Steel roof basics
A steel roof is more than just roofing sheets. It also includes understructures, rainwater systems, roof safety products, flashings and many other elements and accessories as shown in the picture below.
- Roof sheet
- Rainwater system
- Ladders
- Snow guards
- Roof bridge
- Ridge capping
- Verge trims
- Eaves flashing
- Lead-ins
- Chimney sheets
- Valley flashing
- Joint flashing
The most important element of a healthy roof is that all the different parts are chosen carefully and that they work well together, both functionally and visually. Your roof is about more than just the roofing sheets; all the separate parts of your roof are important, from the smallest screws and bolts to large roofing sheets and ladders. And each part plays an important role in making your roof safe, durable and attractive.
With the right materials, proper installation and good maintenance you can guarantee you have a well-functioning roof. Roofing sheets protect your house and its structure from rain, wind and snow. They are also the most visible feature of your roof and define its appearance - even the identity of your home.
The role of a roof’s understructure is to create a firm foundation for the attachment of the roofing sheets, and it also includes underlays, battens and ventilation strips. A well-built understructure also improves the soundproofing and heat insulation of your roof. It also safely channels the condensation that normally builds up under the roofing sheets away from the structure.
- Underlay
- Batten
- Ventilation strip
Flashings, trimmings and cappings are important elements when applying the finishing touches to your roof. They connect the different elements of your roof tightly together, making it seamless, visually appealing and coherent. Rainwater systems use gutters, downpipes, water funnels, and other elements to channel rainwater efficiently into the sewer system.
Roof safety products, ladders, roof bridges and snow guards, make sure that moving around on your roof is safe; for example, when maintaining or cleaning it. Snow guards prevent snow and ice from sliding off your roof onto people below, and ladders offer essential emergency routes in case of fire. In some countries, certain roof safety products such as ladders, snow guards and roof bridges are required by law to be a part of your roof, so remember to check this with your local authorities.
Lead-ins provide controlled and watertight openings for your roof. Such openings include chimneys, roof windows and ventilation pipes.