Abstract: A method for joining edges and/or surfaces of a profile in a profiling installation for longitudinally forming a virtually endless material strip into an at least partially closed profile shape. The material strip or profile is formed roll forming tools into a profile which is closed or partially closed, and is fixed in a joining zone, with a longitudinally running joining seam being formed. The profile passes in the joining zone through a joining roller arrangement and/or planar joining arrangement to feed the profile to a joining point and to stabilize the profile there, and/or to ensure that it is dimensionally stable during and after joining. Forces or magnitudes of force components which act on the profile from at least one of the joining rollers and/or a subsection of the planar joining arrangement are detected in the joining zone. A planar joining arrangement and a profiling installation are also provided.