Choosing the Right Materials
They have been a rarity until the past few years but standing seam metal roofs are becoming a trend in the residential roofing market. Why? Standing seam metal roof installation has become requested more frequently than other roofing materials for people are planning to stay in their homes forever. While a standing seam metal roof can be expensive, the benefits far outweigh the concern of costs, and those reasons are:
- A standing seam metal roof will last50 years or longer – a lifetime investment for your home.
- A standing seam metal roof is durable, rigid, and rugged – hail resistant and wind resistant.
- A standing seam metal roof won’t crack, rot, or warp – UV resistant.
- A standing seam metal roof is safer in a fire – a bonus for your homeowner’s insurance.
- A standing seam metal roof is energy-efficient – ROI with lower energy bills.
- A standing seam metal roof is low maintenance – corrosion-resistant needs little to no maintenance.
What is a standing seam metal roof?
The description of a standing seam metal roofing is a metal panel roofing system with concealed fasteners. The flat part of the panels has two vertical legs on each side, also referred to as raised seams, thus the “standing seam” part of the roofing material. With those two standing seams, the professional installation of a standing seam metal roof will hide the fastening process by hiding the clips to the decking or directly attach to the decking with a flange.
Why is standing seam metal roof so expensive?
When a professional roofer installs a reliable standing seam metal roof, it is going to be more durable and longer-lasting than the basic asphalt roofing or any other common type of residential roofing. While its lighter weight than asphalt shingles, there are thicker metal panels, which cost more because standing seam metal roofs are more durable, longer-lasting, and more resistant to things than asphalt shingle, like hailstorms and UV rays.
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
Whether it is roofing a new home or replacing an existing roof, homeowners should give standing seam metal roof some consideration when choosing the roofing material. Metal roofing is available in many different types of metal, each attractive and matches any architectural style you have:
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Galvanized Steel
- Tin
- Zinc
However, standing seam metal roof isn’t without disadvantages and drawbacks, nothing is going to be 100% perfectly ideal, no matter how good of quality the material. Among standing seam metal roof, the disadvantages are:
- Affordability: Standing seam metal roof or any metal roofing will cost up to three times more than asphalt, cedar, or other roofing materials. However, when it comes to long life, a standing seam metal roof will outlive other roofing materials.
- Noisy: If standing seam metal roof is poorly installed, they can be loud during rain or hailstorms. However, by having the roofing contractor add more insulation during the installation process will quieten the roof. It will also make it more expensive, but well worth that extra cost. Again, the longevity of a metal roof will repay that extra cost.
- Contraction and expansion: Standing seam metal roofs are large panels between the legs or raised seams. Those panels will contract and expand with the temperature. If the standing seam metal roof hasn’t been installed with the fasteners correctly, that movement will loosen the fasteners and require tightening or replacing the fasteners.
- Color match inconsistent: When repairs are required for standing seam metal roof, it can be challenging to match the new panel color with the existing panels.
- Performance: Standing seam metal roof can accumulate water anywhere on the roof if the installation was not done correctly or if low-grade metal was used. With metal roofing, you get what you pay for, so get the best you can afford in metal thickness and professional installation.
Can you walk on a standing seam metal roof?
Yes, when it comes to metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles or any other type of roofing material, standing seam metal roofs are safer and stronger to walk on, with the proper footwear. Metal roofing can be slick, walking on them in the ice, rain, or snow is not advised unless an absolute emergency.
Is standing seam metal roof worth it?
For a home that you’re planning on living forever, or for many years, yes, a standing seam metal roof is well worth the extra cost of an asphalt single, or any other type of roofing material. The benefits are numerous, and the most significant benefit is the long lifespan it provides. For a house that you plan to sell within 20 years or less, no, a standing seam metal roof would not be worthwhile.
In Closing
As we’ve mentioned, a standing seam metal roof is worth the extra cost for a home you plan to call forever. You want to choose a roofing contractor that will install the material correctly, using the best material you can afford, and a contractor that knows how to repair a standing seam metal roof as well as install the roof.