Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roofing

Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roofing

With all the lovely options available for your home’s roof, why choose a metal roof system? Gone are the dated, thin, tacky-looking metal roofs of your grandmother’s day. Whether you choose standing seam metal roofing or corrugated metal roofing panels, today's metal roofs run the gamut of sleek modern design to a more traditional look that mimics the appearance of asphalt shingle roofing.

Why are Hickory, North Carolina homeowners so excited about replacing their asphalt shingles with a metal roof? To understand why, let’s take a closer look at the two most popular types of residential metal roofing and explore the pros and cons of a standing seam vs corrugated metal roof. 

Why Should I Choose a Metal Roofing Option?

There is a lot to like about a metal roof for your house besides the greater variety of color and profile options versus asphalt shingles. The metal used for residential roofs in Hickory, NC, is designed to be quite durable, usually more durable than shingles. Asphalt shingles require more maintenance and may dry out during a hot North Carolina summer, flaking and peeling back to expose the roof mat below.

Metal, however, remains in place and won’t blow off the roof during a thunderstorm or high winds. It also stands up to heavy precipitation without leaking, which is great during those late-summer storms. Metal roofs are also naturally fire-resistant and pest-resistant. You won’t see termites taking nibbles out of your standing seam roof. While metal roofing may have higher installation costs initially, you’ll quickly see savings add up due to the low maintenance costs and not having to repair damage to your home’s structure due to a leaking roof.

The two most common types of metal roofing are corrugated metal and standing seam. There are pros and cons for both.

Benefits of Corrugated Metal Roofing for Your Home

A corrugated metal roof is a formed metal sheet with alternating wavy and curved ribs. It looks kind of like a ruffled potato chip. The edges of each roofing panel overlap and are fastened together. This type of metal roof has an exposed fastener panel, which means that the sheet fasteners penetrate each roofing panel.

Corrugated roofs may last for decades, up to 50 years. They’re quite weather-resistant and have low maintenance costs. Metal roofs are also naturally energy efficient, especially if you opt for a reflective coating that reduces the effects of extreme heat or cold in your house. Corrugated metal roofs are also pest-resistant and won’t rot like asphalt or wooden shake shingles tend to.

Corrugated metal roofs are the less expensive metal roofing option compared to standing seam panels. However, the installation process is fairly fast. The panels are lightweight, which not only makes installing them easier, but the lightweight material puts less strain on the roof of the house. They’re also made from recycled metal, and when you eventually take the roof off, you can also recycle that. Finally, corrugated metal roofs come in a wider range of colors and designs than shingles, so you can find the perfect aesthetic to put the finishing touch on your home.

Drawbacks of Corrugated Metal Roofing

Perhaps the biggest drawback to a corrugated metal roof is the tendency of the metal to dent. Hail or a falling tree can really do a number on the metal panels, so use thicker sheets if you’re concerned about hail or branches, and steer clear of aluminum.

Another consideration is the tendency of the sheets of metal to warp or distort their shape during periods of significantly fluctuating temperatures. Check the fastenings each year to ensure that warping metal hasn’t dislodged them (which can create conditions for a leak).

Pros of Standing Seam Metal Roofing for Your House

Standing seam roofs are crafted from a roll-formed metal sheet with vertical “ribs” along the edges of the panel. The standing seam panels are fastened to the roof base with hidden fasteners instead of the exposed ones you’d see on a corrugated roof. The panels are installed by interlocking the edges of the panels, but the screws won’t penetrate the roofing panels.

One of the greatest advantages of a standing seam roof option is its weather resistance. The raised seams prevent water from penetrating the roof to the structure below, so it’s a great choice for the Hickory area. They’re also quite durable and can, like corrugated roofs, last for five decades or more with proper care, making it a cost-effective investment in your home.

You’ll save a lot of money on the maintenance of this type of roof. The metal is naturally fire-resistant, so it’s safer for your house than some other roofing materials. It also resists mold, rot, and mildew and is pest-resistant. Many of the headaches of a traditional shingled roof evaporate when you replace shingles with metal.

Like corrugated metal roofs, standing seam roofing options also come in a plethora of color options and designs. The vertical panel design complements modern architecture quite well, but it also looks lovely on more traditional homes.

Cons of Standing Seam Panel Metal Roofing

There are a lot of benefits to a standing seam metal roof, but, like all options, there are some cons, too. The one most homeowners notice first is the initial installation cost. It’s more expensive to install than asphalt shingles. However, you usually need re-roofing or a roof replacement with asphalt after 15-20 years, whereas metal can easily last twice that – or more. You’ll also pay less in repairs and preventative maintenance with metal roofs than you would with shingles.

Another potential con is that if the roof isn’t installed properly by someone who knows how to lay the panels properly, you could have problems with leaks, to say nothing of offset panels looking unsightly.

Are You Ready to Install a New Metal Roof?

Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roofing

Do you like all the great features of a metal roof for your Hickory, NC, house or commercial building? Are you ready to ditch the shingles and install a sleek, modern, low-maintenance metal roof? Whether you need residential roofing or commercial roofing, we’ve got you – and your building – covered.. Contact Integrity Roofing today for a custom estimate for your new corrugated metal or standing seam metal roof.

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