A standing seam metal roof is more durable and sturdy than its corrugated counterpart. With flawless installation, standing seam metal roofs can last for five decades! If you are getting a roof replacement and considering a standing seam roof, read this detailed guide.
At OConnor Contracting, we share deep insights into the roofing industry to help you make more informed decisions for your home and business. This article shares the cost, pros, cons, and installation tips around standing seam metal roofs. It will help you decide whether this type of roof is right for you.
What Is A Standing Seam Metal Roof?
A standing seam metal roof uses a series of overlapping panels to cover the roof. The panels are held together by seams, which are not visible due to a hidden fastening mechanism. Standing seam roofs have become popular in recent years due to their appearance, durability, and affordability.
Why Do Most Homeowners Prefer Standing Seam Panels?
It’s a fact that standing seam panels are better than corrugated panels when it comes to residential roofs. These panels may cost a little more than corrugated ones, but a standing seam metal roof is more cost-effective in the long run.
- Standing seam roofs are durable and long-lasting. They won’t sag or leak as architectural asphalt shingles do over time. Standing seam copper roofs can also outlast tile and wood shake roofs without much maintenance.
- Even after they’ve served their purpose, the panels are recyclable and can be used to create new metal products, including new roofs!
- You can easily paint a metal roof made of standing seam panels so that it blends into your home’s exterior design. You can get a re-coat and even stone-coating to make it look new and better over the years.
- Standing seam roofs have a watertight system minimizing the chances of leaks and water damage to your roof decking, rafters, and attic. Panels made of copper, aluminum, zinc, and coated steel are also preventative of rust, mold, and algae.
- The panels are also fire-resistant. They have incredible resistance against flames and prevent fire caused by electrical failure or lightning strikes.
Since standing seam panels have so much more to offer, you might wonder if they cost a fortune. Luckily, standing seam metal roofs are also an economical option.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs
There are different types of metal roofs based on the material and panel style. Out of all the options, standing seam galvanized steel roofs are the most popular among homeowners throughout the country. The average cost to install a standing seam galvanized steel roof is $325 – $775 per square. The final cost depends on the panel specifications, labor costs, and whether you need a custom design.
For this type of roof replacement project make sure you hire a reputable metal roof contractor because there are several factors involved in determining how much it’ll cost you. These factors include:
- How much labor is required.
- The type of material used for each panel.
Standing Seam Installation Techniques And Panels
When we talk about metal roofs vs. shingles, you may already know the two differ in durability, cost, and curb appeal. However, it is also crucial for homeowners to know the installation aspects of a metal roof. Shingles are only installed using one method, nails and sealants. However, there are multiple installation techniques and types of panels available for standing seam metal roofs.
Snap-Lock Panel
This type of panel profile isn’t labor-intensive. The panels have a series of interlocking tabs, which attach to each other upon roll-forming. It is relatively easy to repair or replace a snap-lock system if necessary. The roofers can easily unlock a single panel to work, making it easy to replace insulation and fix other roofing materials below it.
Mechanical Seam
Standing seam panels come with a mechanical fastening technique. It involves fastening tools and more labor to install the panels. This may increase the labor cost, but the final product is more air-tight, less prone to damage, and fits well with most roof pitches.
Fastener Flange
This type of panel and fastening technique is similar to snap-lock but less protective against the elements. It is easier to install and involves less labor cost. They don’t include clips and are primarily suitable for roof pitches more than 4/12. The roofers install these panels directly on the decking, so they may need to repair or replace the damaged or old wooden sheets.
Apart from the decking, it is also crucial to use a suitable heat, ice, and water shield to install the standing seam panels. This type of shield is commonly known as roof underlayment.
Ideal Roofing Underlayment For Metal Roofs
If you want to install a standing seam metal roof, you must use an underlayment explicitly designed for metal roofs. These underlays are vapor-permeable, resistant to high temperatures, and don’t stick to metal panels. You should choose a high-temperature underlayment that meets or exceeds industry standards. Our experts recommend Henry® Blueskin® PE200HT High Temperature Roof Underlayment and APOC Weather-Armor HT³.
As a homeowner, you should discuss all these aspects with your roofing contractor before buying any materials yourself. Since every home is different, the contractors will be able to tell you the ideal metal roof components only after a full roof inspection. After years of experience with metal roofs, we’ve found a few common concerns among homeowners that you should know before getting a new metal roof.
Common Concerns With Residential Metal Roofs
All kinds of metal roofs can be noisy during rain, but if this is an issue for you choosing a good roof insulation is key. The noise will become trapped inside the insulation before it echoes indoors.
Oil canning is an aesthetic issue that occurs on metal roofs. It creates waves on the surface of the panels when they contract and expand due to heat and cold. However, experienced roofing contractors can minimize the chance of oil canning occurring by using careful installation techniques.
Metal roofs don’t tend to dent easily, but large hail stones are an exception. If you live in a hail-prone area, a metal roof may be a suitable choice if you can set aside a budget to get the dents repaired when necessary.
If you want to install a new standing seam metal roof on your home, make sure you hire a local metal roofing contractor who knows the area and has extensive experience.
Find A Reliable Metal Roofing Contractor
Finding a metal roofing contractor who is reliable is a big job, but there are things you can do to make sure that you’re hiring the right people. The first thing to do when choosing a metal roofing contractor is to check their reviews and ratings online. Most contractors have an online presence these days, and it’s easy to see what kind of feedback they got from previous clients. Checking licenses and insurance coverage is also worth doing before signing any contracts with roofers who are working home improvement jobs like installing a new roof.
This guide is meant to be a starting point for homeowners looking to install a standing seam metal roof. As you can see, there are many different options available for metal roofs, so the best thing you can do is research local roofers until you find a reliable metal roofing contractor.
If you live in Buffalo or the surrounding areas of New York, we can help you.
Discuss Standing Seam Metal Roofs With The Experts
At OConnor Contracting, we have experience installing high-quality metal roofs, including standing seam panels. Our team has helped homeowners upgrade their home exteriors safely and smartly for years, and we only work with the industry’s best manufacturers and specialists. Our passionate team is also highly skilled and creative when it comes to roof designs, so we would be happy to show you some appealing samples of standing seam metal roofs. Call us at (716)-600-7663 for a free consultation and roof inspection.
