When it comes to choosing a roof for your property, there certainly isn’t a shortage of options. However, more and more property owners are choosing metal roofing. Metal roofing is:
- Durable
- Beautiful
- Energy Efficient
If you aren’t used to seeing metal roofing, you may not know that you have a variety of styles available to choose from. Our personal favorite? A standing seam metal roof. Today, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about this reliable and versatile roofing material.
What Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?
A standing seam metal roof is characterized by a concealed fastener metal panel system featuring vertical legs and a broader, flat area between each leg. These roofing systems are also often described as having “raised seams” or “vertical legs” that rise above the flat area of the panel.
The standing seam metal roof also consists of a system of mechanically locking fasteners. These fasteners are hidden, whether it be by a panel that’s attached to the roof deck using a clip or is directly fastened to the deck under the vertical leg via a fastener flange. Overall, standing seam roofing is considered a very high-quality roofing system, which is why it’s commonly used for commercial buildings and architectural buildings.
Of course, this type of roofing isn’t limited to only commercial and architectural applications. They also make great residential roofing systems as they’re associated with a multitude of benefits, including:
- Weather resistance
- Durability and longevity
- Curb appeal
- Fire resistance
- Low maintenance
- Color options
- Energy efficiency
- Increased home value
- Can work with low-slope roofing systems
- Compatible with both solar paneling and snow retention systems
We’ll elaborate on the details below.
The Benefits of Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Before we list the benefits of having a standing seam metal roof, it’s important to note the downsides — which really only revolve around cost. Due to the materials and installation process, standing seam metal roofing is one of the more expensive roofing systems.
They’re also considerably expensive to repair. However, considering their lifespan, they make a worthwhile investment. Other than the cost associated with these types of roofs, they also tend to be a bit noisier. Of course, this can be remedied with soundproofing insulation throughout your home or building.
Now let’s talk about all the benefits:
1. Weather Resistance ☂️
Not only is metal much more weather resistant as a material, but the two types of fastening systems available for metal roofing also provide the most weather-tight system available.
2. Longevity 🧓
There’s a reason why the standing seam metal roof is nicknamed “the lifetime roof”. This is because they’re so durable they can last up to 70 years. Therefore, you’ll likely need to only purchase one for your home during your lifetime.
3. Curb Appeal 🏠
Metal roofing can drastically transform the appearance of your home. While you may have your own opinions, most would agree that standing seam metal roofing is the best looking as it offers a clean and modern design that’s sleek.
4. Fire Resistance 🔥
Metal roofing can easily become your home’s first line of defense when it comes to fires, as the material isn’t combustible. When installed correctly, these roofs have a Class A fire rating, which is the highest for resistance to severe fires originating from outside.
5. Low Maintenance 👌
When you choose a standing seam metal roof with concealed fasteners, you won’t have to worry about the fasteners being exposed to the elements. This means the washed and screws used to adhere the metal panels won’t wear down and need to be replaced frequently.
You also don’t have to worry about expansion or contraction with metal roofing. Therefore, you won’t have to check your roof after each season to ensure the fasteners aren’t backing out and need to be re-tightened.
6. Lots of Color Choices 🎨
Standing seam metal roofing is typically colored using a PVDF paint system. This is arguably the best paint system for metal roofing, and your choice of color (or colors) is virtually limitless.
It should also be noted that PVDF paint doesn’t fade easily, which means you won’t have to worry about repainting every few years. The paint also adds another layer of overall protection to the roofing system.
7. You’ll Save Money on Your Energy Bills 🌡️
Metal roofing is well known for being energy efficient. This is because it reflects the sun’s UV rays well. When combined with high-quality paint, the reflectivity is amplified, which further prevents heat absorption. Metal is also known to cool down quickly rather than trapping heat.
Therefore, you’ll be able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year without spiking your energy bill.
8. Better Resale Value 💸
Replacing your old roof with a standing seam metal roof will undoubtedly increase your home’s resale value. In fact, metal roofs tend to recoup between 85% and 95% of their costs, which equates to a 1% to 6% gain in overall home value.
9. They Can Be Installed On Low Slope Roofing Systems 🔨
If your home’s current roof has a low slope, metal panels aren’t out of the question. Fastened standing seams can easily be installed on a roof with a pitch as low as half an inch to one inch. Snap lock standing seams only need a minimum of three inches in a 12-inch pitch.
10. They’re Compatible With Solar Panels and Snow Guards 👍
Leaky screw holes are the number one cause of roof leaks — but you don’t have to worry about that with standing seam metal panels. When it comes to installing snow guards or solar panels (or both), there are specialized clips that can be attached to your metal roofing without puncturing it, such as S-5 Clips.
Ready to Have Your Roofing System Replaced?
There are tons of benefits to replacing your old roofing system with a standing seam metal roof. Arguably the greatest benefits are the energy savings, curb appeal, and increase in home value that these types of roofing systems bring to the table. What’s more, most roofing contractors offer special financing plans to suit all types of homeowner budgets.
Roof Troopers can help you determine what type of metal roofing is best for your home and which financial plan best suits your budget. Reach out to us today to discuss your options and get a free estimate for your roof replacement!
