If you’re considering a metal roof for your home, you’re going to need to consider a few things. One of which is whether or not to go with standing seam metal roofing. Read on to understand what standing seam metal roofing is, and what it’s advantages and disadvantages are.
So, what is standing seam metal roofing anyway, and is it the better choice? First, it’s a type of metal roofing system that features vertical seams (called ‘legs’) and a broad, flat area between the two legs. It’s known for its these legs that rise above the level of the panel’s flat area. It’s better than traditional metal roofing for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the fastener heads used in standing seam systems are hidden, whether the panel is attached to the roof deck using a clip, or is directly fastened to the deck under the vertical leg utilizing a fastener flange. In general, standing seam roofing is considered a much better quality system, and often used on architectural and commercial buildings.
One big advantage of standing seam metal roofing is that no fasteners are visible on the metal panel. This means that they aren’t exposed to UV, moisture, wind, and other elements that can cause a fastener to wear or stop working over time. Also, standing seam systems don’t put holes in the panels that are protecting your structure. This is a really big deal, as holes in the panels can cause water leaks, not to mention hot and cold air leaks, which can have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of your home. Also, many people see fastener heads as unsightly, which is why it’s common to use a standing seam system to hide them.
The allowance of thermal movement is another key advantage of standing seam metal roofing. This is necessary, because when proper thermal movement is restricted, big problems can happen. This can include oil canning, fastener withdrawal, and a higher level of noise, among other issues. Most types of standing seam metal roofs use panels that aren’t double pinned. This lets them expand and contract more easily. This is especially true if it’s a snap-lock system, as the metal can freely move with a clip, or if slider or expansion clips are installed.
Standing seam metal roofing panels last significantly longer and require less maintenance, especially when compared to other roofing types, such as asphalt shingles or concrete tiles. Since fasteners don’t penetrate the surface of the standing seam panels, regular maintenance to check for withdrawing, loose, or damaged fasteners is even less frequent. Standing seam metal roof systems typically offer a PVDF paint system, which will increase the lifespan and improve the appearance of your roof.
If the standing seam metal roof system is engineered, it’s tested to meet high industry standards. These are set by industry leaders such as ASTM, UL, and FM Approvals. Recently, engineered construction materials are becoming more popular. This is especially true with commercial structures, particularly in areas with high winds and hurricanes. If a standing seam metal roofing system is engineered, it will likely adhere to certain standards, including those for air leakage, wind uplift, water penetration, fire resistance, and impact resistance.
Standing seam metal roofing does have its disadvantages, however. It’s generally more expensive than other types of metal roofing, in particular those systems with exposed fasteners. It’s not always the most expensive, however—some stamped materials such as metal shingles are generally costlier, even though they’re made from thinner substrates.
Another disadvantage of standing seam metal roofing is that it takes a lot of work to install. Installing an exposed fastener systems is a comparatively easier job. Standing seam metal roofing installation is very complex and requires a high level of skill and expertise to install correctly.