Metal roofs are highly durable and attractive today for all types of structures. When choosing one for your own building or home, though, you need to know the difference between standing seam roofing and exposed fastener roofing, which are the two types of metal roofs. While each style is popular and durable, the two vary from each other in significant ways. As a result, one may better suit your needs than the other does for your structure. Read on to learn further details about each of these styles.
What Is Exposed Fastener Roofing?
An exposed fastener roofing system with metal consists of panels that are fastened to the sheathing directly on the face of the metal without hiding the heads of the screws, thus, the name. All panels overlap each other where the roofers insert the fasteners.
Advantage and Disadvantages of Exposed Fastener Roofing
One major benefit of the exposed fastener roof is that it is less expensive than one with standing seams. There is no seaming required, which means the roofing crew can install one of these roofs in less time, and this makes for a less labour-intensive installation process. While this style of roof performs well in many situations, it does not come free of issues. You have numerous roof penetrations with the exposed fasteners for one issue. Also, problems can occur with the fasteners, such as fastener withdrawal, UV degradation of the fasteners’ washers and improper fastener installation. The warranty may not include a guarantee of water-tightness.
What Is Standing Seam Roofing?
With a standing seam roof, the fasteners are concealed from view. The panels are flat with vertical legs, and it is these legs that are raised seams after installation. All panels are installed into the decking with either a clip or fastener flange. Since there are no fasteners showing, this roof is more attractive than the exposed fastener roofing is architecturally.
Pros and Cons of Standing Seam Roofing
Advantages of the standing seam roof include no exposed fasteners, water-tight warranties, improved thermal performance and a longer lifespan. Disadvantages of this style of metal roof include higher cost due to labour-intensive installation, fewer qualified contractors available for professional installs of this roof and it is not suitable for a flat roof. Note here that since this style of roof lasts longer than the exposed fastener one does, it makes up for the higher cost of installation.
For further information about the differences between standing seam roofing and exposed fastener roofing, consult with our company, Johnson Roofing. We specialise in installing metal roofs along with performing roof maintenance. Our experts will guide you on which style of metal roofing is ideal for your home or building and your budget.
