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There are a variety of materials modern homeowners can consider when having a roof replaced or installed. And while many default to asphalt shingles, there are other choices you may want to think about, as they may offer advantages that standard shingles can’t provide.
Standing seam metal roofing is a great example of this. It certainly isn’t the right choice for all situations, but it does offer several benefits when compared to shingles.
To help you decide if standing seam metal roofing is right for your home, we’ll break down some of the pros and cons of the material below. But first, we’ll start by explaining exactly what standing seam metal roofing is.
What Is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
As its name implies, standing seam metal roofing is made from metal – generally galvalume steel, though galvanized steel, aluminum, and copper options are also available. The metal is generally pressed into long, flat sheets, which are used to cover your roof and protect the roof decking (and your home’s interior) from the elements.
However, the difference between standing seam metal roofing and some other kinds of metal roofing (such as corrugated metal roofs) comes down to the fasteners. Specifically, the way the fasteners are left exposed or covered up.
With a corrugated metal roof, the sheets are connected with hardware that is left exposed. This is part of the reason corrugated metal roofs are sometimes called exposed fastener metal roofs. With a standing seam metal roof, a 1- to 2-inch-tall metal strip is placed on top of the connectors, thereby creating a “seam” that runs down the length of your roof.
This results in better protection from moisture and (what most people consider to be) improved aesthetics.
What Are the Pros of Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
Standing seam metal roofs have been around for well over 100 years, but they’re enjoying increased popularity in recent years – particularly among residential customers. This popularity is largely due to the myriad benefits that standing seam metal roofing provides.
A few of the advantages of standing seam metal roofing include its:
Durability
Perhaps the most common reason homeowners love standing seam metal roofs is their durability. When properly installed and maintained, standing seam metal roofs last for a very long time – typically 40 to 70 years.
And when the metal used is copper or zinc rather than aluminum or steel, the life expectancy only increases. Copper or zinc roofs may last a century or longer!
Weather Resistance
The seams incorporated into standing seam metal roofs help to provide incredible leak resistance. This is a significant advantage over exposed fastener metal roofs, which often develop leaks over time.
Also, because metal is quite slick, things like rain and snow often slide right off standing seam metal roofs. They’re also quite resistant to things like high winds (many are rated for wind speeds of up to 140 miles per hour) and hail damage.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Unlike some other roof types, you don’t have to reseal or repaint standing seam metal roofs regularly. In fact, they really don’t need much ongoing maintenance at all.
This is especially true when compared to exposed fastener metal roofs, which require frequent inspections and roof repairs to prevent the seams from leaking.
Energy Efficiency
Standing seam metal roofs reflect a lot of the solar radiation that strikes the roof. This helps to keep the home cooler and therefore reduce cooling costs in the summer – sometimes by as much as 25% or more.
Some metal roofs are even coated with special chemicals that provide even better performance under the hot summer sun.
Fire-Resistance
While there are a few different roofing materials that are equally fire resistant (such as slate), metal is obviously non-combustible. This gives standing seam metal roofing a Class A fire resistance – the highest possible rating.
This is one of the reasons that standing seam metal roofs are becoming more popular in areas that experience frequent wildfires.
Aesthetics
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and every homeowner has his or her own aesthetic tastes. But with that said, many people simply love the sleek, refined appearance of standing seam metal roofs.
In fact, though it’s not solely attributable to the aesthetics of standing seam metal roofs, homes with these types of roofs generally sell for 1% to 6% more than similar homes with asphalt roofs.
Sustainability
Metal roofs are recyclable and often made from 100% recycled materials, which provides obvious environmental advantages. Additionally, because they last longer than most other roof materials, metal panels don’t require frequent replacement, the way asphalt shingles may. This helps further reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfills.
What Are the Cons of Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
Despite the fact that standing seam metal roofing offers a ton of benefits, it — like all roofing materials — also has a few shortcomings. While many homeowners still feel that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks, it’s important to consider both sides of the coin before you make your final choice.
A few of the disadvantages of standing seam metal roofing include its:
Higher Cost
There’s no way around it – a standing seam roof is a premium option, and it costs more than most other roof types.
Generally speaking, it’ll usually cost between $10 and $20 per square foot to have standing seam metal roofing installed on a home. This makes it more expensive than most other roof types, save for slate and clay tiles.
Installation Difficulty
Standing seam metal roofing is definitely not a DIY project or something you can trust to subpar roofing companies. It requires special techniques, training, and skills, which are all things that help contribute to its high cost.
It’s also important to note that proper installation is imperative for standing seam metal roofs. When not installed correctly, leaks and performance problems are almost guaranteed.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Metal shrinks and expands as the ambient temperatures change, which can lead to a litany of problems. For example, this kind of movement may loosen fasteners or create gaps between the standing seam panels over time.
With that said, the standing seams help mitigate these problems to some extent, and standing seam metal roofing doesn’t suffer from these types of problems as much as corrugated metal roofs do.
Metal Panels Can Be Noisy
While proper insulation and underlayment installation can yield metal roofs that are nearly as quiet as shingle roofs, the fact remains that rain, snow, and hail can cause quite a bit of noise for metal roofs.
However, it should be noted that some people see this as a charming benefit, rather than a problem.
Susceptibility to Denting
Hail and large falling branches can easily dent some standing seam panels – especially those made from aluminum or copper. Galvalume steel and galvanized steel hold up better to these kinds of impacts, but they can suffer dents when struck at high speed or by massive objects.
Additionally, walking on standing metal roofs can also lead to dents and other kinds of damage.
Difficulty of Repairs
While standing seam metal panels are very durable, they can be challenging to repair when necessary. For example, the seam must generally be removed to address any problems with fasteners. This requires not only time and money, but also considerable skills and training.
The Pros and Cons of Standing Seam Metal Roofing: FAQ
Still curious about the benefits and advantages of a standing seam roof? Have a few more lingering questions about your upcoming roof replacement?
We’ve rounded up some of the most common questions our customers have and answered them below!
What are the disadvantages of metal roofing?
The primary drawbacks of metal roofing panels in general include the amount of noise that can occur during rain, as well as the difficulty of repairs. It can also be more expensive than asphalt shingles, which makes it a poor choice for budget-minded homeowners.
Are standing seam metal roofs energy efficient?
Yes. Because they reflect quite a bit of solar radiation, standing seam metal roofs are considered quite energy efficient. They may help to reduce summer cooling costs by 25% or more in some cases.
Are standing seam metal roofs worth it?
A lot of factors go into determining whether or not any kind of roof is ultimately the right choice for a given home. However, given the durability, longevity, and aesthetic charm of standing seam metal roofs (which also provides a boost to the home’s value), most homeowners who choose standing seam metal roofing remain very happy with their choice several years or decades later.
Is standing seam metal roofing more expensive?
Standing seam metal roofing is typically more expensive than most other roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, wood shingles, or standard corrugated (exposed fastener) metal. However, it isn’t the most expensive option, either. For example, standing seam metal roofing is more affordable than clay tiles or slate roofing.
What is a standing seam in metal roofing?
The “standing seam” refers to the raised strip installed across the seams of the metal panels, where the fasteners are located. It helps to protect the fasteners, reduce the chance of moisture leaks, and improve the aesthetics of a roof.
What is the life expectancy of a standing seam metal roof?
Standing metal roofs last a very long time when properly installed and maintained – that’s a significant part of their appeal. Generally speaking, a standing seam metal roof should last 40 to 70 years. And those made of copper or zinc may last up to 100 years or more! As a comparison, standard 3-tab asphalt shingles typically only last 15 to 25 years.
What is a cheaper alternative to standing seam metal roof?
Asphalt shingles and wood shingles are both more affordable alternatives to standing seam metal roofs, but they’re obviously a much different option in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Corrugated metal roofs are more affordable than standing seam metal roofs, but they’re more likely to develop leaks over time. Accordingly, they’re generally most commonly used on low-cost structures, such as barns or storage units.
Do standing seam metal roofs increase your home’s curb appeal?
Generally speaking, yes. Homes with standing seam metal roofs enjoy improved curb appeal, as they have a refined, sleek aesthetic that modern homebuyers tend to like.
Are standing seam metal roofs better than asphalt shingles?
“Better” is a subjective distinction, but most homeowners and professional roofing contractors would agree that standing seam roof panels are the superior option. They not only last longer than asphalt shingles, but they also offer incredible aesthetic appeal, which many people appreciate.
Are standing seam metal roofs better than corrugated metal roofs?
With the same caveats in place about “better” being a subjective characterization, most professional roofers would rate standing seam roof panels as better than corrugated metal roofs, due to the superior leak prevention the seams provide.
Do standing seam metal roofs have a long lifespan?
Absolutely. When properly installed, standing seam metal roofs should last at least 40 years, and many will last for 70 years or more.
What do you put under standing seam metal roofing?
As with most other roofs, the bottom layer consists of roof decking – generally plywood or OSB (oriented strand board). On top of the decking and directly beneath the metal, you’ll have underlayment material. Some roofs feature synthetic underlayment, some use felt paper, and some use peel-and-stick underlayment. Additionally, some standing seam metal roofs will also feature ventilation or spacer systems.
How much does it cost to put a metal roof on a 2,000-square-foot house?
A standing seam metal roof generally costs between $10 and $20 per square foot, so the total cost (including installation) would generally be between $20,000 and $40,000.
Is it OK to walk on a standing seam metal roof?
It is possible to walk on a standing seam metal roof, but extreme care is required to avoid damaging the roof. You must walk on the “pan” (the flat sections between the seams) and always avoid placing your feet directly on the seams. It’s also important to be careful, as metal roofs are very slippery – particularly when wet or dusty.
Also, note that some manufacturers prohibit foot traffic after installation. Walking on the roof in these cases may void your warranty.
Choose the Roofing Professionals at Schoenherr Roofing
Standing seam metal roofs aren’t right for all homes, homeowners, and situations, but they can be a fantastic choice in some cases. Contact our roofing professionals now to learn more about standing seam roofing and see if your home would be a good candidate for this attractive and durable option.
The roofing experts at Schoenherr Roofing will be glad to visit your location, answer any questions you may have, and help you decide if a standing seam metal roof is right for your house or commercial property.
