ᐅ Aluminum U-Profile Flat Roof Removal Without Damage?

Hello House Building Forum Community,

I live in a bungalow with a typical flat roof. The top part of the wall at the flat roof is covered with an aluminum U-profile. I would like to take a look underneath the profile and, if possible, install cables and pipes for an air conditioning system there.

Do you have any ideas on how I can remove the profile without damaging it?

Photos for reference are attached. It seems to be fixed to a wooden structure.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Best regards,
Alex

Good question. Since it’s an older roof, it could be a hook-on installation. I don’t have another picture handy right now to show you the setup:

This method allows the aluminum rail to expand freely. You can find various videos online about this.
Maybe you can feel at the vertical end whether and how the rail is hooked on.

Alternatively, it might be glued (with Enkolit or a similar adhesive), in which case it won’t be possible to remove it without damage.

Thank you for your input. I will read up on the topic as you suggested and report back.

Wishing you a good start to the week!

Your blurry photo doesn’t clearly show the details.

It might be something similar to a roofer’s edge profile, like those Google shows. If so, you can remove the clamping rails using a slotted screwdriver.

The first rails can be a bit difficult to remove, but it gets easier toward the end. A small spatula and a pry bar, used carefully, will help you.

Maybe the clamping rails weren’t installed at all.

Another possibility is that it was hooked in at the bottom first, then pulled upward toward the roof surface. It locks in at the top. To dismantle, reverse these steps.