The use of metal on roofs goes back hundreds of years. It was commonly seen on barns, commercial buildings, or storage sheds. It seemed like a far-removed concept, not so much in the realm of a residential building or your white picket fenced American Dream home. Yet, in recent years, metal has become a favored material for residential roofs. The sleek and contemporary look of metal has won over homeowners of many ages, as they search for a roofing material that is more hassle-free, eco-friendly, and long-lasting.
You’ve likely seen one or two metal roofs pop up in your neighborhood or a nearby street. It’s no coincidence that this material seems to be experiencing a surge in popularity, as it has proven itself to be quite loyal, long-lasting, and very attractive.
Why Homeowners Are Making the Move to Metal Roofs
Many homeowners simply revert to the most common roofing option: shingles. Yes, this is still the most common option for homeowners out there and certainly has its benefits but there has been a surge of interest in metal as a roofing material. There are several reasons for this:
- Longevity: Life expectancy is perhaps the biggest reason for most people. Metal roofs can last up to fifty years. Common asphalt shingles mean that you will likely be re-roofing your house every twenty or so years. If you have purchased a home recently and found out it needed a new roof, a full roof installation will cost you and will re-cost you in about twenty years’ time, less depending on weather and climate.
- Energy-efficient: The roof is the first barrier between your home and the sun’s rays. If you live in El Paso, you know that the sun does not forgive in those summer months. Metal roofs are great at reflecting the sun’s UV rays, saving you up to 40% in energy costs. Metal roofing systems also provide excellent insulation.
- Contemporary look. In addition to the practical aspects of these roofs, metal has become a popular material because of its aesthetic characteristics. It adds a kind of a futuristic allure to a home, a fashionable and modern flare that is not there with traditional shingle roofs.
Elements of the Standing Seam Roof
And yet, when people say metal roof, they might be talking of a variety of different styles. Metal roofing actually refers to a wide spectrum of roofing options. Over the years, the standing seam roof has been the preferred choice of the homeowner. There’s a couple of reasons for this:
- Contemporary style and look
- Aesthetic appeal
- Long-lasting
- Energy efficient
A standing seam roof refers to the type of metal roofing where the seam is raised or standing. When looked at from the ground, for example, there are a few vertical lines that run down the roof slope—the seams—that give the roof a very uniform and refined look.
The uniform panels will run down from the ridge of the roof down to the eaves. Between these panels are the seams that are raised above the panel height. The main advantage of raising the seams is that you are raising it above water level, which makes it very effective for driving out moisture in the vulnerable part of the roof. The standing seam roof is often described as having raised seams—hence the name.
The Choices and Variety With Standing Seam Roofs
Homeowners like choice and variety. Standing seam roofing offers just that. In fact, one of its biggest selling points is that homeowners get to choose from different styles of panel profiles. A roofing expert can advise you as to what might be the best choice for you. The most common include:
Snap-lock: This name is derived from panels that have been fitted to snap together without mechanical seaming during installation. These are less labor-intensive to install but must be properly installed in order to provide full functionality.
Mechanical lock: This refers to mechanically sealed panels that are also roll-formed and line up with each other.
Batten Panel: These panels lock together and form a slight T shaped at the seams where the two legs of the panels are roll-formed and fitted next to each other. There, a metal cap goes over to form the seam, these are often called Tee seams because of the shape they form.
There are many key advantages to standing seam roofs.
- High seams are great for moisture resistance
- In total there are fewer seams throughout the whole roof
- The design and material guarantees a longer roof life
It is important to note that although metal roofs have gotten quite a lot of attention lately, not many roofers out there are actually qualified to install these bad boys. Metal roofs and depending on the type of panel you choose must be installed properly in order to ensure the longevity of the roof.
Get Roofing Specialists for Your Metal Roof
Installation is key. Here at Roof Toppers, we are highly qualified and experienced at installing a variety of metal roofs and ensuring the proper fitting and end result. Don’t go out on a limb for a metal roof without trusting your roofing company. Call us today. We’ll answer your questions.
