What is a Standing Seam Roof?

The standing seam metal roofing approach employs hidden fasteners that allow for clean and distinctive vertical patterns. In addition to their attractive appearance, standing seam roofs rank among the most durable and weatherproof options in the roofing industry. They are common on residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings.

Metal vs. Shingle Roofs

Whether standing seam or corrugated, metal roofs last far longer than roofs protected by traditional asphalt shingles. Coated for additional protection, a metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, as compared to asphalt roofing materials, which will last a couple of decades at best.

The Benefits of a Standing Seam Roof

When evaluated alongside traditional asphalt shingle roofs as well as other metal roofs, the standing seam metal roof offers a number of distinct advantages. Here are just a few:

1. Moisture Resistance

The invisible fasteners of a standing seam roof are exceptionally waterproof. In fact, because each metal panel is attached to the roof deck with clamps, they have no holes from nails or other fastening hardware that would otherwise allow moisture to seep through.

2. Wind Resistance

In addition to its watertight nature, the standing seam metal roof is also nearly airtight. Its concealed fastener roofing system, which features vertical or trapezoidal legs with a flat space in between, can withstand extremely high winds with no negative repercussions.

3. Snow and Ice Resistance

Consistent with its exceptional moisture and wind resistance, the standing seam metal roof is well-suited for winter climates and blizzard weather conditions. When compared to other roofing options, metal roofing is particularly resistant to snow accumulation and ice formation, allowing frozen precipitation to slide right off rather than building up to create damaging and dangerous ice dams.

4. Weight and Durability

It may seem counterintuitive given our misconceptions about the overall weight of metal, but standing seam roofs typically weigh less than roofs with asphalt shingles. Despite its relatively light weight, it is far better at standing up against natural ravages that range from hail to hurricanes. Impervious to cracking, warping, and rot, the metal panels used in standing seam roofs are among the most durable roofing components on the market today. Furthermore, the concealed fastener design of the standing seam roof keeps fasteners protected from weather elements and other factors that might cause them to fail.

5. Aesthetic Options

Because fasteners are hidden from view, standing seam roofs have a clean and appealing look. Customers can also order steel, aluminum, metal, copper, and zinc metal roofing material in a broad spectrum of widths, shapes, and colors. These various materials can cover the entire surface of a roof or provide key architectural accents over bay windows, porches, dormers, and verandas.

To Learn More

At Dutton & Garfield, Inc., we employ the #1 standing-seam roof system in the world: MR-24. If you have unanswered questions about standing-seam roofs and their various benefits, contact a skilled and knowledgeable DGI representative today.