What are Standing Seam Metal Roofs?

Standing Seam Metal roofs are an excellent option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs, save on maintenance costs, and live in a home that is environmentally friendly. So what are standing seam metal roofs? What types of metal roofing systems might you see if you decide to install one? What do they cost? What can these benefits mean for your bottom line and the environment as well? Read on for answers!

 

• What Is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
• Standing Seam Profile Types
• Snap-lock Profiles
• Mechanical Lock Profiles
• Batten Panel Profiles
• Nail Flange or Fastener Flange Profiles
• Panel Sizing
• Advantages of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

 

What is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?

Standing seam metal roofing is an exciting type of seam panel system used for either roofs or walls. The standing seams are raised and have the appearance when viewed from below as if they’ve been pinned in place with tacks like you would see on an old-timey leather boot. Standing seam systems typically use concealed fasteners to attach themselves where needed. It has no visible nails coming through the panels, making them visually pleasing and durable enough to last many years down the line!

If you’re looking for a roofing material that will look great and last, then standing seam is the way to go. Standing seams are constructed by connecting vertical panels together at their ends with clips or fasteners, which ensures they stay in place without any gaps. The main idea of installing a Standing Seam Roofing System should be that all visible hardware is nonexistent. This allows for seamless installation instead of other types like shingle roofs, which might have gaps between different sections when installed on uneven surfaces where there may not be enough level ground due to inclines/declines caused by steep hillsides with a higher elevation than lower areas.

Standing Seam Profile Types

Standing seam metal roofing is the most popular type of available roofing. Standing seams are not only durable but come in a variety of shapes, colors, profiles, and sizes that let you create your own style to fit any budget or project size.

Snap-lock Profiles

Snap-lock profiles consist of panels that have been carefully roll-formed with specifically shaped edges, a male and female leg. This design allows the panels to snap together during installation without needing an additional hand or mechanical seaming. The profile is secured by attaching it through a clip that attaches at one edge under the panel itself and then fastens underneath when snapped into place on both sides, securing an airtight seal between them. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find this same locking mechanism in other products like Fastener Flange Panels. However, while they share similarities, such as using clips to secure themselves onto decks, there are some key differences. Snap Lock’s allow their brackets system complete freedom from lateral movement due to simply because these snaps can be locked in place and will not move no matter what.

Snap-lock systems should only be installed on roof pitches of 3/12 and above unless otherwise approved by the manufacturer. Snap-lock panels can be used in any environment as long as it’s installed correctly. These systems require less labor and are generally cheaper to install because no mechanical seaming is required. Additionally, Engineered snap-locks deliver known performance, unlike non-engineered versions, which may not have a good track for reliability or longevity.

Mechanical Lock Profiles

Mechanical Locks are made in a variety of ways. Each panel is roll-formed with specific edges that line up with each other, and the seams can be either Single 90-degree or Double 180-degree lock types. After they engage, one hand seamer bends the edge to make them locked together. At the same time, another machine performs an additional bend for better security against tampering by human hands trying to open it without proper tools such as bolt cutters which will not work on these bolts due to extra strength provided by this second locking process.

Double lock profiles are typically used on pitches of less than 12/12, while single 90-degree locks can be used in both types. However, this type is more expensive to purchase and install because the seaming process takes longer due to requiring two roll forms per panel and special tools such as airbag systems, unlike other systems that require only mechanical fasteners like nails or screws.

While there’s no particular height restriction for this system, they should always be installed along with a ridge venting system. It’s recommended by most manufacturers that you have an equal amount of ventilation going down each side. Mechanically Seamed Systems provide superior weather protection without sacrificing energy efficiency or airflow within your building space compared to other systems. They are also the only option if your building is located in a hurricane or windstorm-prone region as they will not rattle, bow, bend, nor lose their ability to keep water out from beneath them.

Batten Panel Profiles

A batten panel profile is the same as a snap-lock profile. Still, instead of locking their panels together with fasteners, you install them over each other making sure to overlap one side onto another. Like Snap-locks, they will attach themselves automatically when installed correctly and are secured using clips that can be found on all sides, including underneath where it’s not readily visible. This system has no specific height restrictions so long as you’re alright with adding an additional layer of complexity during installation to ensure that roof decks remain undamaged while installing these systems. They should always be used along with ridge vents for proper ventilation purposes. However, unlike other types, this kind does allow some airflow through even without venting.

Batten panel roofing systems are when two legs of panels are roll-formed and butted up next to one another. Afterward, a metal cap is riveted or snapped over the legs creating an overlap seam that can be permanent or removable depending on weather conditions. There’s quite a bit of variation on how this part looks, though there are two main batten panels: Tee Seams and Snap Caps.

Tee Seams: The durability of Tee Seams makes them a great option for harsh conditions. They tend to be weather-tight and have sealant pre-installed in the cap itself, making them perfect for steep and low slope applications. The ease of maintenance is another perk as they can easily be replaced or repaired on-site with relative ease.

Snap Caps: Snap Caps are used in curved panel systems to fit the legs without mechanical sewing. This makes them an excellent choice for architectural applications, especially when combined with an existing snap-lock system that provides more of an aesthetic look than function. However, note that the performance of snap cap panel systems is dependent on correct installation—the most common problem. Especially if improperly done, the batten piece on top can slide off or down the seam. Some snap cap systems will utilize an existing snap-lock or mechanical lock system to provide the seam’s more robust architectural look. As mentioned earlier, these systems are more of aesthetics rather than function.

Nail Flange or Fastener Flange Profiles

Nail flange is similar to a snap-lock system, but it directly fastens down instead of clips attached to the roof deck. To install a nail flange panel, one must first place the fasteners into their respective female and male legs. The nails are then covered by snapping over them using the metal piece’s other leg with its own fastener holes in it.

Nail flange systems are a popular option for residential applications because they are the cheapest standing seam system. These systems, however, have limitations in length, which is 25 feet. And it only uses the head of fasteners to keep panels attached to the deck. These limitations could mean future problems as buildings grow taller or need more extensive fastening options. Furthermore, nail flanges rely solely on the head of the screw and not any other means such as bolts to keep panels attached which may become problematic later on down the line when these long-standing seams start showing signs of wear and tear from weather exposure and roof aging.

Moreover, fastener/nail flange metal roofs do not perform very well. These systems have several issues. First, they follow the imperfections of the roof deck, are pinned, and thus limited in expansion and contraction. As a result, it cannot go on low-slope applications or accept roof clamps for snow retention or solar panels. Over time, they also distort if they’re formed from a roll former as drive and forming rollers aren’t separate.

Panel Sizing

In addition to different profiles, there are varying sizes that panels can be purchased at or roll-formed on-site. Performance requirements and preferences determine the size chosen for a project. Typically this is dictated by how well it works with the profile of choice.

Seam Heights

The height of the standing seam portion on a metal roof panel is as crucial as its width. Standing seams have heights ranging from 1-3inches, with most having 2 or 1½ inch thicknesses for snap-lock systems and usually about 3 inches in commercial applications.

If we look at a seam that performs better in uplift situations, the 1.5″ Snap-Lock 550 is superior to its not-so-distant cousin, the 1.75″ Snap-Lock. The key difference between these two products is their metal legs. While both have clips for performance purposes, they differ significantly when it comes to bends of male leg-which makes them perform differently under pressure (the one with more pronounced and significant turns).

Panel Width

Standing seam metal roofs typically come in panels between 12 and 18 inches wide, with 16 being the most common width. The standard for standing seam roofing is to have seams less than or equal to 6 feet apart across a row of shingles because spacing any wider creates an impact on energy efficiency due to air infiltration (or lack of thereof). When you purchase these types of systems at big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, they may be up to 24″ in width, but this can reduce their durability as it will increase roll forming times and affect installation quality. Check your manufacturer/installer’s recommendations when purchasing thicker materials since not all machines support more than 18″.

Advantages of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

1.) One of the biggest of standing seam metal roofing is that no visible fasteners are on your structure. Fastener heads can be a concern for some, which is why it’s common to use a system like this one if you’re looking to hide them.

2) Reputable manufacturers test their standing seam metal roofing systems to the high standards set forth by the roofing industry, which means they are classified as engineered systems proven to performs in extreme weather. Having these options is crucial for hurricane and wind-prone areas.

3) Metal roofs are already a long-lasting and low-maintenance roofing solution, especially when compared to other types such as shingles or tiles. However, since fasteners don’t go through the metal surface with standing seam systems, regular repairs should still be performed by professional contractors every so often to check for loose or damaged parts.

4) Standing seam metal roofs are designed to allow for thermal expansion and contraction without pinning. This is especially beneficial if you install slider/expansion clips or use a snap-lock system, as the panels can move freely with these fasteners.

5) The weather-tight warranties provided by manufacturers of standing seam systems act as a safeguard to ensure that the system won’t fail due to weather. However, if it does fail, they are responsible for making any necessary repairs and are often only available on commercial projects.

6) The modern, sleek and clean look of standing seam roof make is becoming increasingly popular and makes it an attractive choice for architects. In addition, the metal can come in any color, including custom colors to match the structure, making them perfect architectural applications.

7) Standing seam systems are frequently made with cool roofing coil with highly reflective pigments and emissive metal. Cool roofs are incredibly efficient in dispelling heat due to the reflective and emissive pigments used.

Summary

Standing seam metal roofing is an excellent choice for virtually any building type, including commercial, residential architectural, and beyond. A standing seam roof is a durable, maintenance-free type of metal roof that can last over 30 years and provide additional energy reduction benefits. In addition, it’s often installed easily, in many cases over the existing roofing material.

Reach out to your trusted roofing contractor, ManhattanRoofingnyc.com and get started with your roofing project!