Standing Seam vs Corrugated Metal Roof
Metal roofing leapt into the history books in Ancient Rome, when architects used copper to protect the Pantheon. Standing seam roofs took hundreds of years to evolve. The first versions were developed in the Roaring Sixties, but they’re as popular now as they were back when The Beatles were penning The White Album. Today, corrugated roofing is used as a hardier alternative to asphalt and slate, but standing seams have become a competitive contender in the race towards the perfect roof.
What is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?
Standing seam metal roofing is the sleek, slick member of the roofing family thanks to its concealed fasteners and flat profile. Its seams are created by crimps at the end of each panel. Because the fasteners are hidden, they’re less likely to leak than corrugated alternatives.
Their seams have a relatively flat, slim profile, so they resist high winds and pooling. Standing seam roofs tend to last longer and require less maintenance than corrugated panels, but that doesn’t mean their corrugated cousin has lost its stakes in the industry.
What is Corrugated Metal?
Corrugated panels produce very little waste during construction, so they’re one of the cheapest roofing materials on the market today. They’re known for their curved ribs, which achieve an interlocking edge that can resist thunderstorms and hail. Corrugated steel is exceptionally tough against the elements. It resists infestations, fire damage, and water penetration, so your underlying materials are unlikely to rot. Corrugated roofing can achieve a lifespan of 60 years.
How Long do Standing Seam Metal Roofs Last?
The best engineered standing seam roofs are heavily tested to ensure that they resist impact, wind uplift, combustion, and water penetration. Well-designed products make room for natural expansion and contraction, so they’re far less likely to break down. You can expect your standing seam roof to last about 50 years, but no roofing product is perfect. Corrugated systems still deserve consideration.
The Benefits of Corrugated Metal Roofing
Oil canning is the nemesis of metal roofing systems. This unsightly problem occurs when metal panels buckle, causing stress wrinkling. Because corrugated panels are roll-formed and stiffened, they’re more likely to keep their attractive, flat surface. Corrugated panels are only offered in high gauges of 29 to 26, but they’re remarkably easy to install. That makes them far more pocket-friendly than alternatives.
The Benefits of Standing Seam Panels
Standing seam metal doesn’t rely on exposed fastener panels. It’s more weather tight than corrugated metal and is easier to maintain. Its lifetime costs are as impressive as its upfront investment. If you’re looking for a low slope metal roof, standing seam products can manage an angle of over 3″ in 12″. Standing seam panels are usually 22 to 24 gauge, so they can resist hail and falling branches well.
Metal is one of the strongest roofing materials on the market today, particularly in the face of high winds. It lasts between 40 and 70 years. That’s up to 60 years longer than asphalt. It can withstand gales of up to 140 miles an hour and offers just as much impact resistance.
Metal resists fires and reflects UV light, so its energy efficiency is tough to beat. Since metal roofs can be made of recycled materials, they’re also eco-friendly. Hansons will guide you through your options to make sure you find the perfect option for your unique requirements.
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