroofing.com/spirit/comment/25692/find/

Certainly having cleats in the valleys and a bend over at the eave is the "best" way to go but the panels are pretty short for that at this point probably.

Using butyl tape is a good idea. I would not use any screws in the valley though .... at the eave you could use butyl tape plus some screws with neoprene washers.

Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

9/28/2021
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Or copy this URL: https://www.metalroofing.com/spirit/comment/25693/find/

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