Metal is a durable, long-lasting roofing choice that has been used for centuries in its various forms. Standing seam panels are one of the more common varieties installed by metal roof services due to the number of positive features it offers. Standing seam metal offers many important advantages when properly installed by experienced roofers and is useful in both residential and commercial installations.
Metal Durability and Maintenance
One of the main advantages of any type of metal roofing is its durability. Metal roofs are made from tin, steel, aluminum, and copper; they are long-lasting when they receive proper maintenance. Most installations done by professional roofers will last 50 years or more, with some lasting as long as a century.
Maintenance requires little more than keeping the surface clean, fasteners tight, and occasionally applying a rust inhibitor coating in some climates to prevent metal corrosion. Metal is also very durable against damage caused by hail and falling debris, although it is important to get any dented, bent, or pierced panels replaced to prevent corrosion in those areas.
Leak-Resistant Standing Seam Design
Standing seam roofs are designed to be highly resistant against the leakage that can sometimes be a problem with other systems and materials. Considering that one of the more prominent areas for leaks on metal roofs is around the seams and fasteners, standing seam systems installed by metal roof services almost eliminate this problem.
These metal panels are designed with standing edges that each lock into the edge of the neighboring panel. When correctly installed by experienced roofers, the panels fit together to create channels that shed water while the seams remain slightly raised and protected. Since all seams run vertically downward and overlap each other, there are no horizontal seams that could start leaking.
Proper Installation Is Essential
Standing seam metal systems offer the benefits of long lasting durability, leak resistance, and many other benefits of metal; however, the installation process is critical. Because they depend on slope to allow water to drain off between the seams, standing seam panels are only suitable for homes or buildings that have a minimum rise of 2:12, or 2 inches rise per 12 inches of run. They should not be used on flat buildings.
It is essential that panels are correctly interlocked and fastened for them to be leak resistant. Installation should only be done by contractors experienced with standing seam metal systems to prevent later problems. While most metal roof services should be able to install standing seam systems, contractors who work only with asphalt and have little experience in metal systems should be avoided.
When installed by qualified roofers, standing seam metal systems offer the many benefits that come with all metal systems as well as the important advantage of a leak-resistant design. Standing seam is attractive, durable, energy efficient, and cost-effective over the life of the installation, reducing the chances of damaging leaks. To learn more about standing seam metal roofing, home and building owners should contact metal roof services near them to discuss their needs and whether this type of system is appropriate!