Snap Lock Standing Seam Metal Roofing
What are they and how are they made?
Snap lock standing seam metal roofs have recently become more popular than ever before in residential building for their durability and modern aesthetic.
A standing seam roof is a metal roofing system composed of continuous interlocking panels running from the ridge of the roof to the eaves. The seams create a distinctive modern look, recognizable by it’s vertical lines. Many residential standing seam metal roofs are designed to operate as watershed systems.
Residential standing seam panels are are typically made from painted galvanized steel or pre-painted aluminum. You can also find panels made of copper, or zinc, but these premium metals are far less common.
Pros:
Leak-free: Unlike asphalt shingles, standing seam roofs do not have horizontal seams, therefore there is no opportunity for ice dams or wind driven water to breach the panels and leak into your home. These roofs have been designed to shed ice, snow, and heavy rainfall.
Energy Efficient: Standing seam roofs reflect solar radiation, keeping your home cool, and reducing the load on your HVAC equipment. In the winter, standing seam roofs will insulate the home, reducing the amount of heat lost and thereby lowering your heating costs. You could save hundreds of dollars a year by reducing your utility costs by up to 25% compared to asphalt shingle roofs.
Long-lasting Protection: A standing seam roof will last over 50 years, with virtually no maintenance. These roofs will not catch on fire, crack, shrink, erode, or perforate. These roofs are also resistant to termite infestation and mold/mildew build-up.
Environmentally Friendly: A metal roof is the most sustainable, green choice in roofing material. Standing seam roofs are made from a minimum of 25% recycled metal content, and are 100% recyclable at the end of their service lives. This means that your roof will never end up contributing to the overflow of landfills.
Lifetime Value: A Standing seam roof will boost your home’s resale value. Its unique and modern design will keep its curb-appeal. The added value in energy efficiency and lifetime maintenance-free functionality is universally appreciated.
Cons:
More difficult to install: Standing seam is one of the most difficult and time-consuming types of metal roof to install. It is critical that you hire a qualified team of professionals to correctly install your standing seam metal roof.
Price: Like other metal roofing options standing seam metal roofs require a significantly higher initial investment that will pay for itself over the life of your home.
Less variety in design: Standing seam roofs are only available in a few, very specific color palettes.
Estimated lifetime:A standing seam roof may be the last roof you will ever need to install on your home, lasting over 50 years, with virtually no maintenance. You will never have to worry about this roof catching on fire, cracking, shrinking, eroding or perforating. Your roof will also be resistant to termite infestation and mold and mildew build-up. Throughout its long service life, a standing seam roof will retain its strength and curb appeal.
In a Nutshell: While the initial investment for a metal roof is higher than most other roofing materials, you’ll save money over the life of the home. Standing seam roofs will last a lifetime and can positively influence the resale value of your home while lowering your homeowner’s insurance and energy costs.
Fun Fact:
- Standing seam roofs are ideal for integrating Solar Panels. You can either outfit your new metal roof with thin-film PV solar roofing laminates, or attach photo-voltaic, crystalline solar panels to your roof. This system can attach directly to the seams of the roof, without requiring penetrations. Combining metal roofing with solar panels, you’ll be investing in a truly green home, and generating clean renewable energy!
