Standing seam meatal roofs are commonly used for commercial, industrial and becoming more popular residential roofs. This type of roofing system is a very versatile option offering advantages like durability, long lifespan, cost efficiency, and a variety of design options. Most commonly a metal roof has previously been installed on commercial buildings but because of the most recent design options, it is increasing its popularity with homeowners.
A standing seam metal roof is typically installed in a vertical line pattern running from the eave to the ridge. They feature a raised interlocking system which connects adjoining panels. This ensure that the fasteners are hidden for a sleeker look, because the fasteners are not visible most people prefer a standing seam system. Another reason a standing seam roof is desirable beyond its approved appearance, the panels require much less maintenance and a longer lifespan. Metal roofing system with exposed fasteners on their panels allow water to penetrate causing damage over time. These roofs require yearly maintenance which ends up costing more than a stand seam roof.
Type of Standing Seam Metal Roofs
How each panel is physically attached is call the attachment method, the panel attach to the roofing deck, purlins and rafters. There are two different styles of attachment: clipped and fastening flange.
Clipped: The clipped system attaches to the substructure with a heavy gauge steel clip that is designed to integrate with a male and female panel. A clipped system is typically installed over a solid deck or an open frame like on a pre-engineered metal building. These clips offer a more significant space for expansion and contraction. Because of this commercial and industrial applications with long panel runs are a better suited match. Weather tightness warranties are common with clipped panel systems based on panel design and installation.
Fastening Flange: These panels are attached directly to the roof by the fastener through the slotted flange. The following panel then snaps into the top and covers both panels with the fastening flange and a screw. This type of panel is the most affordable standing seam system but there are some limitations. This system is not suited for projects that require a weathertightness warranty and require a roof deck to be present. The slotted flange has limits on expansion and contraction unlike the clipped attachment method. Fastening flange panels are best suited for residential projects and smaller commercial buildings.
Clipped: Different than fastening flange, clipped panels attach to the substructure using a heavy steel clip with male and female legs. The clipped standing seam system are installed over a solid deck or an open frame. Some buildings that have open frames include pre-engineered metal commercial buildings and industrial buildings. The clipped system allows for contraction and expansion unlike the fastening flange system. As a result the clipped panels are best suited for long panel roofs commonly found on commercial, industrial and educational buildings. This panel design has installation requirements where weathertightness warranties are applied.
Engagement Methods
Mechanically Seamed: In this method a seaming machine is required to mechanically press the panels together for the metal roof installation. This process involves two folds pressing the panel legs together and this bond form as very strong connection. This method is most commonly used on slow slope roofs that have a high wind uplift and where weather-tightness is required. There are two types of seaming machines, single pass and bi- directional. A single pass machine can complete roughly 10 feet per minute and as you can imagine a bi-direction pass can complete about 50 feet per minute. A bi-directional seaming machine can go along the metal panels in both directions, while a single pass will only run from eave to ridge.
Snapped: In this engagement method snapped panels make use of their male/female legs and are simply snapped in place. When pressure is applied their vertical legs being positioned over one another become engaged because of the design and snap together. This can be done my just using a gloved hand or a rubber mallet can be used.
For a standing seam metal roofing system there are two different types of metal panels, symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical panels are the exact same on both sides and in comparison, the legs on asymmetrical are different. Symmetrical standing seam panels are the most popular because of their initial and long term savings. They are more economically friendly in terms of labor and the reduced chance of damage from leaking.
Asymmetrical panels need to be installed from one end of the building all the way to the other in a sequence. Compared to symmetrical panels that can be started from anywhere on the roof, making it easier to skip sections also. Asymmetrical panels are less convenient and flexible. Symmetrical panels end up have much less scrap or waste and reduced costs when being compared to asymmetrical panels. This is because symmetrical standing seam panels do not have male/female connections. These seams mirror image each other and a seam cap covers them to allow for easy removal if a replacement is needed for individual panels.
In order to replace single panel of symmetrical standing seam roofs an un-seaming machine must be used. This machine will open the cap back to the original shape leaving the panel undamaged. Once removed the panel can easily be replaced and reinstalled. With all the benefits of symmetrical seam panels you might expect them to be more expensive because they offer an easier installation, but you should always factor in building design, codes, and future building modifications.
Which Type of Metal Roof is Best?
Galvalume roofing material combines three metal, steel, aluminum and zin, and is then coated in silicone to protect it from the elements. This is the least expensive type of metal roofing and come in a large variety of colors. Galvalume is corrosion resistant, recyclable and can be installed over any roof.
Aluminum is a popular choice because it performers well in in sea and saltwater environments, and also is the most sustainable material in the world. It does the best in harsh weather conditions and is one of the most predominant metals used worldwide. Aluminum is light weight and does not rust or corrode, it has a medium price point and is readily available.
Copper is another choice for metal roofing but comes at the highest price point. It is a beautiful color and very durable, also one of the lightest weight metals but is about $1,000 per square.
If you still are not sure which metal roofing panels are best for you home or project, give us a call at Infinite Roofing and we can help you out. Standing seam metal roofs offer home and building owners all the advantages of a standard metal roof with a large variety of design and color options. If you are looking for a new roofing system that will save you money and last a very long time then a metal roof might be for you. Another advantage to choosing a standing seam roof for your home or business is that your insurance company looks favorably on them since research has shown they don’t get as damaged and are fire resistant.
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