Components of a Roof Series – Panel Edge Clips - Part 5

In previous blog topics, I identified what a sheathing or roof deck is, and different materials that may be used.  The last topic on sheathing and roof decks components related to Panel Edge Clips; these are also commonly called H-clips and Panel Sheathing Clips depending on how each specific manufacturer markets them.  

Panel Edge Clips are installed on panel edges (either OSB or plywood) at the half-way point between the rafters.  This clips adjacent panels together and allows for load distribution between panels.  This provides a lot of stiffness at what would otherwise be an unsupported edge.  In a previous blog on sheathing or roof deck, I identified that both plywood and OSB panels need to be installed with a gap; the Panel Edge Clips provide a uniform gap.

From a roofing contractor perspective, I really like Panel Edge Clips because the stiffness allows the sheathing or roof deck to remain flat, especially at the panel transitions.  As asphalt roof shingles telegraph imperfections in the sheathing or roof deck, eliminating imperfections is critical.  

Unfortunately, if your house was not built using Panel Edge Clips they cannot be retrofitted even with a full tear-off of all roofing materials; they can only be installed as the sheathing or roof deck is installed.  If I am replacing sheathing or roof deck over a large part of your roof (perhaps as you recover from storm damage), At Williams Roofing & Construction, I always recommend Panel Edge Clips as I find that one or two boxes are all that is needed and the benefits clearly outweigh the minor cost increase in terms of both performance and appearance of the finished product.  If I am replacing only a handful of damaged panels, the retrofit opportunity to use Panel Edge Clips really doesn’t present itself.

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