Metal roofing’s popularity has skyrocketed over the last five years in the residential roofing industry. With this recent rise in popularity, homeowners are asking more questions than ever to determine if it’s right for them.
However, you can’t be specific enough until one crucial question is answered, “Which metal roof is right for you?”
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in giving homeowners the power to make the right decisions by simply providing transparent information. That’s why I’ll compare the two types of metal roofs on key decision-making factors.
This article answers the following questions:
- What are the two types of metal roof systems?
- Is a standing seam or screw down metal roof right for you?
- Which type of metal roof is best for residential roofing?
What are the two types of metal roof systems?
The two metal residential roof systems are standing seam and screw down panel. So, before we get to the main comparisons, you need to know the difference between the two.
What is a standing seam metal roof?
A standing seam metal roof is a series of panels locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. The fasteners are “hidden” under the panels, which is why you’ll also hear it called a hidden fastener metal roof.
The panels are attached by clips under the ribs (standing seams), which allow the panels to glide back and forth when expanding and contracting.
What is a screw down metal roof?
A screw down panel metal roof (also called exposed fastener) is a series of panels fastened down to the decking through the metal. This metal roof gets its name because it’s literally fastened down with screws and washers that are exposed on the top of the panels.
Because the panels are screwed down, they can’t move freely when expanding and contracting. This causes the washers to wallow out, which backs the screw out of the panels over time (more on this later).
Standing seam metal roof vs. screw down metal roof
Now that you know the two types of metal roofs, you’re ready to learn how they compare on key factors. While they are both good roof systems, there are major differences that help you determine which is right for you.
The rest of the article compares the two types of metal roofs on the following:
- Oil canning
- Curb appeal
- Lifespan
- Warranties
- Maintenance
- Cost
Which type of metal roof has the potential for oil canning?
Oil canning is when metal panels bind as they try to expand and contact. The reason for the name is because it looks like a lot of cans lined up together.
It starts as large bubbles that turn into more widespread bubbling before turning into oil canning. Luckily, it’s an aesthetic issue than a functionality problem.
(Oil canning on a standing seam metal roof)
With that in mind, standing seam metal roofs can oil can while screw down panels will not. A screw down metal roof has too many ribs that make it impossible to oil can.
However, it’s very common in standing seam metal roofs when the panels are installed too tightly together before the clips are put on them. This leaves no room to expand sideways, starting the oil canning process.
Which type of metal roof has a higher curb appeal?
No matter the roofing material, a new roof is proven to raise your home’s curb appeal. However, how much it increases varies, and the two types of metal roofs are no different.
(Standing seam metal roof)
Even though it’s somewhat subjective, a standing seam metal roof offers higher curb appeal than a screw down metal roof. This is simply due to its clean look because its fasteners are hidden instead of exposed on the top.
(Standing seam metal roof)
However, standing seam metal roofs are also better for premium metals like copper, stainless steel, zinc, etc. After all, you’re not going to invest in an expensive metal option just to screw through it.
Which type of metal roof lasts longer?
While there’s ROI on a new metal roof when selling your home, the other form of return is its lifespan. However, the lifespans of the two types of metal roofs are very different.
Properly installed with no maintenance, a screw down metal roof should last 20 years. With maintenance, you could stretch it up to 30 years.
On the other hand, you should get at least 30 years out of a standing seam metal roof. In the right conditions, you could even get up to 50 years.
As long as it’s properly installed and the painted finish is protected during installation, a standing seam metal roof will be the last roof you’ll ever need.
Which type of metal roof has better warranties?
Both types of metal roofs come with a material warranty on the paint applied to the metal panels. This painted finish protects the panels from the elements and keeps the color you choose from fading.
A screw down metal roof’s paint warranty depends on the painted finish a specific manufacturer applies. So, it’s hard to put a number of years on its material warranty.
All steel standing seam metal roofs come with a Kynar 500 painted finish that’s warranted for 30 years. While the painted finish is only covered for 30 years, it doesn’t just disappear after 30 years.
Keep in mind this is for steel panels, the most commonly used metal for metal roofing. So, there won’t be a material warranty on copper or another premium metal because there’s no painted finish.
Which type of metal roof requires less maintenance?
Every roof needs maintenance to keep it fully functioning throughout its life. Both types of metal roofs need maintaining, but a screw down metal roof needs much more than a standing seam metal roof.
A standing seam roof only needs periodic maintenance around the penetrations (vent pipes, gas pipes, etc.), clear it of sitting debris, and cleaning (this one is a personal choice). On the other hand, a screw down metal roof needs maintenance to replace the screws.
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(Screws backing out a screw down meal roof)
This is due to pressure applied to the screwed down metal panels as they go through thermal expansion, which causes the screws to wallow out the holes in the washers. You’ll have to periodically replace (every 5-10 years or so) the screws before leaks show up or a strong storm tears the roof off completely.
How much do the two types of metal roofs cost?
Both types of metal roofs will be an investment, but a standing seam metal roof is much more expensive than a screw down metal roof. A screw down metal roof will cost around $4.50 per square foot, while a standing seam metal roof will cost around $15.00 per square foot.
This large cost difference mainly comes down to higher labor and material costs due to requiring a thicker gauge of metal, more components, and more skillful installation. The truth is that most homeowners don’t have the budget for a standing seam metal roof.
But if you do, almost zero maintenance and peace of mind for the next 50 years is worth the large investment. And if you can’t afford a full roof system, it’s also a great choice to accent certain areas on an asphalt shingle roof.
Which type of metal roof is best for residential roofing?
In my opinion, a standing seam metal roof is by far the better metal roofing option. But the truth is, each type of metal roof is a good option for residential roofing in the right situation.
I always recommend a standing seam metal roof if you’re installing it over a heated space. This is simply because of a screw down metal roof’s lack of expansion capabilities.
The more the metal panels heat up and cool down, the more the pressure builds to wallow out the screws. This means paying to replace the screws quicker and more often, which makes the potential for leaks higher.
If you want this type of metal roof system, I recommend only installing it over a carport, garage, back screened-in porch, barn, or anywhere that’s not a living or workspace.
Is a metal roof right for you?
After reading this article, you now know how the two types of metal roofs compare on key decision-making factors. I also gave you my professional opinion on the right situation for each.
As I said, both metal roof systems are great options when installed and maintained correctly. So, pick the one that’s right for you because there’s really no wrong decision.
But what if you’re still on the fence, worried about budget, or just want another option to compare metal roofing to? All of these questions can be answered by comparing a metal roof to the most commonly used roofing material currently in the United States, asphalt shingles.
Check out Asphalt vs. Metal: Which Roof is Right for You to ensure you make the best choice for your roof replacement.
