The Standing Seam Metal Roof
A Brief Overview
The standing seam metal roof is a commonly used roofing system for residential homes, commercial establishments, and industrial properties. The name of this metal roofing originates from the seam that forms when you lay the sheet metal panels side by side. The panels are then joined together at the seam by different methods.
Methods of Fastening In Standing Seam Metal Roof
Some use concealed fasteners; others use metal clamps that go over the seam, snap-on systems, lock and seam systems, and so on. Here is a brief description of the most common methods used.
Field Locking System
When laying the metal panels, a unique locking tool is used to join the panels by forming a seam in the field. This is a commonly used fastening method in metal roofs.
Snap Lock
In the snap lock system, when you place the adjoining metal panels side by side, one panel snaps onto the next locking it in place over the fasteners and clips. This hides the fastenings and clips from view.
Postive Locking Seam
With the positive locking system of the panels, there are no extra caps, strips or clips to install. One panel is hooked on to the next and joined by metal fasteners that go through pre-punched holes. The panels go over the fasteners concealing them.
Continuous Standing Seam
The lock and seam are an integral part of the panels, and no extra caps are needed. The standing seam metal roof panels can be prefabricated and shipped or bent on-site or at sheet metal fabrication shops.
Pitch Requirement For Metal Roofs With Continuous Standing Seam
The standing seam metal roofs are usually used for sloping roofs where a pitch is evident. Metal roofs can be installed even for small pitch differences. This metal roofing has been installed for a pitch of 2:12. So, it is not at all tough to have metal roofs for even small sloping roofs.
Standing Seam Metal Roof – Metals Used
Curious about the metals used for roofing? Copper, Zinc, Galvanized steel, Galvalume, Aluminum are the usual metals used in roofing. Copper metal roofs last for several decades even up to 150 years. In the first few decades after installation, the metal roof goes from bright copper color to dull copper green to full green. It acquires a patina due to exposure to the elements. This lovely green color gives the home a nice aged look and is unique to copper. Standing seam metal roof lasts for a long time. The sloping roofs shed ice and snow fast keeping the roof light and well ventilated. There is not much of a problem of snow or ice buildup as is frequently seen with other types of roofs. Standing seam metal roofs are both a modern and versatile, offering homeowners a fabulous choice in roofing when building stylish homes.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Colors Choice:
The standing seam metal roofs are available in a broad range of colors. Each company selling the roofs has its own color palette. Apart from guarantees for the roof panels and water tightness of the roof, most companies also offer standard guarantees for the roofing colors too.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost:
Standing seam metal roof prices may seem initially high-priced when compared to asphalt roofing shingles. But, the lifespan of the asphalt shingles is 15-30 years. At the end of this period, they need replacement. On the other hand, metal roofs last typically for 50 years or more. Copper roofs can last up to 150 years. So, even if the initial costs are higher the standing seam metal roof last far longer, so it saves you money over the long term.