All About Standing Seem Metal Roofing

Standing Seam Metal Roofing Guide

Standing seam roofs are among the most maintenance-free and durable kinds of metal roofs and may last more than 30 years. It is easy to install standing seam roofing, and in many cases it can be put on top of existing roofing materials, and offers extra energy reduction benefits.

Standing Seam roof panels may be designed using different radius roof profiles which makes them perfect for structures that have several roof levels. This kind of metal roofing is comprised of vertical panels that have two seams on each panel and stand up vertically. After they have been installed, there are dramatic shadow lines that run continuously from the eave to the ridge, which accents the plane and pitch of all roof angles.

standing seem metal roofing

Installation of a Standing Seam Metal Roof

A standing seam metal roof is installed or formed through crimping each of the adjacent seams together to seal into a single joint. Roof drain is one of the major purposes or advantages. After the appropriate underlayment is placed, standing seam panels need to be sequentially installed.

The underlayment is critical, so make sure to select the right one. What I recommend is that you use a water and ice-shielded and self-adhering product. Usually standing seam panels are around 18-24 inches wide when they are finished running parallel to the roof’s slope.

Fasteners or clips are used to attach the panels to the underlayment which allows the metal to contract or expand with changes in temperature. Use a crimping tool to crimp both seams together and continue to repeat the crimping action until all of the panels have been seamed.

Metal standing seam panels come in four basic styles:

  • Two Piece Snap-Lock
  • One Piece Snap-Lock
  • Symmetrical mechanically seamed
  • Mechanically seamed

Standing Seam Roofing Advantages

Standing seam metal roofing may be the best option for your roof over the current roofing material. They last a very long time and may even last 2 times the lifespan of roofing shingles. Standing seam roofs and metal roofs are made out of copper, aluminum, and steel, so there are several different options to choose from. Very little or no maintenance is required by metal roofs over time and when installed correctly are even able to withstand up to 140 mile per hour winds.

Fire resistant properties are offered as well and they won’t collapse due to heavy snow loads or water. However, you need to make sure that the right gauge is used in order to prevent hail damage. Metal roofs are made in all finishes and colors, to meet your architectural needs. The sun’s ray’s are reflected by the metal, and in turn that reduces heat transfer into your home. Standing seam metal roofs, in many cases, may reduce your cooling costs by as much as 30%.

Disadvantages To Standing Seams

A standing seam metal roof is a great option that you can use in your project, but you do need to be aware that there can be some disadvantages also. Shingles may be a less expensive solution, although these days high oil prices are causing shingles to bit a bit pricey, and bringing them nearer to the prices of standing seams.

If your roof is too steep then it may not be the best roofing solution to use. It can be very dangerous to walk on a metal roof and extreme safety measures must be taken. Metal roofs are very hard to install on a roof that has a lot of skylights, chimneys, vents, or equipment.

Cost of a Standing Seam Roof

An onsite inspection will be required to determine the feasibility of installation, standing seam cost, and other relevant information. A complex installation normally will cost an extra 10 percent in labor and material costs. When getting a metal roof quote make sure it includes fasteners and stack covers, vents and soffit, counter flashing, underlayment and delivery.

For instance, 29 gauge 12″ standing seam will cost approximately $2.45 per linear foot and 29 gauge 16″ panel will cost almost $2.75 per linear food.

These costs are approximate, however, and may or may not represent actual costs for standing seam panels.