A New Roof is incomplete without trim

• What it is: The external angle formed where two roof slopes meet.

• Purpose: A hip cap or hip flashing covers this seam, protecting it from water intrusion.

• Where you see it: On roofs with a hip design (sloping on all four sides), the hips run from the ridge down to the eaves.

 • What it is: The internal angle where two roof planes meet.

• Purpose: Valley trim directs rainwater and melting snow off the roof.

• How it’s finished: A valley flashing (often W- or V-shaped metal) is installed underneath to ensure water flows properly and doesn’t leak through.

 • What it is: The piece that runs along the peak (ridge) of the roof.

• Purpose: Seals the top seam where two sides of the roof meet.

• Bonus feature: On vented systems, ridge caps may also include venting using Z or H metal to allow hot air to escape the attic.

 • What it is: A narrow strip of metal installed along the roof edges (eaves and rakes).

• Purpose: Directs water away from the fascia and prevents it from seeping under the roofing material.

• Why it matters: It protects both the roof deck and siding from water damage and helps guide runoff into gutters.

 • What it is: The underside of the eaves (the part you see when looking up from the ground).

• Purpose: Typically vented, soffit allows air to circulate into the attic, reducing moisture and regulating temperature.

• Material: Often made from aluminum, vinyl, or perforated metal panels in roofing systems.

 • What it is: The vertical finishing edge that runs along the roofline where the roof meets the outer walls.

• Purpose: Supports the lower edge of the roof and gutters.

• Looks & protection: Gives a clean edge and protects the wood beneath from weather.

• What it is: Thin metal pieces installed around roof penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights) and transitions (walls, dormers).

• Purpose: Seals these vulnerable areas to prevent leaks.

• Common types: Step flashing, counter flashing, and base flashing.

• What it is: Metal trim installed along the sloped edges (rakes) of a gable roof.
   
• Purpose: Protects the roof edge from wind and water while giving a finished look.
   
• Common types: Standard rake, gable trim, or custom profiles depending on roof pitch.

• What it is: Shaped steel profiles used in various parts of metal roofing systems for joining, transitioning, and finishing.
   
• Purpose:
   
  • H Metal: Connects two metal panels end-to-end and is also used to mount flashing or trim for siding.
     
  • Z Metal: Installed beneath panels or between layers, especially at ridge caps and hips, to provide water shedding and structural separation.
     
  • J Metal (J Channel): Provides a clean edge and support for soffit panels or siding terminations.
     
• Common usage: Ridge caps, hips, siding flashings, soffit terminations, and panel transitions.

• What it is: Trim installed at the base of a wall or panel system.
   
• Purpose: Directs water away from the structure and protects the bottom edge of panels.
   
• Common types: Base trim, starter strip, or drip edge.

• What it is: A cap or cover installed on top of parapet walls or roof edges.
   
• Purpose: Prevents water infiltration into the wall system and protects from weathering.
   
• Common types: Snap-on coping, metal cap flashing, and custom-fabricated coping.

• What it is: A metal trim used on roofing systems to connect or transition between different roof planes or between roof and vertical surfaces (e.g., wall transitions, slope changes).
   
• Purpose: Provides a watertight and visually clean connection where roofing surfaces meet dissimilar materials or angles.
   
• Common types: Custom-fabricated transition trims depending on the slope and material interface.