Types Of Standing Seam Metal Roofing: Pros And Cons + Cost


When you are searching for the best quality roof, a standing seam metal roof is going to be one of the top contenders. It can last up to 40 to 60 plus years while being low maintenance, weathertight, and, of course, strikingly attractive. This is why it’s used so often on residential roofs and commercial buildings.


While the decision to use standing seam might be an easy one, which type of standing seam roofing to use may require a bit more consideration. 

There are three different types of standing seam metal panel systems to choose from, along with different types of stiffening ribs or striations that can be included within them.


At Western States Metal Roofing, we manufacture all three types of standing seam metal roofing panels and are thoroughly knowledgeable in the benefits and potential drawbacks of each panel.

In this article, we will discuss: 


Types of standing seam panel systems 

Pros and cons of each system

Standing seam metal roofing cost

Different styles of stiffening ribs

By the end of this article, you will have all of the knowledge you need to decide which standing seam system is best for your roof.


 


What Is A Standing Seam Metal Roof?

Standing seam metal roofing is sheet metal that has a flat appearance in the center and vertical ribs at the panel edges. It’s the most weather-tight metal roofing system  because it’s attached with concealed fasteners.


 


What Are The Types Of Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels?

These are three types of standing seam roof systems:


Snap Lock 

Mechanically Seamed

Nail Strip/ Nail Flange

 


Benefits Of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Each of these three systems has different pros and cons, but there are some standing seam benefits that are universal.


Modern looking with clean lines and a sleek appearance.

Concealed Fasteners - Fasteners don’t penetrate the panel. This eliminates visible screw heads and screw holes, which can cause leaks.

Low Maintenance

Impact Resistant

Class A Fire Rating

100% Recyclable 

Standing Seam Metal Roofing Problems

Standing seam metal roofing is the best metal roofing system, but it has some drawbacks. Here are the problems that each of these systems has in common.


Cost - The price of standing seam is nearly double the cost of corrugated metal roofing. 

Difficult To Install

Oil Canning - The standing seam panels may have wavy and wrinkled appearance. 

Standing Seam Roofing Differences

 


Now that we have covered the similarities between the panels, it’s time to discuss the differences between these three types of standing seam metal roofing systems.


Seam heights

Panel Widths

Methods Of Fastening

Engineering

Seaming

Methods Of Installation

Pros and Cons

Cost

Snap Lock Standing Seam Roofing With Clips

The snap lock standing seam roof system consists of panels with a male and female leg that snap together. These panels are fastened to the roof with clips, and the fasteners are concealed.

Snap lock panels can be made in the following measurements:


Seam Heights: 1.5” and 1.75”


Panel Widths: 12”, 14”, 16”, 18” , Custom


Panel Lengths: Up to 52’. Lengths in excess of 52’ will have to be roll-formed on-site.


Snap lock is the most common type of standing seam roofing. Its popularity comes from being regarded as the best all-around standing seam solution when you consider the performance of the panel, cost, and easier installation than some of the other standing seam panels. 


 


What Are The Advantages Of Snap Lock Standing Seam?

Designed For Thermal Movement

Does Not Require Seaming

No Panel Seams

Cost

 


Snap Lock Panels Are Designed For Thermal Movement 

 


With temperature changes from hot to cold, metal will expand and contract. This type of roofing system is designed to allow for panel movement. The more the panel can move, the more resistant it is to oil canning.


Snap Lock Does Not Require Seaming 

 


The side lap, or overlapping, of the panels does not have to be seamed together. This allows for the panels to be installed much faster than a mechanically seamed system.


 


Snap Lock Has No Panel Seams  

The panels can be made to any sheet length, meaning that each side of the roof can be installed in one panel length. Eliminating a seam at the panel lap removes the possibility of a roof leak.


 


Snap Lock Standing Seam Cost

 


This type of standing seam is more expensive than a nail strip panel and cost less than mechanically seamed roofing panels.


Standing Seam Materials Cost - $3.00 to $5.50 Per Square Foot

Materials and Installation - $10 to $16 Per Square Foot

What Are The Disadvantages Of Snap Lock Metal Roofing?. 

Not for very low sloped roofs 

Difficult to install 

 


Snap Lock Is Not For Very Low Sloped Roofs 

Snap lock standing seam metal roofing minimum slope is 3” in 12” or greater to reduce the risk of roof leaks. This does not make it compatible with flat roofs or roofs with a very low slope. 


 


Snap Lock Standing Seam Metal Roofing Installation

While snap lock is less complicated compared to mechanically seamed, it is still a difficult roofing panel system to install correctly. When compared to most other roofing materials such as corrugated metal roofing, snap lock installations cost more because of the additional material cost and labor involved. 


DIY standing seam metal roofing installation is rarely recommended. If you are handy and want to take on the challenge, we recommend viewing our standing seam installation details and viewing our standing seam installation videos prior to starting your project. Otherwise, hiring a professional roofing contractor is normally the best option for your residential standing seam metal roof.

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