The Current Attraction to Metal Roofing
A standing seam metal roof is an attractive option for several reasons, the most important of which is its durability. When compared to traditional roofing materials like clay or cement tile and shingle, a standing seam metal roof will last much longer with less maintenance.
What Makes Standing Seam Metal Roofing a Truly Superior Choice
There are several features and characteristics of standing seam metal roofs that make them a superior product when compared to other roofing materials. The main feature is the seam that is formed when connecting two adjacent panels during installation. The main function of the seam is to cover the clips and screws used to anchor the metal panels to the deck, protecting them from water. By doing so, the anchors are protected from corrosion over time. Because the standing seam panels are made of metal, there is no chance of cracking and the anchors can go for decades without being exposed to water damage.
There Should Be No Exposed Fasteners
The anchors or fasteners described above are well protected in standing seam roofing but this is not the case in other types of metal roofs. Ideally, there should be no exposed fasteners so they can’t be stripped by running water and rain. Exposed fastener panels typically have much shorter lifespans due to the fact the runoff water strips the fastener creating an entry point for more water to leak into the underlying structure. The stripping of the fastener also weakens the strength of the anchor during heavy wind speeds.
What is the Average Lifespan for a Standing Seam Metal Roof?
Standing seam roofs have a longer lifespan than every other roofing material including alternative metal roofing systems without concealed fasteners. A quality standing seam metal roof will last for 40-70 years with little upkeep.
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The Two Main Metal Roofing Contenders – Metal Tile and Standing Seam
There is a new metal panel type that looks like traditional tile from a manufacturer called Worthouse. This metal roofing system is anchored with exposed fasteners but it uses a self-sealing anchor with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel head in order to prevent the issues described above. The product comes with a 50-year warranty and is typically installed with a water-tight peel-and-stick membrane underneath just in case.
How Much Does Standing Seam Metal Roofing Cost?
The price for standing seam will vary depending on the quality of the metal, the experience of the installer, the type of metal used and the location of the install. For an average one-floor home in Miami or Broward Counties using Galvalume, a standing seam metal roof costs between $12.50 to $13.50 per roof square.
Higher Cost
Looking at this pricing, it is apparent that a standing seam metal roof system is more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, clay/cement tile, or even classic metal roofing systems. There are several reasons for this.
It’s a Labor-Intensive Installation Process
A standing seam roof installation is more difficult than all other roof types. For one, metal panels can be quite long, and manipulating metal on a hot roof requires strength and focus. Mechanically seamed panels are joined with a machine operated by hand. Special connecting pieces have to be bent by hand.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Standing Seam Metal Roof?
It’s not possible to give an accurate timeframe for how long it will take to install a metal roof. Complex roof projects requiring many metal cuts will take much longer than a simple two-sided roof.
