We often visualize the external materials, colors, and designs when considering a sturdy roof. However, beneath those metal sheets lies a pivotal component in the roof’s longevity and efficiency: the furring strips on roof.
Though hidden from view, these strips ensure our roofs remain durable, insulated, and resistant to the outer elements. As homeowners, it’s essential to recognize and understand the significance of these furring strips.
What Purpose Do Metal Roof Furring Strips Serve in Roofing?
Furring strips, often made of wood or metal, are strategically placed beneath metal roofing panels. Their primary functions include:
● Foundational Support Structure
At their core, these strips serve as a foundational support structure. They provide a stable base for the metal panels, ensuring they remain firmly in place, especially during extreme weather conditions.
● Insulation Enhancement
They act as a barrier, reducing heat transfer between the metal roof and the underlying roof deck. It can significantly boost your home’s energy efficiency, especially in regions with extreme temperatures.
● Ventilation Improvement
Proper airflow is essential to prevent moisture accumulation beneath the metal sheets. Accumulated moisture can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and a reduction in the roof’s lifespan.
By promoting better ventilation, furring strips help minimize these risks, ensuring the space beneath the metal remains dry and free from potential damage.
● Noise Reduction
Noise reduction is an added advantage. Metal roofs, especially during rain, can amplify sounds, creating a noisy indoor environment. Furring strips help dampen this noise, offering homeowners a quieter and more peaceful living space.
● Leveling Uneven Surfaces
Lastly, furring strips can level out the surface for homes with older roofing systems or those that have experienced minor damage. It ensures that the metal roof is installed on a flat and even base, which is crucial for its longevity and performance.
Why Are Furring Strips Beneath Metal Roofs?
The placement of furring strips beneath metal roofs is not just a customary practice but a necessity for several reasons:
Read also: Standing Seam and Corrugated Metal Roof
● Durability
As robust as it is, metal can be susceptible to buckling under extreme temperatures. Furring strips provide the necessary foundational support, ensuring the roof remains intact during temperature fluctuations, from scorching summers to freezing winters.
● Protection Against Leaks
Without these strips, metal roofs are more vulnerable to developing leaks. This vulnerability can be attributed to the metal’s tendency to expand and contract with temperature changes. Furring strips act as a buffer, reducing this risk significantly.
● Condensation Prevention
Without proper spacing provided by furring strips, there’s a heightened risk of condensation buildup. This moisture accumulation can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and a compromised roofing system.
● Enhanced Roof Lifespan
A well-installed metal roof with the support of furring strips can protect homes against storms and adverse weather, extending the roof’s lifespan.
What Determines the Gap Between Furring Strips on a Metal Roof?
The spacing between furring strips is pivotal for the roof’s overall performance. Several factors influence this spacing:
● Roof Type
Different metal roofs have varied requirements. For instance, corrugated metal roofing may need strips spaced up to 24 inches apart while standing seam metal roofing might require closer spacing, around 18 inches apart.
● Roof Slope
The inclination of your roof also dictates the spacing. A low-sloped roof (with a pitch of 2/12 or less) might need strips spaced up to 16 inches apart. In contrast, a steeper slope can accommodate spacings up to 24 inches apart.
● Existing Roofing
If installing over shingles, it’s imperative to use furring strips to prevent moisture issues and ensure the metal panels don’t conform to the shape of the underlying shingles over time.
Metal roof furring strips are integral to the roof’s structure and functionality. Homeowners can enjoy a durable, efficient, and long-lasting roofing system by understanding their role and ensuring proper installation.
