The Truth:

Metal edging (aka skirting) along roof eaves is often used in an effort to prevent roof damage from ice formations. Unfortunately, this well-intended approach creates a new set of problems that causes leaks and property damage.

When ice dams do slide off the roof, a new ice dam develops at the snow fracture, often at or above the building wall line. This not only promotes leaks, but also damages the transition components between the metal and composition shingle roofing.

Here’s a close up of the extensive damage this metal-edged roof endured. So severe was the ice movement that it depressed the transition metal caused the metal roofing ribs to puncture through it. This roof leaked in many locations.

Worthy of noting is that just two years prior this metal edging was a $5,000.00 attempt by the owners and the building contractor to stop the damage caused by ice dams.

The metal edging was completely removed and Summit’s PRO system was installed with new shingles to tie into the old roof. Ice formations and ice dam leak problems are now a thing of the past.

The transition area between shingles and metal edging is a complex array of fasteners, clips, ribs, closures, starter strips, overlaps and transition metal. The entire area and all parts are encased in the ice dam which creates many opportunities for leaks.

This home had the metal edging installed at the time of construction. The shingles uphill from the metal were damaged by ice movement, leaving the interior of the home more vulnerable than ever.

The shovel hack marks through the metal panels indicate an attempt to stop the leaking caused by the formation of new ice dams.