Standing Seam VS Corrugated Metal Roofing Understanding The Key Differences

Understanding Differences of Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Corrugated metal and standing seam metal roofing

Standing Seam VS Corrugated Metal Roofing Understanding The Key Differences. Most people envision a corrugated-metal roof that comes to mind when the term “metal roofing” is mentioned. Although corrugated metal used to be a standard metal roofing style at one point in time, it isn’t the only or even the best type of metal roofing today.

 In addition to improving the performance and durability of your roof, standing seam metal offers some additional benefits as well. Although both types of metal roofing have their advantages, they differ in a few important ways:

In a video on RRG Roofing‘s YouTube channel, a comparison of corrugated metal panels to standing seam roofs has gone viral. It would certainly be worth your time to click over and check it out. 

Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a page that lists and explains the pros and cons of both standing seam metal and corrugated metal, you’ve come to the right place.

What Makes Metal a Good Choice for Roofing in the First Place?

Let’s take a step back and answer a more basic question before we get into the details of corrugated metal and standing seam metal. So what are the benefits of metal roofing? This is a subject we have covered in other blogs, and there is a lot to like about metal as a roofing material. 

While shingles may still be the most popular roofing material in America, metal is a better choice due to several reasons. Steel is a durable, low-maintenance material that sheds precipitation and debris well, is naturally fire-resistant and pest-resistant, and comes in a variety of profiles and colors. 

Metal roofs are more expensive upfront, but they also pay off over time much more than shingle roofs.

In that case, which is the best method of installing metal roofing? Now let’s examine each of the two most popular metal roofing styles in more detail.

Corrugated Metal Roofing Explained

Metal roofs have been used all over the world for decades. Corrugated cardboard and corrugated metal, both of which are ridged, offer some impressive structural capabilities for many roof applications. 

Corrugated metal is made by rolling a sheet of metal coil and then shaping it into a present pattern using a roll-forming machine.

Pros

For many commercial, barn, and non-residential roofs, corrugated metal continues to be a popular metal roofing material. Compared to other metal roofing options, it’s less expensive, makes a lot of heat and sunlight disappear, and is more durable than asphalt.

Cons

 Metal roofing with corrugated panels presents the issue of exposed fasteners. Even though there are treatments for protecting and preserving these fasteners, regular inspections every few years are still necessary to ensure that the washers are intact, and the fasteners are not loose.

 Moreover, each fastener that is exposed presents the possibility of a leak developing over time. In addition to its aesthetic shortcomings, corrugated metal has another downside. Even though the colors can be altered, the corrugated pattern itself does not have the same appeal as the smoother look of a standing seam finish.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing Explained

Roll-formed metal panels are also used to create standing seam roofs, just as they are in corrugated metal roofs. Standing seam roofs take advantage of concealed fasteners in their design and application. Standing seams consist of horizontal metal panels with ribs (or vertical legs) at each end.

 A series of hidden clips keeps the metal panels fastened to the roof sheathing so they can be locked together. A standing seam roof’s vertical legs conceal all of the roof’s attachments and seams.

Pros

Metal roofs with standing seams have many advantages. Panels made of corrugated metal are heavier than those made of flat metal. Due to the absence of exposed fasteners or seams, standing seam systems are much less likely to leak, and they require less maintenance. 

It can also be customized in terms of colors and profiles and is even more effective at reflecting heat and light. Having flat panels and sleek lines, a standing seam roof has a strong visual appeal for many homeowners. It can easily last you more than 75 years with a standing seam roof!

Cons

It isn’t that common. One of the main drawbacks of a standing seam roof is the initial cost. Standing seam roofs aren’t inexpensive, and they do cost more than corrugated metal roofs. 

Furthermore, standing seam can also be dented somewhat more easily by severe hail or falling debris due to the larger, flatter metal panels. However, certain design strategies for standing seam panels can help to further minimize the risk of oil canning or denting.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing – What Makes It the Best Choice

As roofing options, corrugated metal and standing seam metal both have advantages. What’s best for you? Many factors will determine what you choose, such as your unique situation, preferences, and budget. 

Corrugated metal roofing is the cheapest option if you’re only concerned with price. Standing seam metal roofs, on the other hand, offer much greater longevity, much less maintenance, much better performance, and some truly beautiful aesthetics.

Besides the benefits listed above, another benefit of a standing seam metal roof is its environmental friendliness. Would you like to add a snow retention system, solar panels, or another external feature to your roof? 

This type of roof can be installed without piercing the metal or making any holes in the roof’s surface. Fewer holes mean less chance of water infiltration. Metal roofs with standing seams can also withstand winds as fierce as Category 4 hurricanes. Metal roofs also naturally expand and contract with temperature changes, so you need to be cautious. 

Usually, that is a problem with other types of metal roofing, but a standing seam roof is designed to handle expansions and contractions. As the metal expands and contracts, the raised metal seams remain interlocked, but the whole system floats on the clip mounts. A roof-mounted with exposed fasteners simply cannot provide this level of flexibility and adaptability.

So What Now? Start by Choosing the Right Roofing Provider!

A roofing contractor you can trust is more important than the right roofing material and roofing style. For years, RRG Roofing has offered and installed high-quality custom-made metal roofs. There is no more respected or highly-rated local provider in both Dahlonega, GA and Murphy, NC than RRG Roofing!

Serving the Dahlonega, GA, and Murphy, NC area, we are the premier roofing contractor. Additionally, we are proud to say that on average, our customers rate us 4.9 out of 5 stars!

Do you have questions? Would you like to begin? Simply call us at 678-325-6949 in Dahlonega, GA, and Murphy, NC to speak with one of our friendly experts. You can contact us with any questions, and we are also ready to schedule a FREE home or business inspection and personal consultation!

Are you ready to get the last roof you will ever need? We can help! Feel the difference between RRG Roofing for yourself by contacting us today!