What Is Standing Seam Metal Roof?
If you have a commercial property, you need a solid and functional building so that you can operate effectively and make money. Even if your business is mostly online or eCommerce, if you’re shipping items of some sort you need a secure location to store your goods. A roof leak means leaving your materials open to water damage, as well as having your business shut down during the extensive repair process while contractors patch the hole. When the time comes to look into roof replacement service, it may be time to consider the benefits of metal roof installation. This type of replacement service carries several benefits, but out of all of the different materials and styles, the best available option might be a standing seam metal roof. It’s a much faster and more modern option than other kinds of materials, like layered tar and gravel or corrugated metal.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Benefits
Standing seam metal roof materials are perfect for commercial properties that need their building repaired and re-opened quickly. It’s strong, durable, and easy to install while others need to be fasted in place by specialists, and are more prone to leak as a result. You may find yourself wondering “Are metal roofs cheaper?” than other, more typical options. The truth is that it really depends on the size of the building, style of roof, and total square footage that you need a new roof for. A standing seam metal roof is like other metals, like corrugated or metal shingles, in that it’s built to last, highly customizable, and resistant to storm damage, but has the added benefit of vertical seams. Now that you know some of the benefits of metal roofing styles overall, you may find yourself wondering “What is the difference between standing seam vs corrugated metal roofs?“
Standing Seam Metal Roof vs Corrugated Metal Roof
- Coating Standing seam metal roof materials usually come with a special coating to help it stand up better to the elements. The most typical is zinc, which is weatherproof, corrosion-resistant, and helps keep your roof from denting or showing signs of oil canning. You could investigate different coatings for corrugated metal panels, but if you’re going to pay more for your roof materials then you want the most durable option available.
- Installation One of the reasons for the increased cost of standing seam metal roofing, the most typical options require specialized tools and training. Corrugated metal doesn’t require much from professional contractors to install it, but improper installation can cause serious issues with your standing seam materials. That’s because exposed fasteners are much easier to reach, but are more likely to leak over time since the roof panels are screwed directly into your sheathing in multiple places. The standing seam is only fastened around the outside base of your commercial building, creating fewer points for your roof to leak.
- Maintenance While it’s true that you should have professionals inspect your roof annually, your corrugated metal needs maintenance more often than their standing seam counterparts. Typical corrugated metal roof materials need the fasteners inspected and tightened approximately every five to ten years to avoid corrosion and potential leaks. Standing seam metal roof commercial properties are more likely to last without that kind of care, as the fasteners are completely covered. That doesn’t mean that you won’t need someone to work on your new roof, but most business owners expect a more expensive material to be more durable and require less care, and this is a material that can deliver.
- Price Standing seam metal roof options are slightly more expensive than their corrugated counterparts, depending on the type of material you choose. That’s because they’re made from a typically thicker gauge of metal, making it more durable and more likely to protect your building from leaks or other damage. If you’re wondering if it’s worth the cost based on the question “How long do standing seam metal roofs last?“, then it’s important to acknowledge that with standard care your materials could last anywhere between fifty to one hundred years, meaning you would spend a fraction of the price of other options in the long-run.
- Seams The primary difference between these two options is the seam. Corrugated metal roofing is laid flat like most other materials, meaning the seams are prone to leak during inclement weather. Standing seam takes that weakness and improves on it. The different pieces are fastened together, usually by snapping them into place, making the seams vertical, raised above the roof itself, and much less likely to leak as a result.
Is a Metal Roof a Good Investment?
Now you have a handle on the benefits of standing seam metal roofing, you may find yourself asking “What are the problems with metal roofs?” Time can indeed wear down the coating on your commercial roof, it could eventually leak, corrode, or be installed incorrectly leading to all of these potential problems and even premature replacement service. But when it’s put in correctly, a standing seam metal roof has plenty of added benefits for commercial properties that other materials like corrugated metal panels and metal shingles can’t match. That’s why the most important thing you can do for your business is to hire the best available professional contractors so they can get the job done correctly and minimize the chances for errors and damage. If you’re looking for standing seam metal roofing in Sparks, NV for your business or commercial property, contact the experts of Alpine Roofing Co. by calling 775.358.7663 to schedule a consultation today!
