When searching for a new roof for your home in North Carolina, there are numerous options to consider. Even after narrowing down your choices, you will need to decide between a standing seam metal roof and a corrugated metal roof, each with their own range of options to consider.
When beginning the process of purchasing a metal roof, it is important to first select the right metal roofing panel. While there are many options to consider, most homeowners tend to choose from three popular panels: master rib, R Panel/PBR Panel, or standing seam.
In this article, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of standing seam metal roofing, including its various benefits and drawbacks. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about whether this panel is the right choice for your metal roof.
Here are 10 benefits of a standing seam metal roof that can save you time and money:
- Weather-tightness
- Long Lasting and Durable
- Curb Appeal
- Fire Resistance
- Less Maintenance
- Color Choices
- Energy Efficiency
- Increased Home Value
- Suitable For Low Slope Roofs
- Compatible With Solar Panels and Snow Retention Systems
At 50 North Roofing, we frequently receive inquiries about standing seam metal roofing, which is one of our most misunderstood panels. Many of these inquiries revolve around the comparison between standing seam and corrugated metal roofing.
As this is a commonly asked question, it is important to address it. If you are not familiar with these distinctions, we strongly suggest reading thi article.
Corrugated Metal Roofing vs. Standing Seam
Standing Seam Roof Panels Are More Weather-Tight
There are two types of fastening systems that are available when you purchase a metal roof, concealed fastener or exposed fastener. Standing seam panels are considered a concealed fastener metal roofing panel. This is the most weather-tight roofing system. Understanding the differences between these two systems is the first step in deciding which type of metal panel is best for your residential roof.
Concealed Fastener Vs Exposed Fastener Metal Roof
The primary advantage of a standing seam roofing panel is its concealed fastening system. With this type of metal roofing panel, the panels are attached to the substrate using concealed clips and fasteners, meaning that the screws do not penetrate the metal roofing panel.
It’s crucial to understand that a standing seam roof is a better option compared to an exposed fastener metal roof panel because it eliminates the thousands of screw holes that can potentially cause leaks. With a standing seam roof, you won’t have to worry about any of the potential leak points that screws can create.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing Details
The seams on a metal roof are the most vulnerable areas where water can enter. Typically, standing seam panels have a seam that is 1.50” to 2” high. By positioning the seam 2” above the height of the panels, the risk of roof leaks is greatly reduced.
Furthermore, longer sheets can be utilized and panel overlaps can be avoided when using standing seam roofs. These roofs are specifically engineered to accommodate expansion and contraction, allowing for thermal movement as temperatures fluctuate. This means that sheet lengths of over forty feet can be achieved.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing Lifespan
Standing seam metal roofing is commonly known as a “Lifetime Roof” because it is designed to last the lifetime of a house. It’s a long-term investment due to its ability to withstand harsh climates and winds up to 140 mph. Additionally, it will not collapse under its own weight during a snowstorm or torrential rain.
The Curb Appeal Of Residential Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Standing seam metal roofing is known for its sleek and modern design, with concealed fasteners that create a clean and seamless appearance. Many people consider it to be the best-looking metal roofing option available.
Standing Seam Roof Panels Are Fire Resistant
Unfortunately, as global temperatures continue to increase, the frequency of large forest fires is also on the rise each year.
Investing in standing seam metal roofing system is a crucial step in protecting your home from the threat of a wildfire. This type of metal roof serves as a strong defense against the potential devastation of a house fire.
Metal roofing is non-combustible and, when installed properly, standing seam will have a Class A fire rating. This means that it has the highest fire-resistance rating for roofing according to ASTM E-108 and can withstand severe exposure to fire from outside sources.
It is not possible to create a completely fireproof house, but fire rating systems enable builders and architects to select materials that can help minimize the spread of fire. This can provide valuable extra time for firefighters to arrive and extinguish the fire before it causes major damage.
The standing seam metal roofing panels are rated as Class A fire resistant. However, the overall fire rating of the roofing structure may vary depending on the materials used. For instance, if the standing seam roof is installed over existing wood shingles, the fire rating would not be Class A. It is important to use a roofing underlayment that is also Class A fire rated in order to ensure that the entire roofing system meets Class A fire rating specifications.
Furthermore, roofs with a Class A fire rating typically have lower insurance costs. Similar to how brick or stone homes are less expensive to insure than wood homes, metal roofs are also cheaper to insure compared to shingles. By choosing a metal roof, the risk to insure the property is reduced, resulting in cost savings for the customer.
Standing Seam Metal Panels Require Less Roof Maintenance
Concealed fasteners in standing seam metal roofing panels protect them from weather exposure, eliminating the need for washers on screws that can break down and require replacement. This design feature is the primary reason why standing seam metal roofing requires less maintenance compared to other types of metal roofing panels.
With a standing seam roof, you won’t have to worry about expansion and contraction causing issues. This means you won’t have to constantly climb onto your roof to check and tighten the fasteners.
Regular maintenance is necessary for all roofs to ensure their longevity and functionality. It is advised to perform maintenance at least once a year, which can be done by either the property owner, a contractor, or a roof maintenance service. The main purpose of this maintenance is to identify and address any potential issues early on to prevent them from escalating into larger problems.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Color Choices
The colors for standing seam metal roofing are usually offered in a PVDF paint system, which is considered to be the best paint system for use on metal roofing panels. It’s important to choose a high-quality paint system that matches the performance of the roofing panel, especially if you’re investing in a long-lasting and expensive metal roofing system. Standing seam roofs can have a lifespan of 50 years or more, so it’s important to ensure that the paint system is durable and long-lasting.
The PVDF paint system is known for maintaining color vibrancy for longer periods of time compared to SMP paint systems. As a result, many opt for PVDF painted standing seam metal roofs due to the wide range of bright and vibrant color options available. In contrast, SMP paint systems typically offer only 6-12 color options. Some popular metal roof colors and styles include those offered by PVDF paint systems due to their lasting color quality.
Metal Roof Energy Savings
Standing seam panels are commonly referred to as “Cool Metal Roofs” because they are coated with a PVDF paint system containing cool pigments. These pigments help to increase solar reflectance and reduce the surface temperature of the metal roof. By reflecting the sun’s heat and emitting its radiation back into the atmosphere, the cool metal roof prevents heat absorption.
Does A Metal Roof Save Energy?
Cool roofs, such as metal roofs, are known for their energy efficiency. According to the Green Building Alliance, cool roofs can result in energy savings ranging from 7% to 15% of total cooling costs, making them a cost-effective choice for homeowners.
Are Metal Roofs More Energy Efficient Than Shingles?
Installing a “cool roof” can lead to a noticeable decrease in your home’s temperature, especially when compared to traditional dark asphalt shingles. As a result, this can alleviate the workload on your air conditioner and ultimately help you save money on your monthly electric bill.
Metal Roof Vs Shingles Resale Value
Research conducted by Remodeling magazine and published by Angie’s List has found that homes with metal roofs, specifically those renovated with standing seam metal roofing, can recoup 85% to 95% of the costs. This can result in a 1% to 6% increase in resale value compared to homes with asphalt shingle roofs.
When constructing a high-end home in an affluent area, it is important to ensure that the roof complements the overall aesthetic of the house and contributes to its overall value.
Lower Minimum Pitch For Standing Seam Roofs
A mechanically fastened standing seam can be installed on a roof with a pitch as low as .5″ to 1” in 12”, while snap lock standing seam should have a minimum 3” in 12” pitch.
Snow Guards And Solar Panels For Standing Seam
With S-5 clips, you can securely attach solar panels and snow guards to standing seam metal roofs without the need for penetrating fasteners, which can cause leaks. This eliminates the worry of potential roof leaks caused by screws, making standing seam panels a reliable and low-maintenance roofing option.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing Problems
In this article, we aimed to highlight the benefits of a standing seam roof, but we neglected to address its drawbacks. At 50 North Roofing, we strive to provide comprehensive information about the pros and cons of standing seam roofing. Here are the top issues commonly associated with standing seam metal roofs.
The are fewer qualified workers available
Because standing seam systems require careful craftsmanship, it is important to find a contractor who is qualified, skilled, and experienced in metal roof installation. Since standing seam installations may be considered too complicated or tedious, there are far fewer contractors who have a proven track record and relevant experience to choose from.
The installation process can take a longer time
Fastening an exposed fastener system to the roof deck can be relatively simple. You just nail or screw it down. Standing seam metal roofs are much more complicated than gable metal roofs and can include:
Forming the panels using portable roll forming or buying from regional manufacturers.
Correctly spacing the clips on the panel legs and fastening each one down for snap-lock systems.
Aligning the panels and snapping the legs together for mechanically seamed systems.
Cutting all the necessary “Z” flashing for details, roof penetrations and ridge cap…
Not for use on a flat roof
It’s not a good idea for buildings or homes that have a roof below a 1/12 pitch to have standing seam systems. These flatter pitches don’t allow water to adequately drain, which could lead to premature degradation, color changes, and the overall failure of the panel system. It is recommended that snap-lock systems be installed above a 3/12 pitch.
It is more difficult to fix or replace
If there is damage to one panel or a smaller section of the roof, it can be difficult to replace because each panel must be separated. This process can be difficult for mechanically seamed systems, as each panel will need to be un-seamed and potentially, more than one panel needs to be removed.
Which Type Of Standing Seam Roof Is Best For Me?
Standing seam roofs offer numerous benefits for homeowners, including durability and energy efficiency. If you’re considering this option for your home, we can provide you with product specifications, color choices, and any other information you may need to make an informed decision.
If you want to learn more about standing seam roofs, it’s important to understand that while they are considered the best metal roofing panel available, they do have some drawbacks. No product is perfect, and standing seam roofs are no exception. At 50 North Roofing, we make sure to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of both the benefits and drawbacks of every metal roof that we offer.
We want you to know the pros and cons of the two types of metal roofing systems, concealed fastener and exposed fastener.
Which metal roofing type is best for you?
You hold the ability to choose the right option for your needs. Knowing what you require from your roof will help you make the best decision. Standing seam metal roofing provides a modern look, reliable weather protection, thermal expansion space, and no need for holes on the panels. On the other hand, exposed fastener metal roofing offers a traditional appearance, strong performance, and a more affordable cost. We are here to help you make an educated choice and ensure you feel confident in selecting metal roofing for your home or business.
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