How Does Standing Seam Metal Roof Work?

How Does Standing Seam Metal Roof Work
Benefits of Standing Seam Metal Roofing – Compared to other panel profiles, a standing seam metal roof has quite a few benefits. Here are just a few:

Aesthetics : The sleek lines and crisp, seamless look of the panels make them highly attractive to anyone looking for high-end or modern looking finished roof. High-Performance : Standing Seam panels are typically tested heavily against extreme weather conditions, like high-speed winds or heavy hail, and come out performing wonderfully. Fastener System : The hidden fastener system used in Standing Seam metal roofing eliminates most issues related to faulty, improperly installed, or rusting fasteners, which can occur with exposed fastener systems. Longevity : Like the majority of metal roofing options, Standing Seam roofs have an average lifetime of 40-70 years, compared to other materials like shingles, which typically only last between 10-20 years. Durability : Just like other metal roofs, Standing Seam’s durability is a huge advantage — it stands up extremely well in all different types of environments with ease.

What goes under a standing seam metal roof?

7. Ridge capping or transition metal – Ridge capping is the trim installed at the peak where the two slopes of a roof meet. On your standing seam metal roof, it will be the same type and color as your metal panels. If your panels are coming from a low slope roof to a steeper slope, you’ll need transition metal instead of ridge capping.

How is standing seam metal roof attached?

What Makes Standing Seam Metal Roofing So Unique? As metal roofing goes, standing seam is in a category of its own. But what are the benefits of a standing seam metal roof, and why should you invest more to have one installed on your home or business? Here are our top Five reasons a standing seam metal roof is worth every penny of your investment in your home or business: 1. Standing seam metal roofing doesn’t rely on exposed screws or nails to attached to a home or building but rather uses a clip that fits over the top of the male leg of the standing seam metal. The clip gets screwed down to the roof, holding the metal roofing panel in place.

Then the next standing seam roof panel is placed in order that the female leg sits over top of the male leg and the clip so that the clip is now underneath the metal roofing. No exposed screws or nails is a major reason that standing seam metal roofing last so long and not have the metal roofing directly screwed down to the roof is our second reason that it preforms so well, the metal roofing is allowed to expand and contract.

Did you know that on regular screw down metal it requires approximately 70 screws per Sq. to attach the metal to the structure? On an average 2,000 sq ft home this is more that than 2,300 screws or holes poked in your new metal roof! 2. Standing Seam Applications Designed for Expansion – Contraction Metal roofing Expands and contracts every day with temperature changes and the use of clips when attaching the metal roofing allows for this movement. The clips let the metal move without tearing or buckling against it’s self, screws, or metal trims. Since the movement of the standing seam metal roof is compensated for in it’s design, the seams, transitions, and metal trims don’t break water tight seals and leak.

Standing seam is designed to move all while staying water tight, this is possible because of the interlocking pieces and components of metal roofing which leads us to our third reason standing seam is worth the investment in you home or business. Did You know that steel roofing will expanding – contract approximately 1″ per 100′ pieces of metal each day? 3.

Interlocking Pieces and Parts Probably one of the neatest things about standing seam is how the metal panels and trims are interlocking. This is done via a ” Hem”. A Hem is a fold in the metal that is usually either 1″ or 1 1/2 ” inches long that ” Hooks up” to another piece of the metal roofing system.

In the metal roofing world the design idea of interlocking pieces is called architectural details. Creating and installing a Standing seam metal roof with full architectural details is really where sheet metal craftsmanship is revealed. Interlocking pieces or architectural details allows for thermal moment in the metal roofing without creating leaks.

Did you know it takes a variety of specialized tools to create full architectural detail? A combination of metal brakes, hand brakes, hand rollers, and special sheet metal pliers are used.4. Elevated Ribs Keep Seams Dry How Does Standing Seam Metal Roof Work Standing seam or standing rib metal gets it’s name from the fact that the seam between the pieces of metal roofing is elevated or raised off the surface. This greatly reduces the chance that water, snow, or ice can enter in the joint between the metal panels.

The seam or rib height will vary depending on the application. For example lower pitched metal roofs can require a taller seam or rib where as a steep metal roof application will preform well with shorter ribs. In addition the height of the standing seam, there are also different types of joints formed between the pieces of metal.

The two standard types are mechanically seamed and snap lock. Mechanically seamed metal panels can be used on any slope but are usually required for low slope metal roofs. Snap lock style seams are faster to installed but can only be used on roof pitches of 3/12 or above. Last but not least is the thickness or gauge of the steel used in standing seam and also the type of paint. Standing seam metal roofing comes in standard 24 gauge thickness as opposed too much thinner 29 gauge screw down metal. The paint used in standing seam is typically Kynar where as the thin gauge screw down metal uses siliconized polyester paint.

The thicker steel used in standing seam ensures a much longer life and the top notch paint means that the roof will look great and resist color fading years down the road. Standing seam metal roofing is an investment in a home or building you will appreciate more and more as time goes by. The longevity and durably of standing seam is unmatched in the roofing industry so if you want to roofing it once, roofing it right with a standing seam metal roof by Exterior Pro Did you know we manufacture our standing seam metal roofing and gutters? We use CNC automated folding tables to fabricate metal roofing and trims for a custom fit on every roof we installed.

: What Makes Standing Seam Metal Roofing So Unique?

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Is standing seam metal roof better?

Is standing seam metal roof worth it? – Now that you’re aware of the good and bad that come with installing a standing seam metal roof, it’s time to consider if a standing seam metal roof is right for you. It’s no secret that standing seam metal roofs are quite a bit more expensive than traditional asphalt shingle roofing.

  1. That being said, standing seam metal roofs last 20 to 30 years longer than asphalt shingles.
  2. While the initial investment and installation can be expensive, over time the cost will be less than multiple asphalt shingle roofs.
  3. If you plan on living in your current home for a long time, or keeping the home in your family, then investing in a standing seam metal roof could be the right option for you.

Thanks to hidden fasteners and durable metal material, standing seam metal roofs are one of the best roofing options when it comes to durability and longevity. Additionally, standing seam metal roofs hold up well against weather, so if you’re looking for a low-maintenance roofing option then a standing seam metal roof could be perfect for you.

Do you need a vapor barrier under a metal roof?

Do you need a vapor barrier under a metal roof? – Vapor barriers are used to reduce the amount of condensation that can move through a material. When they’re installed properly, they can help reduce any problems that you have with condensation as well as air leakage on fiberglass-insulated walls.

Do homes with metal roofs get worse cell service?

Do Metal Roofs Disrupt Cell Service? – Despite what you may have heard, metal roofs do not disrupt cell service. That said, this misinformation probably comes from the fact that your metal roof can worsen existing service problems. If a utility tower sits close to a home or business with a metal roof, then you may experience interruptions to your service.

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Is a standing seam roof noisy?

One of the most frequent questions homeowners ask us is if their metal roof will be noisy when it rains and hails. And certainly given the long life-span of metal roofing (50+ years), it’s a valid concern. The short answer is, no they aren’t any noisier than other types of roofing. How Does Standing Seam Metal Roof Work Surprised? You aren’t alone. The confusion stems from the construction of the roof. When the roof assembly (decking/insulation/underlayment) match that of a shingle roof, the noise level is no different. But it’s no wonder folks miss this small differentiator.

If you’ve ever been in a pole building or garage with a metal roof that didn’t have a plywood deck and insulation under it, you likely noticed the loud noise caused by rain and hail. In fact, rain can sound like a downpour inside the building when in actuality it’s only a light shower. Without the roof deck, insulation, and underlayment, the metal panels can actually intensify the sound.

But as soon as those building components are added, noise levels return to what could be generally expected with any other roofing material. Some metal manufacturers have created systems that allow for metal panels to be installed over the top of existing shingles,

For more on our system, check this out, In these applications, the existing shingles also serve as an additional insulator and even further reduce the noise that many homeowners falsely associate with “all” metal roofing, And of course, increasing insulation in the attic airspace provides a double benefit for both shingle and metal roofing.

Adding more insulation typically results in energy savings and also keeps the interior of the home quieter. But on the other hand, if memories of waiting out a good storm to pass in grandpa’s shed are something you want to relive, just install metal panels directly over open framing without decking, insulation, and underlayment. How Does Standing Seam Metal Roof Work Learn everything you need to know about Residential Metal Roofing, Check out our metal roofing resources for inspiration and answers to your questions.

Does standing seam roof need drip edge?

Do you need a drip edge for your new roof? – If you are installing a metal roof, a drip edge is not required, especially if the roof is at a slant and installed to hang over an inch. Doing this will help direct the water away from the fascia. However, while it’s not necessary to have a drip edge, it is often highly recommended anyway.

Can a standing seam roof leak?

#2: Leaking – How Does Standing Seam Metal Roof Work Let’s be honest: No one wants a leaky roof. In addition to having to pay extra for the roof to be fixed in most cases, a leak can also ruin other valuable items in your home or building. Metal roof leaks are a possibility; some of which are unfortunately out of our control and some of which are due to human error.

Driving rainHeavy or melting snow Ice damming (consistent freezing and thawing) WindStructural damageOther weather occurrences

Unfortunately, there are also some situations where a leak could be due to installer error:

Failed fasteners – The screws are either too tight, too loose, or off-center and allows water to enter at open spots. Failed seam – The seam, or side rib where two panels are connected, could be formed incorrectly or seamed improperly by the installer. Failed flashing – Flashing is the material, typically metal, added to prevent moisture from entering at joints or additions on a roof, like pipes, chimneys, or valleys. Since they are add-ons requiring sealants and precise installation, flashing points could easily be the source of a leak. Actually, when a standing seam metal roof has a leak, it is commonly at some type of flashing area. Failed sealant or butyl tape – Sealants and butyl tape are used to seal out water, dirt, and other debris that could compromise a metal roof. If these are damaged, missing, or applied incorrectly, leaks could occur. Use of inadequate details – Ask about the details a contractor intends to use during the install of your metal roof. Do they match the manufacturer’s recommended details? If their installation details are not acceptable for a manufacturer’s weather-tight warranty, it’s also not adequate for your home or building. Involve yourself early on in the process and ensure your installer uses the manufacturer’s details.

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Make sure you choose and partner with a reputable contractor with a good track record of quality installs, which will help reduce the likelihood of leaks springing up.

Are standing seam metal roofs energy efficient?

The roof of a building is exposed to the sun more than any other part of the structure, making the roofing material a critical factor when it comes to energy efficiency. Since metal roofs reflect heat up away from buildings, they are considered as one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market.

A high-quality metal roof can save homeowners up to 40% in energy costs. When evaluating a roofing material’s energy efficiency (also known as thermal performance) there are three terms to familiarize yourself with: Emissivity: The ability of the roof to radiate the sun’s heat up and away. Reflectivity: The ability of the roof to reflect heat back to the direction from which it came.

Thermal Resistance: A measurement of a temperature difference by which an object or material resists a heat flow.

What underlayment should be used under metal roofing?

Felt Underlayment – The traditional and most common material used for roof underlayment on a steep-slope metal roof is non-perforated, asphalt-impregnated felt underlayment. There are several types of felt underlayment including both organic reinforced and inorganic reinforced.

  • Compared with organic reinforced felt underlayment, inorganic, glass-fiber- reinforced felt underlayment usually lies flatter and stands up better than the organic kind.
  • Depending on the demands of the architect, building code or the metal panel manufacturer, one or two layers of non-perforated asphalt felt are used local.

Felt underlayment provides little resistance to air and moisture vapor migration and does not serve as an effective air barrier. Architectural metal roofs with felt underlayment are best suited for buildings with proper slope and low moisture loads in dry or arid climates.

Do you put anything under metal roofing?

There are a lot of decisions to make while going through the process of having a new metal roof installed. What kind of panel are you going to use? What metal gauge are you going to use? What color roof are you going to choose? We understand that it can be overwhelming.

  • In the process of making all these decisions, one aspect of metal roofing that gets overlooked is using underlayment.
  • Metal roof underlayment is an important component of a metal roofing system.
  • Some might choose to skip using underlayment to save money.
  • However, the metal roof underlayment acts as an added layer of protection.

You can save money by using underlayment because it will help you avoid problems that would need to be fixed. The short answer is yes, your metal roof does need underlayment, But like most things in life, it’s not quite that simple. At Western States Metal Roofing, we have specialized in manufacturing metal roofing for over 20 years.

The Advantages of Using Underlayment When You Need Underlayment When You Might Not Need Underlayment

Do you need to put anything under metal roofing?

The General Rule – Generally speaking, it’s always recommended that metal roofs are installed with an underlay. This is due to the number of benefits they tend to bring to a home. However, whether you actually need one or not can depend on other factors.