When it comes to residential and commercial metal roofing projects, you’ll find that there are many different kinds of metal roofing options available. Among them, standing seam roofing is a popular choice due to its long list of benefits. In this blog post, we will explain what a standing seam system is and we will take a closer look at the common standing seam metal profiles and the pros and cons of a standing seam metal roof.
What Exactly Is a Standing Seam Roof?
A standing seam metal roof is a type of roof system that consists of panels that have a raised seam running vertically from the roof peak down to the eave. What makes it different is that instead of being fastened or attached to a roof deck, the standing seam roof panels overlap one another and are held in place by a concealed clip.
What Are The Common Standing Seam Panels Profiles?
Depending on the size and the shape of your roof, some standing seam panels profiles might be better than others. Here are a few common standing seam panels profiles:
The Snap-lock standing seam profile:
The snap lock panels system is the most popular choice for residential and commercial applications because of its ease of installation. What makes this profile so easy to install is that each standing seam panel has a male and female leg, which allows it to attach to the next panel with a snap or lock. Thus, it doesn't require any special tool to join or crimp the seams. This also contributes to making this type of system wind and weather resistant.
The mechanical seam profile:
Mechanical lock profile roof panel systems follow the same principle as the snap lock profile: they both have a male edge with an opposite female edge. However, for the mechanical lock profile roof panels to work, a mechanical seamer is required to complete the seam instead of the female edge merely snapping over the male edge. There are usually two locking systems available for these panels: single lock and double lock panels. Generally, mechanically seamed panels also have a better chance of staying in place so they are ideal in milder environments but their installation can require more time and work.
The Nail Strip/ Nail Flange profile:
This profile is a less common option and it's usually used in retrofit applications. What makes this type of system unique is that the standing seam panels have nail flanges on both sides which gives you the ability to fasten the roofing directly to a substrate, such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), without using clips. However, this also makes the system less wind and weather resistant.
The batten-seam profile:
This type of profile is made up of two standing seam metal roofing panels that have a batten (or strip) in the center which separates and holds them together. Instead of having male and female edges, they have edges with legs that are clipped to the roof deck and pulled together side by side. To establish and fix the seam, a metal cap is placed over the perpendicular legs.
What Are The Pros And Cons of Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
The pros and cons of a standing seam metal roof depend mainly on your needs and preferences.
What are the advantages of a standing seam metal roof?
The popularity of a standing seam roof is mostly due to their durability, energy-efficiency and modern looking design.
Indeed, Standing seam systems are very durable and can last for up to 50 years thus making you save money in the long run. What makes standing seam metal roofs so durable is that the seams are not exposed. This helps reduce the likelihood of water and moisture intrusion, which leads to rusting, corrosion and mold growth.
They are also the perfect ally for people living in locations with severe weather conditions. Standing seam metal roofs are wind and hail resistant. In fact, they can withstand winds up to 150 mph! They are also fire resistant.
What’s more, Standing seam metal roofs can help you save money on your energy bills because they reflect solar heat thus requiring less energy for cooling. They are also more eco-friendly than other types of metal roofs because they are made of recycled materials.
Last but not least, standing seam metal roofs are a great way to add value to your home or business and give it a modern look. They come in a variety of colors and styles to match your home's exterior.
What are the disadvantages of a standing seam metal roof?
Standing seam roofs are known to be more expensive than other types of roofing. This is mainly due to the fact that it takes more time/labor to install a standing seam metal roof. They also require special equipment for installation and can be challenging for first-timers. While a lot of different factors can influence the cost of a standing seam metal roof, it is commonly known as a great investment since it can provide many benefits for years to come.
Another disadvantage of standing seam metal roofing systems is that they can be noisy in bad weather conditions. The seams rattle when it rains or hails.
Conclusion
Overall, a standing seam roof is a great long-term investment that will make your home stand out from the crowd. What’s more, it's extremely durable and can last for up to 50 years!
If you’re interested in getting a standing seam roof or any kind of residential metal roofing systems near you, don't hesitate to contact our team of metal roofing experts. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you figure out which metal roofing solution is right for your home or business.
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