Asphalt roofing is the standard when it comes to residential roofing. However, some homeowners want more curb appeal and durability for their roof replacement.
This is where a standing seam metal roof comes in. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t know what goes into a standing seam metal roof replacement or what to consider before getting one.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in helping homeowners find the right roofing material for their replacement. So, let’s start by learning what a standing seam metal roof replacement is.
This article covers the following:
- What is a standing seam metal roof replacement?
- 6 things to know before getting a standing seam metal roof replacement
What is a standing seam metal roof replacement?
A standing seam metal roof replacement is tearing off your old roof down to the decking before installing standing seam metal panels and other crucial roofing components.
The metal panels make up the bulk of your roof, while the others come together to lock it in and prevent leaks. The following materials will be included in your standing seam metal roof replacement:
- Roof decking
- Starter lock strip
- High heat ice and water shield
- Metal panels
- Clips
- Z bar
- Transition metal (if applicable)
- Ridge capping
Everything above must be included in every estimate you get from potential roofing contractors. If even one material or component is missing, I guarantee you won’t get the most out of your standing seam metal roof.
6 things to know before getting a standing seam metal roof replacement
Now you know what a standing seam metal roof replacement is. Unfortunately, simply knowing what it is won’t help you decide if it’s the right roofing material for you.
So, let’s dig deeper into what you need to know before getting a standing seam metal roof.
1. There are multiple metal types to choose from
Most standing seam metal roofs are steel, but there are multiple types of metal to choose from. The great thing is that there’s not really a bad choice, but certain metals are better for certain climates and situations.
Even though you have plenty of choices, there are 5 popular types of metals used in residential roofing.
Below are the most common types of metal used for metal roofing:
- Steel metal roofing
- Aluminum metal roofing
- Copper metal roofing
- Stainless steel metal roofing
- Zinc metal roofing
You’ll choose based on budget, personal style preferences, and how much life you want to get out of your metal roof. However, you’ll also need to consider how certain metals react to different climates.
2. You’ll hear noise when it rains
One of the biggest things homeowners don’t consider before getting a standing seam metal roof is the noise rain makes when hitting the panels. Solid roof decking helps dull some noise because the wood (decking) between the metal panels and your ceiling absorbs it.
However, adding wood fiber insulation boards is the best way to absorb the sound of rain hitting the metal. But even this won’t completely block out a heavy downpour.
No matter what, you’ll hear some noise when it rains if you go with a standing seam metal roof.
3. Oil canning can occur on standing seam metal panels
Oil canning is an aesthetic issue that occurs when standing seam metal panels are fastened too tightly together. This still gives the metal panels room to expand longways, but there’s no room for them to expand sideways.
While it doesn't cause functionality problems, it creates an aesthetic issue that some homeowners don’t like. It starts with “bubbling” before turning into a wavy look on the metal standing seam metal panels.
If curb appeal and aesthetics are big decision-making factors, just keep in mind that oil canning is possible.
4. A standing seam metal roof is virtually maintenance-free
Every roofing material needs maintenance, but the amount and how often it’s needed varies. One of the biggest benefits of a standing seam metal roof is that it’s virtually maintenance-free.
The only major maintenance required after installation is checking around penetrations such as vent pipes, gas pipes, etc. Cleaning the panels is the only other general maintenance needed, which is a personal choice.
However, I still recommend getting a standing seam metal roof checked every year or two. This will catch potential problems, clear sitting debris that could cause damage, and ensure you get the most out of your investment.
5. How long a standing seam metal roof lasts
As long as it’s properly installed, a steel standing seam metal roof should last at least 30 years. In ideal conditions, it could get up to 50 years.
Steel panels specifically have a painted finish called Kynar 500 to help a standing seam metal roof reach this long lifespan. The painted finish even comes with a 30-year warranty to ensure the metal panels last.
The great thing is it doesn’t just disappear after 30 years. This makes a standing seam metal roof one of the most durable and longest-lasting roofing materials available.
How much does a standing seam metal roof replacement cost?
You just learned what a standing seam metal roof replacement is and the 5 things you need to consider before getting one. By considering everything in this article, you’re able to decide if it’s the right roofing material for your upcoming roof replacement.
However, there's one crucial consideration we didn't cover: cost. Pricing is the biggest concern for most homeowners when it comes to a roof replacement.
And no matter how much you want one, a standing seam metal roof replacement doesn’t fit most budgets. But you won’t know if it doesn’t until you learn how much it actually costs.
That's why I wrote another article breaking down how much you can expect to pay for a standing seam metal roof.
Check out How Much a Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs to learn the cost of replacing your roof with metal.
