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Maine ProRoofing Blog

For tips and guidance on choosing new roofing, turn to Maine ProRoofing in South-Central Maine. We have compiled some roofing articles that might be helpful to you.

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The Pros and Cons of A Standing Seam Metal Roof

October 6, 2020

So you are interested in a new roof. Ill explain the pros and cons of a standing seam metal roof. This type of roofing is becoming more and more popular for residential homes. But the truth is, it’s not the best fit for every homeowner.

So, how are you supposed to determine if it’s right for you? That comes down to knowing the good and the bad of a standing seam metal roof.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to find unbiased information, either good or bad. We want to change that.

Let’s get to the pros and cons of a standing seam metal roof.

The cons of a standing seam metal roof

To start this pros and cons article off, I’ll start with the “bad”. These cons are really just the three big things homeowners have the biggest problems or hesitations about when getting a standing seam metal roof.

Without further ado, here are the cons of standing seam metal roofing.

A new standing seam metal roof is expensive

The biggest con (and biggest concern to homeowners) is that a standing seam metal roof is expensive. It’s actually around three times more expensive than the most commonly used roofing material on the market, architectural asphalt shingles.

For example, a two-story house with a little complexity, good accessibility, and using architectural asphalt shingles costs around $4.76 per square foot. For comparison, you can expect a standing seam metal roof on the same home to between 10$ to $15.00 per square foot.

This is a big price jump, which is why most homeowners avoid a standing seam metal roof. But if you have the budget, a standing seam metal roof is a great option.

You can hear rain hit a standing seam metal roof

The next con is one of the most asked questions for anyone interested in a standing seam metal roof. This is the noise factor of a metal roof.

Unfortunately, there’s an echo when rain hits a standing seam metal roof. Though, the wood decking of the roof will dull the echo because the wood (decking) between the metal panels and your ceiling helps absorb some noise, and if your metal roof is installed right over your old shingles then that will help dull the noise even more. And the thicker the metal roofing the duller the noise will be.

Adding wood fiber insulation boards between your roof’s decking and your metal panels also helps absorb the sound of rain. But even though these boards provide an extra noise barrier, they won’t completely block out a heavy downpour.

There’s no way to avoid the fact that a standing seam metal roof makes some noise when it rains. So, even if you do what I mentioned above, it’s impossible to completely drown out the sound of rain from a heavy thunderstorm.

Oil Canning?

The last con of a standing seam metal roof has to do with oil canning. Oil canning occurs when installers fasten the standing seam metal panels too tightly together or the roofing surface isn’t flat so the panels can bow into any dips in the roof and this can cause the metal to wrinkle.

While fastening the panels to tightly still gives the metal panels room to expand longways, there’s no room for them to expand sideways. This leads to your standing seam metal roof panels showing signs of oil canning.

It starts with a “bubbling” look that eventually turns into a wavy look on the metal panels. Just know that oil canning doesn’t cause any functionality problems.

However, it is an aesthetic issue that some homeowners don’t like. If curb appeal and aesthetics are big factors in your decision-making process, keep in mind that oil canning is possible on a standing seam metal roof.

The pros of a standing seam metal roof

Now you know the cons of a standing seam metal roof. With the “bad” out of the way, you’re ready to learn the pros.

Let’s see what you get out of a standing seam metal roof investment. 

Standing seam metal roofs have a long lifespan

The biggest pro of a standing seam metal roof is that it will last a lifetime. You should get at least 40 years out of your new standing seam metal roof as long as it’s properly installed and your attic is properly ventilated.

Under the ideal conditions, it could even last up to 50 years. But if the painted finish on the metal panels is scratched or damaged during installation, the exposed fresh steel will rust due to dew or moisture in the air.

This shortens the lifespan of a standing seam metal roof. That’s why it’s crucial that your local roofing contractor has experience installing standing seam metal roofs and takes all the proper precautions during installation.

The painted finish on standing seam metal roof panels

The next pro of a standing seam metal roof is the painted finish that protects the metal panels and its warranty. All of the major steel manufacturers apply a painted finish to the panels of a standing seam metal roof. The painted finish that we use come with a 40 year warranty.

The painted finish protects standing seam metal roof panels from the elements and keeps the color you choose from fading. The Valspar paint on the metal panels comes with a 40-year paint warranty after the roof is installed.

A standing seam metal roof is virtually maintenance-free

Every roof needs maintenance in some shape or form. However, the amount and how often you need roof maintenance depends on the type of roofing materials..

That brings us to the next pro of a standing seam metal roof; it’s virtually a maintenance-free roofing material. After it’s installed, the only major maintenance required is checking around penetrations such as vent pipes, gas pipes, etc.

Besides that, cleaning is the only other general maintenance needed, which is a personal choice. Even though I say it’s virtually maintenance-free, you should still get your standing seam metal roof checked out every year or two.

This helps catch potential problems, clear sitting debris that could cause damage, and ensures you get the most out of a standing seam metal roof investment.

Getting a standing seam metal roof raises your home’s curb appeal

The last pro on this list is what a standing seam metal roof does for your homes curb appeal. A standing seam metal roof has a higher curb appeal and a more visually appealing look than the standard 3-tab architectural shingles.

Getting a standing seam metal roof over your entire home drastically increases your home’s curb appeal. But because of the cost, this isn’t an option for a lot of people.

(Standing seam metal roof over back porch)

That’s why homeowners choose to use a standing seam metal roof over front porches, side porches, back porches, bay windows, and more to take their asphalt roof’s look to the next level. No matter where you decide to install a standing seam metal, it will improve your home’s curb appeal.

Is a standing seam metal roof right for you?

Now you have the pros and cons of a standing seam metal roof. After reading this article, you should have a good idea if it’s the right roofing material for you.

If it is, you’re ready to find a local metal roofing contractor to start the process of getting your standing seam metal roof. But if you’re still on the fence, you need to know the other popular roofing material options.

Luckily, we wrote another article breaking down the 5 best roofing materials for a roof replacement.

The team at Maine ProRoofing specialize in standing seam metal roof installation and are here to help you with your project and to answer any questions you may have.

If you’re local to south-central Maine area, don’t hesitate to Contact us for your standing seam metal roofing needs.

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Prose and Cons – Standing Seam Metal Roof vs. Screw Down Metal Roofing

October 5, 2020

So you’re deciding on installing a metal roof, that’s great! You will have the benefits of a durable roof that can last a very long time in all environments. Deciding to go with a metal roof is the first of many decisions you will have to make for your roof and it can feel a bit overwhelming at times. The right choice for you will depend on your budget, build-speed requirements, location, and the lifespan you want for your roof.

So now that you have an idea of what metal best suits your roof you will also need to consider what kind of metal roof panel system you want. Two of the most popular metal roof panel types are screw-down metal roofs and standing seam, or “exposed fastener” metal roofs. Both of these are great systems. Choosing the right one can be the difference between a long-lasting roof and a roof that has avoidable issues.

To make sure you choose the right roofing system, we decided to break down and determine what metal roof panel system fits your specific needs.

First, let us go over what each roofing system entails.

Screw-Down Metal Roofing

This metal roofing is held tight to the substructure of the roofing with non exposed fasteners. These Screws are painted the same color as the metal panels and normally come with the same paint warranties that the metal roofing panels come with. It is the most basic metal roofing system, and often the most cost friendly.

The installation process is quick and easy, not requiring any specialized contractors. Installation only requires a simple fastened to the frame with screws. Because it’s so basic and easy to install, it is one of the cheapest metal roofing options out there.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing Seam metal roofs are not fastened by screws, but rather, are interlocked, or hooked, onto one another with each panel. The standing seams are between 12 to 24 inches wide depending on the panel type and the type of aesthetic you prefer.

Fastening is achieved through a 1-inch bend that allows for interlocking. This fastening allows the standing seam metal roofing to move, expand, and contract without breaking tight seals. The fastening on the metal panel system is hidden below the surface of the panel by using a clip or nail flange system. A hidden system is a big plus eliminating the faulty or improperly fastened exposed systems.

Let’s compare the two!

Common Usage

Both roof systems have their place in building construction.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs are usually installed in spaces that will have a vast temperature change. These roofs are also used for their aesthetic appeal. The screws on the standing seam metal roof are hidden between overlapping seams, making them more aesthetically pleasing.

Screw-Down Metal Roofs have great appeal in price and are used in garages, porches/patio covers, barns, sheds, carports, etc. These roofs can be installed anywhere.

Durability & Maintenance

Standing Seam Metal Roofs usually last between 30 and 50 years with very minimal to no maintenance, if installed correctly. You will experience fewer leaks and issues with a standing seam roof thanks to its thermal responsiveness.

Standing seam panels provide superior wind and weather protection. If you are in an area that is particularly windy or is prone to strong gusts of winds then you will feel safe knowing that these roofs have great wind uplift performance.

Wind Uplift is the suction created by wind forces as the air moves parallel to the roof’s surface. In extreme wind events such as hurricanes and tornadoes, uplift can pull panels and shingles off buildings.

Screw-Down Panels require maintenance around every five to ten years to avoid these issues and other issues:

• Weathering and corrosion affect exposed screws
• Fasteners backing out over time as the metal expands and contracts with changing temperatures
• Poor expansion and contraction properties adding pressure leading to the holes in the washers getting wallowed out by the screws

If there is no maintenance done on these roofs it can lead to leaks or a storm tearing the roof off.

Expansion Properties

When deciding to go with a metal roof, you must be aware that metal expands and contracts whenever there is a temperature change. This is known as thermal expansion. When exposed to hotter temperatures, your metal roof will expand, when exposed to a cooler change in temperature, your metal roof will contract.

This isn’t an issue if you install the correct roof for your building.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs are a lot more thermally responsive, having no issues expanding and contracting with a temperature change. Like we mentioned before, fastening is achieved through a 1-inch bend that allows for interlocking. This fastening allows the standing seam metal roofing to move, expand, and contract while the clips stay fastened. The panel glides back and forth and there are no breaking tights seals or potential leaks.

This is why we recommend using standing seam metal roofs in overheated areas such as living spaces since these roofs can handle vast temperature changes without any issues!

Screw Down Metal Roofs rely on hundreds of screws to be installed and maintained properly. This screw-down method is NOT ideal for vast temperature changes since it restricts the metal from expanding and contracting naturally. These roofs are constricted, putting pressure on the screws causing them to potentially break off if they aren’t replaced and maintained every 5 to 10 years. When replacing these screws, you must make sure to replace them to the next size up to prevent them from breaking off in the future.

With this in mind, we recommend customers using standing seam panels on their homes. Screw-down roofs can lead to some maintenance in the future and will increase the chances of leaks.

Cost

Cost is always a factor that needs consideration when installing a new roof. With any roofing system, you will want to consider both upfront costs such as initial installation costs as well as maintenance and repair costs.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs will cost twice as much if not more than a screw-down panel roof. Standing seam metal roofs require a thicker gauge of metal as well as a specialized craftsman for proper installation. Both material and labor costs are on the steeper side.

Like we said before, standing seam metal roofs require little to no maintenance. If installed correctly, it could save you significantly more down the road.

Screw Down Metal Roofs are pretty much the most basic roof you can install, making them the cheapest metal roofing option you will find in the market. These roofs are pretty quick and easy to install and don’t require a skilled craftsman.

While you might save money on screw-down metal roofs initially, the long-term maintenance cost is significantly higher than standing seam metal roofs. If you do, you will incur significantly more cost down the road. This will include some maintenance and repairs on leaks.

Knowing what Roofing system fits your needs will save you significant headaches down the road. We hope this article helps you select the roof that applies best to your application.