Metal roofing is becoming more and more popular in the residential market. The appeal of metal roofing stems from its durability, energy efficiency, beauty, and cost-effectiveness.
Metal roofs are also environmentally friendly because they last up to three times longer than asphalt shingle roofs. In this blog post we go over the Best Type of Metal Roof for Residential Roofing!
There are many metal roof types available on the market today that you can choose from for your next residential project. Here’s a review of the best type of metal roof for residential applications:
Best Type of Metal Roof for Residential Roofing
There are many metal roof systems that homeowners can choose from, and it is difficult to know which one is best. Metal roofs are a good alternative for residential roofing.
There are two types of metal roofs: standing seam and screw down panel. A metal roof system is a good choice for residential purposes, but standing seam metal roofs are the best option.
The main reason for the difference in expansion capabilities is due to the different types of metal roofs.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs
The best type of metal roof for residential applications is standing seam. Standing seams are made from several interlocking panels that create an appealing, durable design on your home’s exterior.
The benefit to this system is its ability to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations more than any other style of metal roofs.
A metal roof is the perfect choice for your home because it will stand up to all weather conditions.
Standing seam panels are strong and durable, but they also come in many styles so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
The weight of a standing seam system makes them ideal for high wind areas, unlike other types of roofs which may get blown off during a storm.
In addition, standing seam metal roofs come in many colors and styles so you can choose one that best fits your home’s exterior.
Screw Down Panels
Another type of residential metal roofing is screw-down panels because they are lightweight and easy to install on any building material such as asphalt shingle or tile.
Screw-down panels are made of corrugated steel, and they overlap each other with screws on the side of each panel to hold them together like shingles or tiles.
Although screw down panels are lightweight, it is more difficult for them to expand and contract because there aren’t many seams that can be adjusted when needed.
The panels also come in one color, and they do not offer the same aesthetic appeal as standing seam roofs.
The main benefit to screw-down panels is that they are lightweight and easy to install which makes them a good option for homeowners who need metal roofing fast.
Best Metal Roof for Residential Applications
Although standing seam and screw down panels are both a good option, standing seams offer homeowners more benefits such as durability, energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal and high wind capabilities.
These features make them the best type of metal roof for residential applications.
Features of a Standing Seam Metal Roof
- Comes in many colors and styles
- Great for high wind areas
- Pitched roof design to handle snow better than flat roofs
Features of a Screw Down Panel Metal Roof
- Easy installation (screws down like tiles)
- Lightweight, good for quick protection from extreme weather or construction sites
- One color, limited design
- Less durable and aesthetically appealing than standing seam roofs.
Why People Choose Standing Seam than Screw Down Panel
Homeowners tend to choose a standing seam than a screw down for a couple of reasons. If you were to compare both too, you’d agree to what you’ll learn here.
1. Standing Seam Has Paint Finish
Standing seam metal roofs are painted with several coats of paint.
This means the coating is thicker than what you get from screw down panels which have a single coat of paint to protect it while adding just enough color for your roof.
The good thing about standing seams is that they can be primed and painted before installation, or after it has been installed.
This gives you a chance to change the colors of your roof whenever you feel like it without having to pay for installation.
Screw down panels are painted after installation, and they can’t be painted again once installed.
If you want another color, then most likely you’ll have to replace them with a new metal panel or shingle before painting.
So if you are planning to paint your roof anytime soon, then standing seams will be a better option because they can serve as an excellent base for any type of paint or finish.
Since screw down panels come with just one color that’s stuck on the panel whether you like it or not, homeowners who want their metal roofs painted need another option.
2. Standing Seam Doesn’t Require Much Maintenance
Since standing seam metal roofs are welded together, this means there aren’t many seams to break down or wear out over time.
This makes them the best type of roofing material because they require little maintenance compared to other materials such as shingle and tile which can be replaced once worn away.
Screw down panels also have seams that need to be maintained to protect the building materials underneath.
The seams are designed in a way that it can hold several layers of shingles and tiles which makes them heavy and difficult to move.
Since standing seam roofs do not have many seams, they don’t weigh as much as screw down panels making them easier for roofers to work on.
This makes them the best choice for homeowners who want a roof that requires little maintenance.
The biggest benefit to standing seam roofs is their durability and low maintenance making it cost effective over time.
This type of roof also has energy efficient properties which makes it an excellent choice if you are looking into saving money on your utility bills in the long run.
Screw down panels may be a better choice for homeowners who want to install roofing materials that require little maintenance and are easier to work with.
3. Standing Seam Metal’s Lifespan
Standing seam metal roofs are more durable and long-lasting than most other types of roofing. The paint on the metal panels for a standing seam roof lasts 30 years.
When compared to the screw down panel, it only lasts for 20 years.
Screw down panels are vulnerable to damage due the fact that it’s not strong enough to resist high winds.
Screws seams can be blown off, and they aren’t durable enough for areas with heavy snowfall or where hurricanes occur frequently.
Since standing seam metal roofs have a longer lifespan than screw downs, this makes them more cost effective in the long term.
This is why this material has become a favorite among homeowners and contractors who want to save on their building materials expenses over time without compromising its durability, quality, or energy efficiency.
Of course some factors will affect the lifespan of your metal roof such as exposure to harsh weather conditions like snow and rain for prolonged periods of time which can lead to leaks.
Even though standing seam metal roofs are more expensive than screw down panels, they offer homeowners great value for their money in the long run because of its higher durability and low maintenance requirements which makes them less costly in the long-run.
Final Thoughts
The best type of metal roof for residential roofs is a standing seam metal roof.
Standing seam will give you the most durable and long-lasting protection, which means your home should last longer than with other types of outdoor construction materials.
