Standing Seam vs Corrugated Metal Roof
Knowing that your roof needs to be replaced can be a harsh reality. Replacing your roof is, for so many, a high cost, which means you need to choose the right type of roof.
If you own a commercial building, you will likely have a metal roof, but there are benefits to having tops made of corrugated metal or standing seam panels. If you’re wondering which metal replacement roof is the best choice, let’s show you.
Why Metal Roofing?
Metal roofs are popular construction choices, especially in larger structures. While metal roofs are more expensive than using asphalt shingles, there are many reasons metal roofs have become more prevalent in commercial projects and residential buildings, including:
Metal roofing is lighter and is less of an issue in more extensive settings.
Metal roofs last longer and require less maintenance.
Metal roofs are energy efficient because they reflect sunlight and keep a giant building cooler.
Metal roofing is recyclable.
Metal roofs are more fire-resistant and safer as a result.
What Is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
Standing seam metal roofs have metal panels containing a hidden fastening system. A standing seam metal roof uses wide metal panels that are flat and have vertical legs, known as ribs, on each end.
The standing seam panels are fastened and hidden underneath the vertical legs, with the vertical legs closed and bound together. This is usually done through mechanical seams or a snap-lock system.
The panels and the legs are “roll-formed” by a roll-forming machine and are usually shaped for the fastening system, allowing for customization. After the metal roof is completed, a standing seam metal roof ridge vent is usually installed, which works to protect the ridge of the roof.
Of the metal roofing options, a metal standing seam roof is unique because it does not imitate any other type of roof and is hard to replicate by conventional roofing designs.
The Benefits of Standing Seam Roofs
Standing seam metal is classed as one of the more expensive roofs available and is used in commercial environments. Still, it is also becoming more popular in residential settings for the following reasons:
Efficient. Standing seam metal is one of the most efficient metals on the planet. It can be designed to reflect heat and sunshine and is a secure enough material to attach solar panels or other renewable energy sources.
Long-lasting. Metal roofs are known for their durability, and standing seam metal can be adequately maintained for a much longer shelf-life. They have been known to last up to 75 years and, in some cases, even longer.
Visually appealing. Compared to corrugated roofs, standing seam metal is more visually appealing, boasting sleek lines and flat panels, making it an ideal choice in residential settings or on commercial roofs visible from roadways.
Customizable. As standing seam panels are roll-formed, they allow for high customization in terms of their profile, fastening the material, and the aesthetic, such as the color.
No exposed fasteners or seams. Having concealed fasteners reduces leaks and greatly minimizes maintenance issues. The roofing panels are attached to the roof, and under the vertical legs, there is no exposed fastener panel.
The Cons of Standing Seam Roofing
Standing seams, much like any other construction material, can have their share of weaknesses:
The cost. Metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles, but standing seam roofing panels are some of the more costly on the market and can be up to 3 times more expensive than corrugated metal.
Potential for denting. The larger metal panels are more prone to be dented when exposed to weather conditions like hail and storms because there is less weather tightness. They could also be dented if somebody carelessly steps on them.
The fasteners require maintenance. While they are certainly one of the more durable metal roofing types out there, lasting up to 75 years or longer, they will need to be repainted several times during their life span. In addition, standing seam roofs also need to be repainted irregularly. While the fasteners are not exposed on the top, they still require checking regularly.
What Is Corrugated Metal?
Corrugated means to shape into grooves or alternate ridges. The fluted metal roofing style usually consists of metal sheets shaped with a specific pattern of ridges. Typically, they form a U-shape and are made using sheet metal coils, either aluminum or galvanized steel, and a roll forming machine shapes the panels into the set pattern.
While numerous roofing styles and patterns are available on the market, the foundation of corrugated roofing always stays the same. The corrugated panels give the metal sheets better strength than a flat panel. Therefore, this type of metal has more durability and strength, which can help reduce the overall cost.
Corrugated metal roofing sheets are typically between 2 and 3 feet wide and have panel overlap from the current outside position. Fasteners are driven through this overlapping point into the roof deck, which keeps the pin attached to the roof, which will keep the metal panels in place, so they don’t lose their overlap.
The Benefits of Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels
Corrugated panels are a prevalent roofing method, especially in commercial projects, and there are some great benefits:
Corrugated roofing is durable. When you compare corrugated panels to asphalt roofs, they are more long-lasting. Corrugated metal roofing makes roofs incredibly durable.
Efficient. Corrugated metal roofs are incredibly efficient because they can be developed to reflect heat and sunlight, making them highly beneficial in commercial settings. It is very similar to standing seam metals in this respect.
Cheap to install. Corrugated metal is a relatively inexpensive roofing material because of the long metal sheets, making it a prevalent roofing option.
The Cons of Corrugated Metal Roofing
Compared to standing seam metal, corrugated metal shingles have a few downsides:
The aesthetics. While you can customize corrugated metal roofing by painting it a different color, the U-shaped pattern doesn’t always appeal aesthetically. Some people will prefer asphalt or standing seam roofing types compared to corrugated metal roofing for this reason.
Requires more maintenance than standing seam metal. Care should be done approximately every 15 years, including recoating and recaulking. The exposed fastener systems mean every metal roofing panel is exposed to elements, so they must be watched closely generally, while corrugated metal panels can last up to 100 years.
The potential for leaks. Corrugated metal roofs have exposed fasteners, which means they are more prone to leaks and require more maintenance.
How To Decide Which One Is Right for You
While you need to consider the pros and cons of corrugated metal and standing seam metal, you may be better off understanding how you benefit from standing seam metal or corrugated metal roofing.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs Are Best for You If:
You live in an area that needs a durable roof that is weather resistant.
You need a low-maintenance roof.
You need a modern design for your roof.
You have the budget to get the most weathertight roofing panels.
It would help if you had a roof type that would work with a low-slope roof.
Corrugated Metal Roofs Are Best for You If:
You want a quick and easy installation process.
You do not want a flat roof.
You have a strict budget.
You have a low slope roof of 3 inches in 12.
Let TradeCraft Guide You Towards the Best Roofs
While there can be a lot to take in when choosing the right type of roof material, this is where the best professional roofing contractor can help you weigh the pros and cons of corrugated or standing seam metal roofing.
Hopefully, this guide gives you a basic grounding in how corrugated metal and standing seam metals could help you in your situation. Still, you now have to ask yourself several questions based on your budget, property type, and where you are.
We appreciate that choosing the right roof attachments is not something everyone has in-depth knowledge of. Still, it is essential to understand the best roofing panels and materials on the market to give your roof the best possible foundation to thrive in your location and give your home the roofing it needs.
Suppose you are looking for a professional roofing contractor to give you insight. In that case, we can conduct a complete evaluation of your roof and let you know the best type of materials for your needs and the most affordable solution. Contact us today, and we will take care of your roof.