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Are Foam Closure Strips Necessary?

There are several important components of any metal roof, including some that involve important themes like insulation and weatherproofing. Foam closure strips are a common topic here - what are foam closure strips, and are foam closure strips necessary for your metal roof?

At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're proud to offer a wide range of foam closure strips for metal roofing, including both inside and outside foam closure strips for any roof setup you're installing or maintaining. Generally speaking, the answer to this question is yes - foam closure strips tend to be necessary and vital for metal roofs. Here are some basics on what foam closures are and why this is the case.

What Are Foam Closure Strips?

For those just learning about them, foam closure strips are small pieces of foam material that are designed to fit between the ridges or seams on a metal roof. They're inserted into these areas in order to provide both insulation and weatherproofing benefits - they fill in any gaps or spaces that might exist between the panels, preventing moisture or other elements from seeping through.

These strips tend to be about an inch or so thick, and typically come in rolls or strips that can be easily cut to fit any metal roof size or panel shape. They're made from a variety of materials, including neoprene and polyethylene foam.

Why Are Foam Closure Strips Important?

In many cases, metal roofs are installed with some degree of slope - this is done for both aesthetic and practical reasons. However, this sloped design can create gaps between the panels, which are typically not completely flush with each other due to their shape. These gaps may be small, but they can still allow for air and moisture to seep through, compromising the integrity of the roof.

This is where foam closure strips come in - as mentioned above, they fill in these gaps to provide a tight seal that prevents any water or air from getting through. This is crucial for preventing leaks and damage to the interior of the building.

Additionally, foam closure strips also provide an added layer of insulation for the roof. Metal roofs are known for their reflective properties, which can help keep a building cool in hot climates. However, without proper insulation, they can also contribute to heat loss in colder climates. Foam closure strips help with this by providing an extra layer of insulation to keep the building's temperature consistent.

How Foam Closure Strips Are Installed on Metal Roofs

While this process will vary somewhat for each individual metal roof, here are some general steps for installing foam closure strips:

  1. Measure the gap between panels: Using a tape measure, determine the length and width of the gaps between your metal roof panels.
  2. Cut strips to size: Using scissors or a utility knife, cut your foam closure strips to fit the measured gaps.
  3. Insert strips: Starting at one end of the roof, carefully insert the strips into the gaps between panels. Be sure to press them in firmly to create a tight seal.
  4. Secure with adhesive: If desired or recommended by the manufacturer, you can also use an adhesive to secure the foam closure strips in place.
  5. Repeat for all gaps: Continue this process until all gaps on your metal roof are filled with foam closure strips.

Basic Foam Closure Strip Maintenance

What about after foam closure strips have been installed - is there any maintenance required? Generally speaking, foam closure strips are low-maintenance components of a metal roof. But it's still important to keep an eye on them and make sure they're not showing signs of wear or damage.

Regularly inspect your roof for any signs of gaps or damage to the foam closure strips. If you notice any issues, it's important to replace the strips as soon as possible to maintain the integrity of your roof.

In addition, if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions or frequent temperature changes, it may be beneficial to check and replace foam closure strips more frequently.

Foam closure strips are a crucial component for metal roofs. They provide both insulation and weatherproofing benefits that help maintain the integrity and efficiency of a roof. If you're installing or maintaining a metal roof, be sure to include foam closure strips in your plans for optimal performance and longevity. 

It's important to choose high-quality foam closure strips from a reliable supplier like Supply Maverick to ensure the best results for your metal roof. Contact us today for more information or to place an order!

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