What is a Standing Seam Metal Roof Replacement? (& 4 Things to Know)

Is it time to replace your roof? Are you looking for a great looking roof that’ll really stand out?

If so, you’re probably considering a standing seam metal roof replacement. But what exactly is a metal roof replacement? Luckily, we’re here to break it down for you.

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roof replacements, including standing seam metal roofs, in Nashville and surrounding areas since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get the most out of your new metal roof. When you work with us, you’ll never worry about your roof again. 

So, what is a standing seam metal roof replacement? Always eager to help you understand your roof investment, I’m going to answer that question and more. 

By the end of this article, you'll learn what a standing seam metal roof replacement is and 4 things you need to know about getting one. 

What is a standing seam metal roof replacement?

Before you learn what a standing seam metal roof replacement is, you need to know a little about this kind of 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. 

So, what is a standing seam metal roof replacement? A standing seam metal roof replacement is tearing off your old roofing materials down to the decking and installing all-new metal materials (metal panels, z-bar, etc.) and other crucial roofing components.

Keep in mind, just because your roof is leaking doesn’t mean it needs a replacement. To learn if you actually need one, read this article on do you really need a roof replacement. 

4 things you need to know about your standing seam metal roof replacement

Now that you know what a standing seam metal roof replacement is, there are some things you need to know about it. You need to know about the painted finish, the materials included in your replacement, and more. 

Continue reading to learn 4 things you need to know about your metal roof replacement. 

1. The painted finish on your metal roof panels 

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. 

Be aware, scratching or damaging the finish on the panels will expose the fresh steel to dew or moisture in the air, causing them to rust. This makes it crucial that your local roofing contractor takes all the proper precautions to protect the finish during installation. 

For example, every evening after finishing for the day, the roof has to be cleaned off. They can't leave cuts, little triangles, or any type of shavings on the roof because the steel will rust overnight. 

To protect your new standing seam metal roof investment, you have to hire a great local roofing contractor with a strong installation history. To help you find a great roofing contractor in your area, read this article on the top 8 questions to ask a roofing contractor.

2. The roofing materials included in your standing seam metal roof replacement

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. 

3. The process to replace your standing seam metal roof

The day your standing seam metal roof is installed is the most important day in the life of your roof. It must be installed using correct metal roofing techniques to truly give you peace of mind. But what does the standing seam metal roof replacement process look like?

The first step to your metal roof replacement is getting all the metal roofing materials delivered to your home. Then your local roofing contractor arrives on the day of your replacement and makes sure all the vehicles are moved out of your driveway or garage.

After making sure everything is clear for them to start, they’ll start setting up protection for your property and begin the tear-off process. After your old roof is torn off to a clean decking, they’ll begin installing all of your new roofing materials and your standing seam metal panels. 

Once your new roof is properly installed, your contractor will clean up your property and inspect your new metal roof to ensure the workmanship reaches the high standards you expect. 

This is a short summary of what the day of your standing seam metal roof replacement looks like. To gain a better understanding of how your new metal roof will be installed, read this article on the 6-step process to install your standing seam metal roof. 

4. How long your new standing seam metal roof will last

The lifespan of a standing seam metal roof is how many years you’ll get out of it. So, how long will your standing seam metal roof replacement last? 

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 new standing seam metal roof. Under the ideal conditions, your new standing seam metal roof could live for 50 years.

Your new standing seam roof will come with a 30-year paint warranty on your metal panels to protect your roof investment. Even though the paint has a 30-year warranty, it doesn’t mean it’s going to disappear after 30 years. 

This makes a standing seam metal roof one of the most durable roof types on the market. To learn what affects the lifespan of your new roof, read this article on how long your new standing seam roof will last. 

How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?

You just learned what a standing seam metal roof replacement is and 4 things you need to know about getting one. After reading this article, you should have a good understand of a standing seam metal roof replacement and the key things to know about it. 

But there's still one important factor we didn't cover in this article, that's the cost of a standing seam metal roof. We understand how important the price of a new roof is to homeowners. 

That's why we broke down the cost of a standing seam metal roof in another article.  

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided the residents of Nashville with high-quality standing seam metal roof replacements since 1990. We take pride in everything we do, especially our workmanship. That’s why we’re proud to offer you a lifetime warranty. 

Check out How Much a Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs to learn how much you'll have to invest in a new metal roof.