Zee Strip Retrofit

A notched zee sub-purlin for metal-over-metal reroofs, with competitive delivered pricing

Does your reroof call for a notched zee-strip sub-purlin? The TopHat Zee Strip is factory-notched to seat over the ribs of the existing roof panel, the same approach as Roof Hugger™, and adds a patented anti-rotation arm option (US Patent 10,030,392). Made in the USA and shipped to jobsites nationwide.

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What the Zee Strip is

The Zee Strip is a Z-shaped sub-purlin for a metal roof retrofit. Notches are cut at the factory to match the existing roof panel, so the strip sits down over the old panel ribs and bears on the roof between them. It is fastened through the old roof into the existing purlins, and the new roof panels attach to the top flange.

TopHat Zee Strip notched retrofit sub-purlin

Key details

Fit	Factory-notched to the existing panel profile; made to fit many common profiles. Tell us the existing panel when you order.
Profiles	Three standard punch-out profiles: R-Panel: 2" standard (a popular size) 2" vertical-leg standing seam: 2-1/2" standard Trapezoidal rib: 3-1/2" standard Each can be made taller, up to 6", to make room for more insulation. Above 6" usually needs bracing or strapping, confirmed by a PE for the job.
Gauge	16 ga (most requested) or 14 ga.
Patent	Anti-rotation arm option, US Patent 10,030,392.
Joints	Lengths butt or can be lapped.
Price	Competitive delivered pricing. Contractors who compare are often surprised by the difference, so send us the job for a quote.
Origin	Made in the USA: manufactured in Pennsylvania from domestically produced steel. Mill certificates on request.
Lead time	Popular sections ship from inventory; others typically in about three weeks.
Delivery	Delivered pricing anywhere in the US; international shipping quoted on request.
Engineering	Project-specific engineering available. Always consult a professional engineer licensed in the project's state.

When the spec names Roof Hugger

The Zee Strip has been approved as an equal on a public reroof bid: a 2024 State of Iowa project listed "Top Hat Zee-Strip is approved" under Section 13 34 21. See how "or equal" substitutions work.

Zee Strip or TopHat Subframe?

For a straightforward reroof, the Zee Strip is usually the economical choice. If the roof also has to carry new load, such as solar, sprinklers or higher design loads, the TopHat Subframe also strengthens the existing purlins (how). Not sure? Send us the project and we will recommend one. See also the metal-over-metal reroofing guide.

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Roof Hugger is a registered trademark of its owner; TopHat Framing Systems is not affiliated with Roof Hugger, LLC.