Experts have predicted that metal roofing shipments will reach more than $14.4 billion in revenue by 2024. With the multiple benefits that metal roofing can bring to a residence, this popularity seems reasonable. If you choose metal roofs such as a standing seam metal roof, you can benefit as well.
However, upon searching for standing seam metal roofs, you’ll notice a variety of styles. As a result, you may feel overwhelmed when trying to choose the right one for your residence. If so, read on to learn some tips that can help you through this process.
What Are Standing Seam Metal Roofs?
A standing seam metal roof is different from a roof with metal shingles in a few ways. The first is that the former roofing style uses metal panels rather than shingles. These most often come in the form of long and narrow sheets of metal with folded vertical sections on the left and right.
Another difference has to do with how roofers install each roofing type. They often place metal shingles in rows. They will then layer another row on top of the first one and keep doing so with subsequent rows until they reach the roof’s apex.
In contrast, when installing standing seam metal roof panels, the roofers place the panels from right to left or left to right. After roofers place each panel, they secure it to the roof with a series of fasteners. They then hide these fasteners when they place the next panel down and connect it to its neighbor.
Essentially, these panels can interlock with their neighbors like puzzle pieces. The result is that the roof appears to be a complete piece.
Consider the Cost
It’s best to set a budget before you shop for this roof type. This will keep you from wasting time choosing the best roof only to find you can’t afford it.
Make sure that you consider what factors into a residential standing seam metal roof cost as you do this. Depending on your situation, you may need to pay a certain amount for safety and cost-effectiveness. If you find you can’t afford this base cost, consider choosing another roof type.
For example, you likely can’t change the size of your roof. Even if you choose the cheapest material, there’s still a baseline cost. Make sure that it is affordable to you.
Also, consider the fact that cheaper materials come with many downsides. Decide if paying a cheaper price is worth paying what you can afford. If it isn’t, try saving up for a future purchase.
On top of this, there are many other additional costs. Roofers may need to remove your old roof before installing standing seam metal roof panels. If your roof is old, they may need to perform repairs so that it won’t collapse under the new material.
Consider the Color
Standing seam metal roofing comes in a variety of colors. The best one for you depends on what you value most.
You can, for example, choose a color that best matches your home’s outer decor. This can give your home better curb appeal. It may also raise its value.
However, by focusing on this aspect alone, you may miss out on some benefits. Certain standing seam metal roof colors can make your home more or less comfortable. This is because some colors absorb and/or reflect light better than others.
Darker colors, such as black, absorb sunlight. Therefore, choosing a dark color will cause light and heat to enter your home. This will keep it warmer.
The opposite is true for lighter colors. They reflect light and will keep your home cooler.
Therefore, check your local climate. Ask yourself if it would be more beneficial to have a warmer or cooler home based on your area. Then, choose the appropriate color for your metal roof.
Consider the Type
As different metals have pros and cons, so do the different styles of standing seam roof panels. There are a few features that differ from panel to panel. Each style can have a different thickness, locking system, and pattern.
Thicker types of panels have more durability. If you use them for your standing seam metal roof, it will last longer. However, as manufacturers use a greater amount of material to make them, they will cost more.
Every base standing seam metal panel has a similar appearance. However, you can place striations on top of the panels. These come in a variety of different appealing patterns and can enhance the appearance of your roof.
As for locking systems, there are four different types. These are the snap-lock, mechanical seam, batten panel, and nail flange.
Snap-locks have the benefit of taking a shorter time to install. This is because contractors don’t have to use specialized tools to lock them together. However, roofers cannot install them on steep-sloped roofs.
Mechanical locks often work better in cold and high-wind conditions. This is because, unlike snap-locks, they’ll stay linked together despite the metal shifting with the temperature. However, they will require more time to install.
Roofers push batten panels together and then lock them with metal caps. They work well no matter the slope. However, if roofers place the top cap incorrectly, it can fall off the roof.
Finally, there are the nail flanges. These are the cheapest type of standing seam metal roofing. However, they’re difficult to snap together and can distort with time.
Be sure to look up all the features of these panel types. Then, consider which one will fit your needs.
Consider Hiring Us to Install Your Roof
After doing all of your own research, consider asking a local roofing expert for their recommendations. You can tell them about your situation and your expectations for the project. The roofer will then give you some recommendations for standing seam metal roofs.
Also, while you’re shopping around for roof installers, consider us. We provide high-quality, reliable roofing services to multiple Illinois cities. Besides roof installation, we also offer roofing repair, replacement, and more.
Contact us now for a free inspection and price quotation.