Standing Seam Metal Roofing Choices
A particular style of metal roofing that is gaining popularity in recent years is standing seam metal roofing. This type of metal roof is available in a variety of styles and colors and offers all of the advantages that you would expect from a metal roof. It is incredibly durable and can easily last for 50 years or more if properly installed. There is also a wide variety of color choices so it can be custom installed to match any home.
A standing seam roof can either be shipped to the home to be installed in pre-formed panels, or it can be fabricated at the home from a large roll of metal stock. Both of these methods offer advantages and depending on the style of home and type of roof, one might be chosen over the other.
Another difference between the various types of standing seam metal roofing is the way in which the panels interlock with each other. There are several different types of interlocking systems and which one is used depends on the particular installation. The most secure type of seam is the mechanical crimp seam. In this type of installation the two panels are positioned together and a mechanical crimper is used to attach the end together permanently. This provides a very good union and offers the best protection against wind lift for the roof. Because this is a bit of a time consuming process, it tends to be a more expensive installation because of the added labor. This type of installation should always be used in coastal areas or areas exposed to high winds. This seal is permanent and accommodations need to be made at the top and bottom of the panel to allow for expansion and contraction due to weather.
The next groups of seals are all “clip” style seals and the fashion in which they clip together determines their strength. Because the clip style joining is a faster process, these tend to be less expensive installations than the manual crimp style but offer less protection from excessive winds. If the installation is done on a home that does not have to contend with high winds, any of these clip solutions will offer an adequate seal. With the clip style unions, the two panels clip together at their meeting point by sliding one into the other. This type of installation has the advantage of being able to undo the joint in case a panel needs to be replaced in the future. Also because the joint can slide, it can accommodate expansion and contraction of the material due to weather. There are several styles of clip joining techniques and which one you choose determines it resistance to lifting in the wind. All of the clip styles are good for installations in low wind areas.
