The Importance of Edge Metal

By Anna Lockhart.  

Edge metal solutions are a key factor in protecting roofs from significant wind damage.  

In the most recent episode of the MetalCast podcast, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Brad Van Dam, vice president of sales for MTL Holdings, to discuss the work they are doing with Metal-Era. MTL Holdings is the parent company of Metal-Era, Hickman Edge Systems and Citadel Architectural Products. In this episode, they discussed the successful product line and work of Metal-Era and the company’s impact on the roofing industry.  

In 1989, Gene Mallinger purchased the Metal-Era company with his sons, and since then, it has become the largest North American metal edge systems manufacturer and distributor. Metal-Era has created a vast portfolio of roofing and building products designed to meet a range of contractors' needs. In particular, they discussed the value and usefulness of Metal-Era's pre-engineered edge metal solutions.  

In areas that get a lot of severe weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes and high windstorms, the edge perimeter where a roof and wall meet gets a lot of damage over time. It’s important to protect that area as it can take a lot of wind damage. Properly protecting the roof edge area can be tricky, and creating a reliable solution has been the goal in creating edge metal solutions.  

Brad explains the goal of creating these engineered edge systems, “What we've tried to do is simplify [protecting the roof edge] for a specifier or a contractor who is primarily a specifier in many cases by giving them an engineered system that they know is going to meet a certain pressure of pull off or comply with an insurance company request or requirement to use that type of product.” He continues, “And so, if we know that you're in an area that gets 90 mile an hour winds, 120 mile an hour winds, whatever that may be in your code requirement, you can now actually specify a part that will work to meet that need or resist those winds in a high wind event and perhaps keep your roof on longer.”  

Designed for easy installation and carrying strong warranties, the Metal-Era metal edge systems are a great solution for protecting vulnerable roof edges. Tested to meet the toughest of standards such as the ANSI, SPRI, FM 4435 and ES-1, FM Approvals, Metal-Era is the brand to rely on for providing a quality solution.  

Listen to the full podcast to learn more about MTL Holdings, Metal-Era and their dedication to providing reliable solutions across the industry through advanced engineering and automation processes.