Metal Roofing or Standing Seam is the oldest most common roofing material in history. In the 3rd century BCE, Copper roof shingles were installed at the Lovamahapaya Temple in Sri Lanka.
Advantages to Standing Seam
Weathertight Warranties
The warranties are offered by reputable manufacturers assuring the roofing system to not leak or fail during specific weather conditions. If it does then the manufacturer will remediate the issue. Note: Weathertight Warranties are available for commercial projects only.
No Exposed Fasteners
Standing Seam components must be designed to work together as an entire unit. Standing seam panels are the highest grade panels with PVDF-coated metal which is the most commonly specified and installed material in the architectural standing seam metal roofing industry. SMP Coating is also used and referred to as a silicone-protected or siliconized polyester which is an architectural paint system used to coat metal sheet and coil products. Standing Seam is the highest performing in mountain states because all the fasteners are concealed so there’s no exposure to UV degradation and the harsh elements. Standing Seam Roofs are commonly used in high wind regions such as Florida, Colorado, Texas, Montana, Georgia, North Carolina, Wyoming, Mountain Regions and Hurricane states.
Allows for Thermal Movement
When the expansion and contraction needed for proper thermal movement of a metal plane, then problems happen such as oil canning, fastener withdrawal, increased noise and more. In standing Seam roofing systems, the panels generally aren’t double pinned when installed to manufacturing specifications. Meaning they can expand and contract better. This is especially accurate when slider expansion clips are installed or if it’s a snap lock system where the metal can move freely with the clip.
Longevity
Metal Roofing lasts significantly longer and requires less maintenance, especially when compared to other roofing types and systems such as asphalt shingles, tile and synthetics. Since fasteners don’t penetrate the surface of the metal on a standing seam system, regular maintenance to check for withdrawing loose or damaged fasteners is far less frequent than exposed fastener. However, maintenance on a standing seam roof system is still essential and should be performed by your contractor who installed it.
Sleek and Consistent
Standing Seam is becoming increasingly more popular in architectural applications because of its clean look.
Non-Penetrating Mounting Options
One of the best parts about standing seam is the option to mount items such as solar panels, snow retention systems, swamp coolers and other rooftop additions without penetrating or making any hole in the roof.
Disadvantages of Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Higher Cost
One of the most significant drawbacks to standing seam metal roofing if the fact that it can be more expensive when compared to other metal roofing types especially exposed fastener systems. However standing seam metal roofs are not always the highest priced roofing materials.
Less Qualified Contractors Available
Finding a contractor who is qualified in standing seam installations is imperative because standing seam installations require careful craftsmanship. Since these systems are quite complicated and tedious, there are few contractor to choose from who have a proven track record with relevant experience.
Labor Intensive Process
For exposed fastener systems it’s a relatively simply process to install of placing the material on the roof deck then screwing it in place. For Standing Seam, its a much more complicated and complex labor intensive process that may include:
- Forming the metal panels on site
- Correctly Spacing the clios on the panel legs and fastening each one down
- For Snap Lock Systems, Aligning the panels and snapping the locks together
- For mechanically fastened systems, aligning the panels and hand or mechanically seaming the panels legs together.
- Making necessary adjustments and slits in the metal to account for roof plans, geometry, and flashing areas.
- Not suited for flat roofs.
- Harder to repair and or replace. If damage or another issue occurs with one panel or a smaller section of the roof, then it can be difficult to efficiently replace because each individual panel must be separated from the panels staying on the structure. The process is tedious as each panel will need to be un-seamed and the sealant will also need to be removed and broken through.
Exposed Fastener Roof Panels
Very Different from Standing Seam. While each system utilizes some of the same materials and ultimately performs identical functions of covering and protecting structures, standing seam and exposed fastener are entirely different systems that are drastically different in their benefits and drawbacks. One of the most significant benefits of exposed fastener roofs is that they are less expensive. There are many reasons for this:
Wider Panels (Up to 36”)
Fewer metals panels need to be purchased. Less labor intensive because fewer panels cover roof faster.
Thinner Gauge Panels: 26 – 29 Gauge
Lower Quality Paint Systems
Polyester and Silicone Modified (SMP) paint systems are popular choices for exposed fasteners because they are less expensive than Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) paints typically used on standing seam.
Less Accessories to Purchase
Exposed fasteners are directly fastened to the decking through the metal so there’s no necessity to buy clips.
No Seaming Required
Exposed fastener systems do not require hand or mechanical seaming of the two panels. Most systems use a lap seam where the edges of each panel overlap the one adjacent to it and are then fastened down together at the same time which is why it’s less labor intensive and doesn’t require the higher craftsmanship skill level as standing seam.
UV Degradation
A major fastener issue for exposed fastener systems is that the gasket will degrade quickly as it’s exposed to the elements. Yearly maintenance is required in mountain regions and hurricane salt water regions.
Incorrect Fastener Installation
With thousands of penetrations on your roof there is a high opportunity for improper installation of these fasteners which is another way for air and water to penetrate any structure. These include, overdriving the fastener, underdriving the fastener, and angling the fastener.
Exposed Fastener High Maintenance Required
When compared to standing seam, exposed fastener roofs require frequent maintenance that include:
- Removing leaves and sticks
- Cleaning out any gutters and drains
- Cleaning dirt, mildew, stains, and other elements off the surface
- Checking for scratches, scuff, caulking, fading and flaking
- Looking for spots where dissimilar metals may be in contact
- Making sure all of the foam closures, which are common with exposed fastener systems are still in good condition.
- Ensuring that the lapped spots are still watertight and in good condition
- No Weathertight Warranties
- No Slow Slope Structures
- Less Sleek Look
Stone Coated Steel
Stone coated metal roofing combines the strength of granite and steel with the traditional styles of shingles, shakes, and tiles to deliver a superior weather-resistant system that improves any property’s value. Stone coated steel shingles and tiles start with a 26 gauge galvanized steel sheet. Multiple layers are added to maximize a stone coated steel roofing installation’s ability to resist winds up to 120 mph and hailstones the size of tennis balls. The layered material includes a zinc coating, epoxy primer, high-temperature sealant, and granite chips. The stone coated steel tile and shingles are then covered with an acrylic overglaze that can be selected in an array of aesthetically pleasing colors.
Stone coated steel roofing systems are considerably lighter than cement, asphalt, and slate, reducing the stress on rafters and support infrastructure. Unlike some other metal installations, the fasteners are concealed under the shingles or tiles as they overlap on the slope.
Able to deter UV rays while offering a Class A fire rating, a stone coated steel roof installation remains a preferred energy-efficient and sustainable opportunity. Stone Coated Steel is also Class 1 Impact rated and can withstand hail up to 3 inches or size of a tennis ball making it a first choice in hail states. Stone coated steel roofing panels are proven to resist wind speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour when fastened properly, making the roofing solution ideal in regions where high winds occur, such as Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean coastal markets. It also functions extremely well in high mountain regions such as Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada and Arizona.
Stone Coated Steel comes in multiple profiles. It’s highly durable and doesn’t require snow retention. Stone coated steel comes in 3 foot sections and is installed in 2 ways:
Direct to Deck
Meaning to install the material directly to the decking of the roof and over the underlayment as other roofing materials are installed.
Batten System
A batten system is installed into the decking or sheathing and above the underlayment on the roof which achieves higher energy efficiency and higher rate of wind resistance. The primary role of roof battens is to provide a secure fixing point allowing the roof tiles or stone coated steel panels to be nailed in place. The air space below the metal tile heats up, rises to the ridge to escape before the attic or any dead air space has a chance to enter that space. This air movement serves to keep the home cooler.
Purlin System
A “purlin” system are horizontal structures on a metal roof. Primarily used in commercial grade buildings, however purlins are also used in residential structures that are commercial grade. A purlins primary purpose is to protect the struts installed cross metal buildings. Purlins are applied directly onto the roof rafters, extending perpendicular between them, while a “roof batten” is nailed to roof sheathing or applied over a current roof for installation of new roof.
Components of a Stone Coated Steel Roofing System
A stone coated steel roofing installation typically involves laying down a series of battens or attaching the tiles directly to the roof deck. In a batten installation, slim lumber is attached to the roof deck to create a horizontal network to fasten the shingles, tiles, or shakes down. Each length of stone coated roof material interlocks with the one next to it. A layer overlaps the top so that rain, moisture, and debris can effectively flow to the gutters. A direct installation involves fastening the stone coated steel to the roof deck without the added batten system.
This process generally lowers the labor and, to some degree, the materials costs of the installation. A direct to deck stone coated steel roof installation is generally best suited to areas that see little high-wind activity. That’s largely because a batten installation usually improves wind resistance. Each stone coated steel roofing installation requires a secure roof deck, water-resistant underlayment, flashing, and sealants.
Zinc Roofs
The first application of Zinc Roofs as a roofing material is St Barthelemey Church in Leige in 1811.
Zinc Roofs will last over 100 years when properly installed. Zinc Roofs are highly rust resistant and will look the same for decades to come.
Once a zinc roof is installed, there isn’t much else to do.
120 Volt and 240 Volt Heat Cable
Heat cable is highly beneficial around any openings on the roof and throughout the eaves. Where roofs get into trouble is turning the heat cable off and on during the winter which then leaves the roof vulnerable to more temperature fluctuations. Cheap heat tapes from the hardware store will have a high failure rate. Many property owners will install a dedicated grid for their 240 Volt heat cable which makes a massive difference in preventing and mitigating ice dams.
Hot Edge Roof Ice Melt Systems – Denver Colorado
UL Listed Ice Melt System. This system works. It’s more costly and is installed in prominent resorts and homes.
