Edge Protection Experts

Edge Metal Failure

Professional edge metal repair and perimeter protection to secure your commercial roof and prevent water infiltration.

What Is Edge Metal?

Edge metal (also called perimeter metal or coping) is the metal flashing installed along the edges of a commercial roof. It serves critical functions: securing the roof membrane at the perimeter, providing a clean finished appearance, and preventing wind uplift that can tear off the entire roof system.

Edge metal failure is one of the most dangerous roof problems because it can lead to complete roof blow-off during high winds. Even minor failures allow water penetration at the roof's most vulnerable point—the edge.

Common Causes of Failure

  • • Wind damage from severe storms
  • • Corrosion and rust deterioration
  • • Improper initial installation
  • • Thermal expansion and contraction
  • • Age-related wear and fatigue
  • • Missing or loose fasteners

Warning Signs

  • • Loose or missing edge metal
  • • Visible rust and corrosion
  • • Bent or warped metal
  • • Gaps at corners and joints
  • • Water stains along perimeter
  • • Membrane peeling at edges

Types of Edge Metal & Common Issues

Different edge metal styles have unique vulnerability points

Gravel Stop

Common on built-up roofs. Holds gravel in place while providing a secure edge. Can rust, become loose, or separate from the roof deck over time.

Drip Edge

Installed along roof edges to direct water into gutters. Can bend from ice dams, corrode in coastal areas, or separate from fascia boards.

Coping Cap

Metal cap on top of parapet walls. Prone to wind uplift at corners and joints. Fasteners can work loose, allowing the coping to blow off.

Counterflashing

Metal flashing that covers the joint between roof and wall. Can rust, separate from the wall, or have failing joints that allow water behind.

Our Edge Metal Repair Solutions

1

Comprehensive Edge Inspection

We inspect all perimeter edges, coping, and flashing to identify failed sections, loose fasteners, corrosion, and any areas at risk of wind uplift.

2

Edge Metal Replacement

We replace damaged or deteriorated edge metal with new, properly sized materials. We use corrosion-resistant metals appropriate for your building.

3

Secure Fastening & Reinforcement

We ensure all edge metal is properly fastened with appropriate fasteners, including reinforcement at corners and joints where wind stress is highest.

4

Membrane Edge Securement

We properly terminate the roof membrane at the edge to prevent wind uplift and water infiltration at the most vulnerable point of your roof.

Don't Wait—Edge Metal Failure Is Dangerous

Damaged edge metal can lead to catastrophic roof failure during storms. Get your perimeter inspected today and protect your building.