Metal roof clips are some of the most important components of your roofing system – but they’re also one of the most overlooked. Choosing the right kind of metal roof clip is essential towards ensuring that you get the most out of metal roof.

In the next few months, we’re going to be discussing the different kinds of metal roof clips on the market – what they do and why they’re useful. This month, we’ll be starting off with expansion and contraction clips. Let’s jump right in!

What is it?

Expansion and contraction clips are fastened to the deck of a home and has a moveable, sliding piece that attaches to a metal roof panel before seaming occurs. This is important because it allows thermal movement – which all metal roofing systems need. They also have a secondary identification – and you’ll find that some pros refer to them as ‘butterfly clips.’

When do you use it?

Expansion and contraction clips are used in roofing systems that have some sort of mechanical seaming. Every metal roofing system gets warm and cold and with that ongoing cooling and heating – comes expansion and contraction – just like anything else in your home. Long story, short – your panels wouldn’t be able to expand and contract without these clips and it could cause rupturing in the seaming as well as warping and other defects.

What should you consider?

While expansion and contraction clips are incredible assets to have and in some cases – required assets; the truth is they’re on the more expensive end of the cost spectrum for metal roof clips. This is particularly true when compared to fixed clips. In addition – these clips aren’t always assembled when they’re purchased – so every piece has to be put together by hand. This can add to labor costs and must be considered. However – the flexibility – literally and figuratively that the clips afford homeowners – is certainly worth the additional expense if said home owner can afford it.

In the coming months we’ll be covering a variety of metal roof clips – including Fixed Clips, Floating clips, Batten Clips and the like. If you’re unsure of which clip to use for your next big roofing project, give our team a call and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck!