Architectural Sheet Metal in Southern California

This category covers the metal details that finish a roof: flashing at walls and valleys, chimney crickets and pans, parapet coping, gravel stops, scuppers, conductor heads, gutters, downspouts and custom transitions between different roof types. Each piece is measured, bent and fitted to the specific roof.

Stock flashing from a supply house rarely fits well on older homes or commercial buildings with irregular dimensions. Custom fabrication is what makes the details tight and long-lasting.

Most sheet metal problems come from poor installation, not the metal itself. Seams that were not locked correctly, fasteners that missed the substrate, pieces that were too short to allow for thermal movement, and caulking used as a substitute for proper metalwork are all common issues we see on existing roofs.

On flat and low-slope roofs, coping and gravel stops take the most abuse from sun, wind and foot traffic. Once the metal lifts or separates, water gets behind it and into the wall or roof system.

Sheet metal work is essential on every roof type, but it is especially critical on tile roofs, flat roofs and any roof with parapet walls, chimneys, skylights or wall transitions. On tile roofs, the metal flashing at valleys and walls is often the first thing to fail. On flat roofs, coping and scuppers are the weak points.

Commercial buildings with rooftop equipment also need well-built curbs and pipe boots to keep water out where ducts, conduits and vents pass through the roof.

• Valley and wall flashing on steep-slope roofs
• Parapet coping and counterflashing on flat roofs
• Chimney crickets, pans and step flashing
• Scuppers, conductor heads and drainage transitions
• Rooftop equipment curbs and pipe boots

Sheet metal details should be inspected annually, especially before the rainy season. Look for lifted edges, separated seams, missing fasteners, failed sealant and signs of corrosion. Small issues like a loose coping cap or separated flashing can usually be repaired quickly. Ignored, they turn into wall damage, deck rot and interior leaks.