Overview

Valley metal is one of the most important water management components on a shingle roof. Valleys — where two roof planes meet — concentrate water flow and are among the most common locations for leaks when they are not properly protected. At Trust Roofing, valley metal is installed to create a durable, visible channel that directs water cleanly off the roof without allowing it to back up under the shingles.

Our Field Standards

Valley metal installation follows specific Trust Roofing field standards.

Field standards include:
* Valley metal is installed over the valley underlayment before any shingles are applied
* Metal is cut cleanly with aviation snips — no rough or ragged edges
* Valley metal runs continuously from eave to ridge without gaps where possible
* Where joints are required, upper pieces overlap lower pieces by a minimum of 6 inches
* Fastening is along the outer edge only — never through the center of the valley
* Valley metal is set to the correct profile to allow water to drain without backing up

Our Process

Preparing the Valley

Before valley metal is installed:
* Confirm peel-and-stick membrane or valley underlayment is already in place
* Snap a chalk line along the center of the valley as a reference point

Cutting and Fitting Valley Metal

* Measure the full valley length from eave to ridge
* Cut the valley metal to length with aviation snips — square cuts at both ends
* Test fit the piece in the valley before fastening
* For long valleys, plan the overlap location of the upper piece

Installing Valley Metal

1. Set the lower piece first, starting at the eave
2. Position so the center of the metal aligns with the valley center line
3. Fasten with roofing nails along the outer edge flanges only — approximately 12 inches on center
4. Never fasten through the center of the valley — this creates a leak point
5. Install upper pieces overlapping lower pieces by at least 6 inches
6. Apply a small bead of roofing cement under the overlap joint

Completing the Installation

* Confirm the valley metal lies flat with no buckling or high spots
* Check that water will run toward the center and away from the shingle edges
* Photograph the completed valley metal before shingles are applied

Roofing Terms

Valley Metal

A pre-formed aluminum or galvanized steel strip installed in the valley of a roof to create a durable, open water channel between converging roof planes, required by Florida building code as valley protection before shingles are installed.

Open Valley

A valley installation method where the metal flashing remains exposed through the shingles, creating a visible water channel, commonly used in Florida for its superior drainage capacity in heavy rainfall conditions.

Aviation Snips

Hand cutting tools designed specifically for sheet metal, used to cut valley metal, drip edge, and custom flashing components cleanly and accurately on a roofing job site.

Florida Valley Protection Requirement

Florida building code requires that all valleys on a shingle roof receive approved valley protection, either peel-and-stick membrane or valley metal, before field shingles are installed.

Roofing Cement

An asphalt-based sealant used to bond and seal roofing components, applied at valley metal joints, under flashing edges, and at penetrations to create a watertight connection.

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