Standing seam metal roofs are gaining popularity owing to their durability and impressive looks. This type of roofing incorporates features such as concealed fasteners and highly durable materials that can stand the test of time.
Its panels consist of male and female legs that join at the seams. These are attached to the deck using a clip or fastener flange. One advantage of this type of roofing is the variety of choices and options for consumers. There is a lot to choose from, including the length and width of panels, shape, thickness, and type of materials.
What is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?
A standing seam metal roof is one of the several types of metal roofing available today. It consists of a series of seamed metal panels (usually 12 to 18 inches in width) that you attach to the deck using concealed fasteners. They are often made from galvanized and galvalume steel and feature vertical ribs (legs) that rise above the flat area.
Exposed Versus Concealed Fasteners
Other than the color, how the panels join together also matters. Roof panels are seamed together using concealed or exposed fasteners. Both styles have their advantages and disadvantages.
The following table highlights the main differences between exposed and concealed fasteners.
Factors | Exposed Fastener | Concealed Fastener |
|---|---|---|
Exposure | Exposed fasteners are visible to the naked eye | Fasteners are not exposed to the environment |
Maintenance | Requires regular maintenance | Maintenance is less frequent |
Cost | Costs relatively less | Costs more due to specialized skills and longer installation time |
Appearance | Not visually appealing | Offers a smooth appearance |
Installation | Easier and cheaper to install | More expensive and more difficult to install |
Standing Seam vs Screw Down Panels
The main difference between these two types of roofing systems is the installation. Standing seam panels are joined together at the seams, while screw-down panels are fastened down on the roof using screws that go through the face of the metal. However, the two roofing systems differ in other aspects as well.
The following table elucidates these differences.
Factors | Standing Seam | Screw Down Panels |
|---|---|---|
Expansion | Allows the panels to expand and contract | Does not allow room for expansion and contraction |
Maintenance | Less maintenance is required | Requires regular maintenance due to leaks |
Oil Canning | The ribs make it difficult to oil can | Lack of room for thermal movement leads to oil cans |
Cost | Thick gauge and specialized labor lead to high installation costs | Installation is cheaper |
Durability | Lasts longer due to concealed fasteners and thick gauge | Will not last as long |
Benefits of Installing a Standing Seam Metal Roof
Standing seam metal roofs have several advantages compared to other roofing styles. They include:
Concealed Fasteners
The most obvious advantage of a standing seam metal roof is the concealed fasteners. Covering the screws protects them from the elements such as moisture, wind, and UV. It is through exposure to these and other elements that fasteners wear and fail over time.
Also, some people may feel that fasteners negatively impact the aesthetic appeal of the roof. Therefore, they would prefer a system that keeps them out of sight.
Allows for Expansion and Contraction
The metal expands when hot and contracts when cold. As such, it should have enough room to move either way. The fasteners risk coming loose under pressure otherwise. Furthermore, panels with no room for thermal movement are prone to increased noise and oil canning.
Generally, standing seam metal roofs are not pinned. That means they can expand and contract with ease.
One of the Most Durability Roofing Options
When compared with other roofing systems, a standing seam metal roof is arguably one of the most durable options available. Since the fasteners don't go through the panels, there is no risk of them becoming loose or damaged. Therefore, maintenance need not be on a regular basis.
With that said, standing seam metal roofs still need maintenance. However, you would need to call a professional maintenance contractor owing to the high level of expertise required.
Has a Modern, Sleek Look
Durability has certainly contributed to the popularity of this roofing system.
But consumers also love its modern and chic look and the wide variety of color options. It is no wonder they are a popular choice in architectural applications. The fact that they are fit for use in buildings with complicated roof designs also helps.
Reduces Energy Use
Standing seam metal roofs often incorporate cool roofing technology. Some have highly reflective pigments on the surface that help in reflecting sunlight and highly emissive metals that dispel heat instead of absorbing it. Cool roofing reduces the amount of energy and money that would have been spent on cooling.
Mounting Platform
A standing seam metal roof enables you to mount items such as swamp coolers and solar panels onto the roof. You don't even need to make holes on the surface of the panels.
Disadvantages of a Standing Seam Metal Roof
Installing a standing seam metal roof is not always the best option. The roofing system also has its disadvantages. The following are some of them:
More Expensive Than Other Roofings
Installing a standing seam metal roof is more expensive compared to other roofing styles with exposed fasteners. But it is not as expensive as other methods such as metal shingles.
Lack of Qualified Contractors
Installing a standing seam metal roof requires specialized skills. Therefore, it is essential to find a skilled contractor with adequate experience. However, many contractors would consider the process too complicated and labor-intensive. As a result, you would be hard-pressed to find a contractor with the relevant experience.
Not Suitable for Flat Roofing
You should not install a standing seam metal roof on a roof with a 5/12 pitch and below. Such a flat pitch would make it harder to drain water leading to premature degradation, color fading, and eventual failure.
Difficult to Repair or Replace
If damage occurs on one section of the roof, the repair process can be tedious. This is because you need to separate the damaged panels from the rest. In cases where the panels are mechanically seamed, separating the panels is even harder.
How Long Does a Standing Metal Roof Last?
A standing seam metal roof is one of the most durable roofing systems. As long as you follow the correct installation process and the ventilation in your attic is up to par, the roof should serve you for at least 30 years.
In ideal situations, the standing seam metal roof can give you 50+ years of service. Of course, that will depend on the weather, paint finishes on the panels, and the level of maintenance.
When the surface of the panel is scratched or damaged, it exposes the metal to the elements. That's why a painted finish is essential. It helps keep the elements at bay and retains the original color of your roof for longer.
However, the type of weather can still have an impact on the longevity of your roof over time. If you live in an area experiencing extreme weather conditions, your panels will wear and tear faster. For instance, the integrity and finish of your roof will weaken quicker if you live in an area that receives a lot of snow and hail.
Maintaining your roof is still important, no matter the type of roof you have. A standing seam metal roof may not need as much maintenance as other roofing options, but annual maintenance can help deal with problems at the penetrations.
Types of Standing Seam Metal Roof
The roofs come in varying designs, each with its share of pros and cons. Here are some tips on choosing the most suitable standing seam metal roof type for your needs. Generally, you can group standing seam roofs into three categories.
Snap-Lock
Snap-lock systems have male and female legs that join by snapping together. The design eliminates the need for any hand or mechanical seaming.
Mechanical Lock
Conversely, mechanical lock panels need to be seamed by hand or using a mechanical seamer. The edges of the interlocking panels are roll-formed beforehand and bent during installation.
Batten Panel
With batten panels, the adjoining panels are placed between a raised batten clip that is drilled into the underlying surface. It is later covered with a metal cap.
Popular Materials, Colors and Styles 2021
Over the recent past, we have seen an emergence of a variety of styles and colors as far as standing seam metal roofs are concerned. However, steel is still the most common metal roofing material. Galvanized steel will hold up well over time, but Galvalume is the better in quality.
Aluminum is still a popular option, especially in coastal environments, since it is the most compatible choice for marine environments. Copper and zinc are great but aren’t as popular owing to their premium cost.
Some of the most popular color options in 2021 include:
Matte Black
The style has been around for many years, but it has gained more popularity in recent years because of its warm, welcoming look and ability to fit in with a variety of styles.
Natural Metals
Colors that mimic the natural look of metal are not new, but the trend has been on the rise in 2021. Some of the popular options include gold and brass, bronze, silver and nickel, copper, zinc, and blackened steel.
Earthy Greens
Earthy greens are also in high demand this year. This time the attention-grabbing options like bright green take a back seat to give way to softer, richer alternatives. These include moss, olive, forest green, sage, and hunter green.
Other notable color options that are still popular in 2021 include the grays, metallic, whites, and bold colors.
Who is This Roof Best for?
Standing seam metal roofs are one of the most preferred roofing options for architectural and commercial projects. Moreover,
Who is This Roof Best for?
Standing seam metal roofs are one of the most preferred roofing options for architectural and commercial projects. Moreover, they can be the perfect choice for homeowners who love the sleek, modern look and those looking for a durable product.
Their versatile nature makes them effective for roofs with complicated designs. Also, they incorporate cool roofing technology, making them energy efficient in hot as well as cold environments.
If you want to mount items such as solar panels on your roof, a standing seam metal roof will work best. This is because you can mount without making holes through the surface.
Their versatile nature makes them effective for roofs with complicated designs. Also, they incorporate cool roofing technology, making them energy efficient in hot as well as cold environments.
If you want to mount items such as solar panels on your roof, a standing seam metal roof will work best. This is because you can mount without making holes through the surface.
DIY Versus Hiring Roofers
Installing a standing seam metal roof is not a straightforward process. It involves a lot of tedious work and requires specialized skills and experience. To get the best results, it is advisable to seek the services of highly trained roofing contractors to handle the task on your behalf.
If you are a regular DIYer with a proven track record, however, consider looking up tips for installing a standing seam metal roof.
Final Thoughts
A Standing seam metal roof is one of the most durable roofing options for both residential and commercial use. It is also popular because of its modern and sleek looks.
However, this roofing system is one of the most expensive options to install. For one, the materials are quite expensive. Secondly, the installation process requires specialized skills that only a few contractors possess.
Nevertheless, a standing seam metal roof is worth the cost. Still, you have to consider a variety of factors before installation, including budget constraints, size, thickness of materials, and the type of coating or finish.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions from consumers.
Q: Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof Worth it?
A: This type of roof is expensive to install. The panels will cost more than your conventional roofing materials, and the cost of specialized labor leads to added costs. However, the advantages of installing a standing seam metal roof make the investment worth the cost.
Q: Will a Standing Seam Metal Roof Last?
A: Many roofing systems claim to be durable, but not all live up to expectations. The same cannot be said of standing seam metal roofs. As long as it is installed correctly, the roof will last for more than 50 years.
Q: Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof Suitable for Residential Projects?
A: Due to the high cost of buying and installing this type of roof, some homeowners may be discouraged. However, this roofing system is also appropriate for residential buildings. It does not require regular maintenance and may lead to lower cooling costs.