What is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?

Standing seam metal roofing has recently become popular because of its superior qualities to bear harsh weather, modern and sleek look and durability. But how much do you know about standing seam metal roofing?

What is standing seam metal roofing?

It is a concealed fastener metal panel system that has vertical legs and a broad and flat area between the legs. It can also be described as having vertical legs that is raised above the panel’s flat area. Standing seam can either be used for metal roofing or metal walls. The fastener is hidden in this type of roofing.

Types of Standing Seam

The main selling point of standing seam metal roofing is the choice the customers get based on the length, width, shape, profile, shape and thickness. Some of the popular types and their usage are mentioned below-

Panel Profiles

This refers to the shape and the way the panels are seamed together. The profile is chosen based on the type of roof and its steepness. The panel profiles that make up the standing seam category include-

1. Snap Lock

This does not require mechanical seaming during the installation. These profiles consist of panels that are attached to the roof deck with a clip that is attached to the seam and fastens beneath the panel. The snap locks can be installed in any environment when installed correctly.

2. Mechanical Lock

These panels are roll formed with edges that line up with each other. When the two panels are engaged, a hand seamer is used to bend the edges and lock the panels. There are two types of mechanical seams-

• Single lock 90 degree seam
It refers to one fold or 90 degrees of the seam.

• Double lock 180 degree seam
It has two folds or 180 degrees of the seam. It can bear the weather better than a single lock system.

3. Batten Panel

Here two legs of the panels are roll formed and butted up next to each other. To create a seam, a metal cap goes over the legs. There are two types of the part that goes over the legs-
• Tee Seam
These perform well in harsh environments because they mechanically seam into place. They are more resistant to bad weather conditions as compared to snap cap batten panels.

• Snap Cap
They snap over the panel legs without mechanical seaming. They are more often used in the curved panel applications. Their performance is mostly based on the way they are installed. If improperly installed, the batten piece on top can slide off the seam.

4. Fastener Flange

Through one of the legs of the metal panel, it is directly fastened down to the deck. When the fasteners are in place, the other leg snaps over the former leg which hides the fastener head. This is the most popular standing seam among residential homes because they are extremely affordable. However, they are not the best performing systems and may frequently require Roof Maintenance.

Benefits of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

1. No exposed fasteners

Since the fasteners are hidden, they are not exposed to wind, moisture and UV rays. These elements would have otherwise caused wear and tear over time. They also do not put holes in the panels that protect the structure of your house.

2. Thermal Movement

The panels can expand and contract better because they are not pinned generally. For instance, the snap lock system can move freely with a clip.

3. Durability

The frequency to check for roof maintenance is less as the fastener does not go through the metal’s surface.

4. Sleek and modern look

The metals come in virtually any color that also includes custom colors so that they match the structure where they are used.

5. Efficient energy

Standing seam is made with cool roofing coil that is highly emissive metal. They excellently reflect the sun’s rays and dispel any associated radiant heat that many other roofing types may retain.

6. Material options

Standing seam profiles have many viable options of aluminium, zinc and copper. When looking for material, ensure that it is an energized system.

The variety of options for standing seam metal roofing makes it an excellent choice for any building type be it residential or commercial.