What is a Standing Seam Metal Roof? (Materials, Lifespan, & More)

Are you ready for a new roof? Do you want a metal roof system for your replacement? If so, you’re probably considering a standing seam metal roof. 

But what is a standing seam metal roof and what do you need to know about it? We’re here to break it down for you. 

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided the residents of Nashville with high-quality metal roofing services since 1990. We give you an experience rare in the industry with our workmanship and customer service. That’s why we’re proud to offer you a lifetime warranty. 

So, what is a standing seam metal roof? Always eager to help find the right roof for you, I’m going to answer that question and more. 

Continue reading to learn what a standing seam metal roof is and 3 things you need to know about it. 

What is a standing seam metal roof?

A standing seam metal roof system is a series of metal panels that are locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. 

The ribs (standing seams) are usually between 12 and 24 inches apart, depending on the length of the metal panel and the aesthetics of the structure. Standing seam panels are fastened under each of these ribs to allow the panels to glide back and forth. 

This allows the roof to expand and contract freely when it goes through thermal expansion. To go more in-depth about standing seam roofs, read this article on metal roofs: standing seam vs. screw down panels.

3 things you need to know about a standing seam metal roof

Now you know what a standing seam metal roof is. However, there are still a few things you need to know. 

Continue reading to learn 3 things you need to know about a standing seam metal roof. 

1. The roofing materials that make up a standing seam roof

A standing seam metal roof system is more than just the metal panels you see from the street. It’s made up of different metal roofing materials and components to form a complete roof system.

A standing seam metal roof system is made up of the following components:

• Roof decking: The wooden boards that make up the framing of your roof.
• Starter lock strip: Lock strips are what hold (lock) your standing seam metal panels to your roof edges and keep them from flapping in the wind or strong storms.
• Underlayment: Underlayment is usually a felt (15 lb, 30 lb, or synthetic) material used over your decking to provide additional protection. For your standing seam metal roof, your underlayment will be a self-adhering, high heat ice and water shield.
• Metal panels: The metal panels are what you see and what makes up the bulk of your standing seam metal roof. Usually, the panels are made of 24 gauge pre-finished steel with a Kynar 500 finish (painted finish that protects the steel panels and keeps the color from fading). However, you can get a different size gauge and multiple colors to choose from.
• Clips: Unseen fasteners that hold each panel to the roof deck.
• Z bar: A piece of metal flashing bent in the shape of a Z that is 1/8th of an inch taller than the ribs on your metal panels.
• Ridge capping: The trim installed at the peak where the two slopes of a roof meet.

To go more in-depth into these crucial components, read this article on what materials make up a standing seam metal roof.

2. How long a standing seam roof will last

The lifespan of a standing seam metal roof is how many years you’ll get out of it. The amount of years you’ll get out of your standing seam roof comes down to its painted finish. 

All of the major steel panel manufacturers use a patented process to apply a painted finish called Kynar 500 to standing seam metal panels. This painted finish protects your metal panels from the elements and keeps the color you choose from fading. 

Your standing seam metal roof comes with a 30-year paint warranty on the Kynar 500 finish. Even though the paint has a 30-year warranty, it doesn’t mean it’s going to disappear after 30 years. 

As long as it’s properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, there’s no reason you shouldn’t get at least 30 years out of your standing seam metal roof. Under the ideal conditions, a standing seam metal roof could last for 50 years. 

3. When you should replace a standing seam roof

A metal roof replacement never comes at the right time. But there are signs that it’s the right time to replace a standing seam metal roof. 

The first sign is when the Kynar 500 painted finish on the metal panels has reached the 30-year mark. When you see a lot of rust or the color extremely fades on your metal panels, it’s time to consider replacing your standing seam metal roof. 

Another sign is if anything damages, dents, or scratches the Kynar 500 painted finish. This could be from falling limbs or heavy hail damage. It could also be from other tradesmen walking on the roof or painters spilling paint and using chemicals to clean the paint off the panels. 

The last and most obvious sign is if something damages the integrity of your metal panels. This is usually caused by acts of God, such as strong storms, hail, and wind.

No matter what, If your standing seam metal roof’s painted finish is damaged or faded, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement.

How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?

Now you know what a standing seam metal roof is. You also learned 3 things you need to know about it. 

After reading this, you’re better prepared to decide if a standing seam metal roof is right for your roof replacement. But what else do you need to know before getting a new one?

One of the biggest questions homeowners like you have about getting a new standing seam metal roof replacement is how much it's going to cost. Unfortunately, the roofing industry doesn't like to talk about pricing. 

However, we're more than happy to answer questions about the cost of a metal roof. That's why we wrote another article about the cost of standing seam metal roof. 

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality metal roof replacements in the Nashville area since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get the most out of your new metal roof. That's why we like to say, "When you work with us, you'll never worry about your roof again."

Check out How Much a Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs to learn the budget you'll need for a new metal roof.