Long gone are the days of asphalt shingles being the only available, and affordable, roofing material on the market. Enter Standing Seam Metal Roofs! Once confined to commercial buildings or coveted by luxurious residential structures, standing seam metal roofs are now widely available to consumers. So what is this up and coming roofing material of choice? In this article we will cover the basics of standing seam metal roofs, and how they compare to their asphalt counterparts.
How Do Asphalt Shingles Compare?
Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials available. However, since these shingles are derived from petroleum, their cost is largely dependent on oil prices. Secondly, asphalt shingles are by far less durable than Standing Seam roofing. The mineral based service decomposes with every season, and actions such as power watching speed up the process. Standing seam metal roofs are a completely different material. The initial difference in cost is easily made up by the metal’s durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
What Is A Standing Seam Metal Roof?
Standing seam is a specific type of metal roofing that raises the seams above the level of the roof. The majority of metal roofs you see tend to be standing seam. In this style, continuous panels run from the ridge of the roof to the eaves, connected by raised fasteners. Keeping these seams above water level, as opposed to flush-mounted panels or asphalt shingles, is a top advantage of this style. Standing seam metal roofing also uses fewer seams because the metal panels run uninterrupted from the top to the bottom of the roof.
Durability is also a key factor in standing seam metal roofing. However, these panels are not impervious to damage. Fallen limbs and other high impact dents can cause holes which will need to be repaired. However with the proper maintenance, these roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Other benefits include metal panels ability to prevent solar heat absorption, as well as provide a sleek and modern aesthetic with an array of color choices.
This roofing material is not without it’s disadvantages. Standing seam roofs cannot be used on flat roofs due to the flat pitches. Metal is also considered a more expensive material than it’s asphalt counterpart.
Looking to upgrade your roofing system to a more durable material? Contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.