What Makes Modern Metal Roofing Last Longer Than Traditional Roofing Systems?

Why More Property Owners Are Choosing Metal Roofs Today

There‘s a good reason you‘re finding an ever-increasing amount of metal roofs on homes,  stores, warehouses and even business complexes. They just last longer under many conditions. Wind, rain, sun, snow in an outlying state. A properly installed standing seam metal roof installation provides property owners with one thing that other roofing products can‘t; peace of mind that the roof isn‘t going to end up as a big headache a few years down the road.

That doesn‘t mean 100 percent of all metal roofing is created equal.  You need a good installation.  You need good panels.  The type of screw,  the type of clip,  the quality of the underlayment,  each detail in flashing can make a huge difference. People sometimes get caught up in a price,  and they forget that roofing truly is an investment. Saving money today doesn‘t always save money five years down the line.

The final thing to discuss is energy efficiency. Metal tends to reflect heat rather than absorb it like asphalt shingles. Metal lends itself quite well to the use of good metal building insulation,  making it much easier to keep the building comfortable year round. Heating and cooling units don‘t have to work as hard,  and those savings quickly add up on the monthly utility bills.

Understanding How Standing Seam Roofing Actually Works

First impression,  a standing seam roof is very simple. Long vertical panels.  Elevated seams.  Sleek.  However a sleek exterior hides a roof construction meant to resolve many of the challenges inherent in older style roofs.

Compare that to most standing seam systems that are designed so that one does not have to put thousands of screws right out in the weather. When you hide the fasteners, you will have a lot less possible entry points for water to get in over time, and you remove the possibility of fasteners loosening over time with the expansion and contraction.

Hot weather causes metal to expand and cold weather causes it to contract.  This is normal.  Proper roofing systems are designed for movement. It is easily accommodated by concealed clip systems that allow for movement of the panels without the stress that can ultimately cause damage to the roof.

This design further minimizes the potential for leaks around fastener locations.  If you‘ve owned an older exposed fastener metal roof, chances are you‘ve seen a screw back out over the years, thanks to the daily expansion and contraction. Standing seam systems eliminate most of this problem.

The indentations are another form of protection.  The rainwater drains down the panels rather than pooling around the exposed connections.  There is usually less water sitting around to cause issues in the long run.

Honest truth appearance counts. These roofs have a contemporary looks that will work in nearly anybuilding style residential,  commercial,  farm,  shopping center,  whatever.

Installation Isn‘t Just Another Step It‘s the Whole Game

People always wonder and ask why two different metal roofs installed just a few months apart are holding up the last ten years differently.

The answer is generally in the installation.

No matter how good the roofing products are in the world, you can‘t make up for bad work.  Flashes not sealed or fastened correctly,  gaps in the panels, or omitting the underlayment in key locations will show up in time.

The professional installers take time to prepare the roof deck before the first panel is even set in place.  Damaged decking are replaced. Moisture barriers are properly installed. Roof measurements are checked over and over again because even a slight miscalculation will show up once long pieces of metal installed.

Alignment of the panels is more important than a lot of folks realize.  Slights at the bottom of a roof can turn into slope at the ridge line.  Skilled workers will continually verify the space while they work and not just trust it will remain straight.

Why Insulation Changes Everything Beneath a Metal Roof

People sometimes believe that the insulation is only necessary during winter.  However, this is not the case.

Insulation is effective all year round because it reduces heat flow both ways.  In summer, it prevents the heat outside from getting in, in winter it prevents warm, good, useable air escaping.

This is especially true within workshop,  warehouse,  farm and manufacturing buildings and large retail premises.  With inadequate insulation where the temperatures can fluctuate quite significantly during a single day.

Another benefit of good metal building insulation is that it will also help with condensation.

Condensation, a lurking problem that silently wreaks havoc on expensive materials. Warm air within a building sits on and against cold exposed metal panels. Moisture develops.  A lot of accumulated moisture over a long period ultimately will impact framing,  the effectiveness of insulation, stored equipment, and interior finishes.

These relatively modest differences in temperature are avoided by modern insulation systems.

Reduction in noise is also unforeseen.

Everyone that has been in an un-insulated metal building during a downpour knows the noise level it produces.  Adequate insulation minimizes this sound level greatly.

Different types of insulation can be used for buildings now,  such as blanket insulation from fiberglass,  polyisocyanaret or polyurethane rigid foam, spray foam systems, reflective radiant barriers, and so on.  It is always better to match a solution with a particular design, climate and uses,  for example, sometimes a building is better to have a spray foam (for its air sealing properties),  another a high quality fiberglass and other suitable vapor barriers.

Roofing contractors are working more frequently with the entire insulation and roofing system as one project, not separate projects. When a contractor performs both the insulation and the roofing projects, a better performing building results.  It takes less energy to run. It is more comfortable inside.

Weather Proofing is Where Standing Seam Roofs Truly Get Its Praises

Roofs don‘t fail on beautiful,  cloudless days; they fail when storms come in.  Winds will pick up edges, and heavy rains will find weak points. Hail will hit every inch of roofing surface.  This is where a true standing seam system will typically outperform many conventional roofing choices: 

One of the greatest benefits is how the panels interlock.  The seams are raised with a mechanical connection thus making it much more difficult for water to sneak under the roof.  During wind driven rain, the design actually pushes the moisture away from the house instead of allowing it easy entry points.

Common Mistakes That Shorten the Life of Metal Roofs

Not all roofing problems are brought about by the elements. Some are caused by negligent errors.

Cost can be the only consideration. Many users who are not familiar with the trade, may opt for the cheapest contractor. Roofing is not a product which consumers buy frequently,  many tend to compare only the prices.  The skills needed for installing a metal roof are also different from a shingled roof.

Failing to do roof inspections after major storms is another mistake.  While the roof may pass a casual inspection looking up from the ground, loose flashing or small damage can lead to moisture penetration over time that could have been rectified at a much lower cost.

 The third one, which is probably the least encountered, is about mixing different metals.  Some metals will corrode when they come into contact with other metals if there is any moisture in the air,  experiencing so-called galvanic corrosion.  That‘s precisely the reason why – skillful installers keep track of every screw, flashing part or accessory.

Poor ventilation can also be insidious. Heat and moisture that build up under the roof will, over time, undermine the insulation‘s effectiveness and may lead to mold,  rotting wood, or condensation issues.  Never have the roofing and the ventilation been one conversation.

Selecting a good roofing company‘s more important than even the type of roofing material you select. 

People take weeks to learn about roofing products. They compare panel thickness, paint coatings, warranties, and colors. Those things are important. But the roofer is even more so.

A good contractor does not just put in the panels but considers the house as a whole. Roof pitch. Drainage. Ventilation. Deck integrity. Flashing specifications.  Area weather patterns. All these factors affect the performance of the completed roof.

Communication is important as well. Good contractors will let you know the reasoning for recommending building supplies instead of just handing you over a quote.  Ventilation upgrades,  insulation alternatives,  realistic timeline expectations, and maintenance requirements will be explained.  This is a strong indicator of a professional who considers the elements involved.

 It‘s reasonable to inquire about past projects. A contractor who does a lot of standing seam roofing should be able to show you photos or references or even completed projects. Experience can be verified. 

Read up on warranties, too.  There are material warranties that are a good coverage against manufacturing damage,  and workmanship warranties that protect the install job.  They are different warranties, and they both need to be taken seriously.

Great roof projects are not awarded to the lowest price. They are awarded because the contractor got his crew to work properly,  stuck to the plan,  installed everything according to the plan and did not compromise on details that most home owners will never even see.

The roof as a sustainable investment in value, an investment with the benefit that the value increases year after year

Replacing a roof is probably not something anybody looks forward to.  It‘s a pretty serious investment.  Which is exactly the reason for thinking long term.

The initial cost of standing seam metal roofing may be more expensive than many conventional roofing materials.  That‘s a fact you can‘t deny. But not considering the cost of installation alone does not provide a complete picture.

Reduced service and maintenance costs,  extend life cycle,  enhanced energy efficiency,  increased resistance to weathering, and higher resale value all contribute to the value over the life of the system.  Indeed most building owners will come to the conclusion that they are ultimately paying less because they are not constantly repairing or replacing roofs at a premature stage.

And the quality metal building insulation adds even more: Lower heating bills during winter.  Decreased cooling costs during summer.  Increased comfort indoors all year round.  Slightly less condensation. Quieter indoor environments. Those advantages persist for many years after the construction workers have departed.

The expense of buildings as already stated is excessive so to opt for roofing materials which lead to a less maintenance rather than a more is a sensible approach.

A roof isn‘t just covering a building.  It is protecting everything underneath it,  every day.

Conclusion

But over the years,  a lot has changed with metal roofing and for good reason.  Today, building owners demand a lot more from their buildings than they used to. They require fewer maintenance issues, energy efficiency,  streamlined aesthetics and long-lasting structure. A correctly installed standing seam metal roof system can provide so much more when combined with experience and quality.

Equally important is the performance of the underside of panels.  Choosing proper metal building insulation is a cost-effective way to increase energy efficiency,  control moisture,  maintain comfort, and identify problems before they turn into costly repairs.

The biggest lesson is this: Do not judge your roofing system by the panels.  Consider the installation,  the kind of insulation used, ventilation, flashing details, the contractor‘s experience, and how it all fits together. Because that is what you‘re buying building a system for decades of trouble-free performance.

FAQs

What do you mean a standing seam metal roof?

A standing seam metal roof is constructed of long vertical panels of metal with raised seams and hidden fastens. This type of roofing offers better weather resistance,  fewer opportunities for leakage, and a smooth modern look.

What is the average lifespan of a standing seam metal roof?

 Professionally installed and maintained,  most standing seam metal roofs will last between 40 and 70 years depending on material, climate and other aspects of the roof design.

Why is Insulation of commercial buildings necessary?

Metal building insulation provides even temperatures,  prevents condensation,  saves on heating and cooling costs,  reduces external noise and enhances overall energy efficiency.

Should you purchase standing seam metal roofing?

For most of the home owners and commercial property owners, yes. The longevity,  less maintenance, better energy performance and the durability often justify the cost-effective higher investment.

Is it possible to fit a residential dwelling with a standing seam metal roof?

Sure.  Standing seam roofing is not uncommon on commercial structures,  but is now being used more frequently on residential estates due to its contemporary look,  ability to withstand the elements and its longevity.