There are a lot of words used to make informed decisions in the metal industry. When you are ordering from us, we want you to make sure you understand exactly what our experts are talking about, so you can feel comfortable during the entire process. To help understand some terminology commonly used, we created a glossary of terms just for you.
Base Trim – Base trim is used to cover the bottom edge of a wall or siding panel where it meets the foundation or framing structure. It serves several purposes, including protecting the bottom edge of the panel from moisture and debris, covering any gaps or rough edges, and providing a finished appearance. The base trim is an important component of a building’s exterior, as it helps to prevent moisture and debris from infiltrating the wall assembly and causing damage over time.
Drip Edge Trim – Drip edge trim is installed along the eaves and gables of a roof to provide a finished appearance and protect against moisture intrusion. Drip edge trim typically has an L-shaped profile with a flat horizontal flange that extends over the edge of the roof and a vertical flange that is installed against the fascia board or roof deck. It is designed to direct water away from the roof edge and prevent it from seeping into the roof structure. Typically used on not metal roofing applications like asphalt or cedar.
Drip Cap/Header – This trim is typically used in door and window installations. It is installed above the door or window to direct water away from the opening and prevent it from entering the building. Drip caps typically have an L-shaped profile with a flat horizontal flange that extends over the top of the opening and a vertical flange that is installed against the building’s exterior. It is designed to direct water away from the opening and prevent it from seeping into the building’s structure.
Eave Trim/Style D – Eave trim is a type of metal panel trim installed along the eaves of a roof to provide a finished appearance and protect against moisture intrusion. Eave trim typically has an L-shaped profile with a flat horizontal flange that extends over the edge of the roof and a vertical flange that is installed against the fascia board or roof deck. It is designed to direct water away from the roof edge and prevent it from seeping into the roof structure.
Endwall Flashing – This type of metal panel flashing helps protect the area where the roof meets the vertical wall of a building. It is installed along the end walls of a building and overlaps with the roofing panels to create a watertight seal. Endwall flashing typically has an L-shaped profile that extends up the wall and over the roofing panels, providing a secure attachment point and preventing water from infiltrating the building’s structure.
Gable or Rake Trim – This type of metal panel trim helps protect the triangular section of the wall that sits between the two sloping sides of a pitched roof, also known as the gable. It is installed at the peak of the gable and overlaps with the roofing panels to create a watertight seal. Gable trim typically has a triangular or trapezoidal profile and is designed to direct water away from the gable and prevent it from seeping into the building’s structure.
Gutters – Gutters are long, horizontal pieces of metal installed on a roofing system along the eave edges of a roof to help direct rainwater off the roof and away from the underlying structure.
Inside Corner Trim – Inside corner trim is used to cover the inside corners where two walls meet at an angle. It is typically installed vertically and is designed to protect the corner from damage and provide a finished appearance. It can also be used in conjunction with other types of trims, such as base trim, to provide a cohesive and attractive finish.
J-Trim – This panel trim is used to finish the edges of various types of building materials, such as siding, roofing, and wall panels. It has a J-shaped profile, with one flange that extends outward to provide a finished edge and another flange that is installed against the surface of the building material. J-trim is commonly used to protect and finish the edges of soffits, fascia boards, and siding panels.
Metal Fascia Trim – Metal fascia trim is installed on the edge of the roof, typically where the roof meets the outer walls of a building. Metal fascia trim is designed to provide durable, long-lasting protection for the roof and provide a finished appearance. It is installed horizontally along the edge of the roof and is usually covered with a drip edge trim to prevent water from seeping into the roof structure.
Outside Corner Trim – Like inside corner trim, this trim is used to cover the outside corners where two walls meet at an angle. It is typically installed vertically and is designed to protect the corner from damage and provide a finished appearance. It can also be used in conjunction with other types of trims, such as base trim, to provide a cohesive and attractive finish.
Overhead Door – Overhead door trim provides a finished appearance and protects the opening where an overhead garage door is installed. It is typically installed around the perimeter of the garage door opening and can be made from a variety of metals, such as aluminum, steel, or vinyl. The overhead door trim is designed to protect the garage door opening from weathering and prevent water from seeping into the garage. It can also be used to cover the gaps between the door and the surrounding walls and provide a smooth and attractive finish. Overhead door trim can be installed with various fastening methods, such as screws or nails, and can be finished with various coatings to provide additional protection against weathering and corrosion.
Top Cap Trim – Top cap trim is a type of metal panel trim installed along the peak or ridge of a roof to provide a finished appearance and protect against moisture intrusion. Peak trim typically has a sloped profile that matches the angle of the roof and is designed to cover the ridge of the roof, preventing water from seeping into the roof and causing damage to the underlying structure.
Pitch – Also referred to as slope, a metal roof pitch refers to how “steep” a roof is by measuring “rise” over “run.”
Pitch Change/Transition – Pitch change trim is a type of metal panel trim used where the angle or pitch of the roof changes abruptly, such as at a roof valley or where a dormer meets the main roof. It is installed to provide a transition between two different roof pitches, allowing for a smooth and professional-looking installation. Pitch change trim typically has a V-shaped profile that matches the angle of the roof and is designed to cover the joint between the two sections of the roof. Pitch change trim helps to prevent water from seeping into the roof and causing damage to the underlying structure.
Ridge Cap – A ridge cap is a type of metal panel trim used to cover the ridge or the highest point where two sloping roof planes meet. It is typically installed at the peak of the roof and overlaps with the roofing panels on either side to create a watertight seal. The ridge cap is designed to direct water away from the roof and prevent it from seeping into the building’s structure.
Z-Trim – Z-trim provides a finished and streamlined appearance at the ends of metal panels. It is typically used as an alternative to J-trim. Z-trim is called so because of its Z-shaped profile, which allows it to be used in a variety of applications, such as at the end of gable roofs or the edges of walls. Z-trim can be installed using various fastening methods, such as screws or clips, and can be cut to fit specific dimensions.
When you have a metal roofing project in mind, call Upstate Metal Supply to discuss your panel and trim needs. Whether it’s a small residential project or a large commercial roof, our team provides you with expert advice, so you get the best metal materials for the job. If you have questions or would like a free consultation, send us a message or call us at 1-800-455-5914.