Among the most popular options for homes as well as offices today is the standing seam metal roofing. From the new build of the house to renovation works or new installation of roofing to replace the old one, its ruggedness, its good appearance, and its lasting performance for years to come make it the best option for many property owners today.
But just exactly is standing seam metal roofing all about? Just exactly why is it today the installation of choice for more and more buildings? In this blog article, we shall investigate all there is to know about standing seam metal roofing, all the way from its benefits to its installation to common mistakes to expect and more. Let us get down to it.
What is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
Standing seam roofing is one type of roofing material that is composed of interlocking pieces of metal arranged on the upper part of the roof slope along the vertical direction. Standing seam roofing is usually created from steel, aluminum, or copper material and is built to be more weather-tight and stronger as compared to roofing material made up of common asphalt shingles or clay tiles. The “standing seam” is the higher seam between pieces of roofing material that directs the rainwater off the roof to prevent it from leaking and causing rainwater damage.
The installation of the stand seam roofing is particularly essential to its longevity. Unlike other exposed fastener-based styles of metal roofing, the stand seam roofing fasteners are sealed along with the seams to not allow for the potential for the build-up of corrosion and rust at any future time.
Characteristics of Standing Seam Metal Roofing:
Durability: Standing seam metal roofs are extremely durable and are typically good for between 40-70 years or more with adequate maintenance.
Resistance to Weather: Such roofs are highly resistant to harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains, heavy winds, and snowfall.
Energy Efficiency: As the roofing material is reflective, it keeps the house cooler when hot and saves money on energy.
Aesthetic Appeal: A modern appearance is achieved with stand-seam metal roofing, with the possibility to complement any appearance of the building.
Advantages of Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Standing seam roofing with metals is one of the highly preferred roofing types by businessmen as well as homeowners. Now we are about to get to know the benefits of this type of roofing.
Longevity and Durability
One of the largest selling points for standing seam metal roofs is their remarkable strength. Unlike the more common asphalt shingle roofing material, the typical lifespan of asphalt shingles is only between 15-20 years. A standing seam metal roofing material will last between 40-70 years. That long lifespan greatly minimizes the need for more frequent repairs and replacements, conserving property owners’ time as well as money.
On top of all the above, the standing seam metal roofing does not form the common roofing conditions, including the formation of cracks, distortion, as well as rot. The roofing material is resistant to the toughest weather conditions, including hailstorms, storms, as well as harsh weather conditions.
Energy Efficiency
The standing seam roofing is quite energy-efficient since it is not heat-absorbing but is reflective. That is the property that cuts down the inflow of heat into your property or house, and the inside is cooler when it is hot. That is done through the reduction of the air conditioning expenditure, and for the countries of countries where the weather is warm, it is particularly important.
What’s more, standing seam roofs are compatible with cool roofing coatings that are designed to promote the energy efficiency of the roofing further by reflecting more of the sunlight. In the process, the homeowner will save substantially on energy costs over the years.
Lesser Maintenance Requirements
Since the stand seam metal roofs are constructed from quality material, they are not extremely maintainable. Lack of exposed fasteners ensures there will not be much space for leaks or rust, as is the common problem with other varieties of metal roofing. Periodic cleaning to eliminate the accumulation of dirt or debris is normally enough to handle the roofing.
Environmental Gains
The standing seam roofing is a green product for one simple reason: it is completely recyclable when it comes to its eventual demise. That is more than can be said for the asphalt shingles, which get carted to the dump when they are taken off. Another green aspect of the metal is its reflective nature; it does not add to the “urban heat island” effect, and it keeps things cooler.
What is Standing Seam Metal Roofing Installation?
The installation procedure for standing seam metal roofing is different from the installation procedure for other roofing material types. It requires trained technicians with information regarding the specific requirements of a metal roofing installation. The following is the overall procedure adopted for installation:
1. Preparation of the Roof Deck
The deck is best laid out and checked for installation some time ahead. If required, it is covered with an underlayment for extra protection against leaks. The deck must be solid, level, and clear for installation to take place efficiently.
2. Panel Placement
Once the layout of the installation is set for the roof, the sheets of metal are laid down from one side of the roof and are tightened with concealed fasteners. The sheets are set to interlock amongst themselves along the seams to give a rigid, continuous sheet where the water is not allowed to infiltrate through.
3. Seam Locking
The nature of the standing seam installation remains the interlock of the seams. It is formed with the assistance of specialty tools to interlock the edges between the two adjacent panels rigidly to attain a watertight, weatherproof seal. Seams are usually upturned to cause the water to run off the roof away from the structure.
4. Finishing Touches
Once the panels are installed and the seams are latched, the final installations are the edge flashing installation, the installation of the ridge caps, and the other accessories to ensure the roof is fully sealed and watertight to the weather.
Cost of Standing Seam Metal Roofing
The installation of the standing seam roofing is quite costly and fluctuates with many factors such as the size of the roof, the type of material to use for the installation, and the complexity of the installation. It will take approximately $8 to $12 per square foot for the material installation on average. Despite the installation costing more to pay upfront as opposed to the asphalt shingle-based installation of the roofing material, its long life span and the energy-efficient nature pay back on the investment in the long haul.
Factors Affecting the Cost:
Roof Size: Bigger roofs will, hence, pay more for the material and labor costs.
Selection of Materials: The most popular materials for standing seam roofing are aluminum, steel, and copper; the lowest-costing material is aluminum, and the most expensive material is copper.
Installation Complexity: A more sophisticated roof shape (e.g., with various angles and with valleys) will take more labor and therefore will raise the total expense.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While stand seam metal roofing is presented with numerous benefits on the credit side, there are numerous common mistakes property owners stand to encounter as they venture into installation. It will help to correct the mistakes to present the best for the buck.
Incorrect Selection of the Material
Not all metals are created equal, and the proper type of metal for your standing seam roofing will impact its performance as well as your roofing life span. For instance, aluminum is good for the coastal regions with sea salt exposure, while steel is good for the heavy snowfall regions.
Faulty Installation
One of the aspects it should accomplish is to serve as one of your stand-seam roofing functions. Engaging the inappropriate or inexperienced roofing contractors can trigger many things, such as improper seam locking, which could trigger leaks or water damage. Only deal with contractors with experience when it comes to roofing with metals.
Skipping Regular Maintenance
Standing seam metal roofs are less maintenance-intensive as compared to other roofing schemes, but they are not fully maintenance-free. It is essential to have regular inspections as well as cleaning to avoid the accumulation of debris and to keep the roof performing optimally.
FAQs
What is the life expectancy for standing seam metal roofing?
A steel standing seam roof will last between 40 to 70 years, based on the material quality and the amount of maintenance given.
Is the standing seam metal roofing energy-efficient?
Indeed, stand-seam roofing is quite energy efficient since it will reflect the heat of the sun and lessen the weather when it is hot.
Should I install a standing seam steel roofing by myself?
Even when DIY installation is feasible, it is always best to look for the services of a seasoned metal roofing installer to install the roofing properly for sustained performance.
Does standing seam metal roofing need much maintenance?
No, it is low-maintenance stand-seam roofing. It is normally good to keep it up with the odd wash and the regular inspections.
What is the price of having a standing seam metal roof?
The installation cost for standing seam metal roofing varies between $8 $12 per square foot, depending on the material type as well as the difficulty level for installation.
Conclusion:
Is Standing Seam Metal Roofing for You? Standing seam roofing is among the best for property owners seeking strength, energy efficiency, and architectural allure in roofing. Despite the installation being costly when compared with the normal type of roofing material, the long-term advantage of low maintenance and energy expenditure is justifiable for the majority of property owners.
When you are building a new home or are required to replace the current roofing material, standing seam roofing is one of the best decisions to make, as it will bring enduring security and appeal to the property.
