Standing Seam Metal Roofing Versus Metal Shingles: Which Should You Choose?
February 25, 2014 | By Mike Gonet | Filed under: Articles, Education, General, Metal Roofing
When initiating the process to begin planning for a standing seam metal roofing system, or one based on metal roofing shingles, it is important to choose a product that it is suitable for your basic needs. What meets your criteria? What type of roofing meets the needs of your home? Are you staying in your home long-term, or are you thinking about the resale value of your home? With these questions in mind and an understanding of the longevity of this investment, you must choose the appropriate metal roofing product.
The two primary products available for a residential metal roof would be the traditional standing seam metal roofing and the multiple styles available for the metal shingles. Metal roofing can be manufactured and formed into many different styles; from the antiquity of a “wood shake” style to the traditional architectural shingles resembling slate. Standing seam metal roofing can be manufactured in a variety of widths, lengths, and looks. Though the number of different styles can vary based on what looks compatible for your home, they are all very attractive, come in a wide variety of colors, they are environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and carefully manufactured with great precision.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
With these notions in mind, it is generally recommended to pick a roofing system that is appropriate for your home with your now newly formed criteria. A common misconception a lot of homeowners have is that they think they are interested in a standing seam metal roof without knowledge of other types of metal shingles. This is mostly due to the fact, based on experience, that standing seam is one of the most popular styles for a metal roof. However, these homeowners soon find out that metal roofing shingles- not standing seam metal roofing, is actually what they want and is most suitable to their needs.
If the homeowner has a more traditional house, with the roof cut up and going in multiple different angles with a variety of valleys and hips, a horizontal installation product might be a much better choice than vertical paneled standing seam metal roofing. This is, however, subjective, as metal shingle roofing also blends well with most architectural styles and shares compatibility with a large variety of neighborhoods. The horizontal shingles can provide anything from the rugged look of a wood split shake system of roofing that will never split, rot, or mold, to the timeless beauty that slate can provide in a variety of colors for any type of home.
Metal Shingles
Standing seam metal roofing is viable for homeowners who desire a premium yet traditional, clean, and contemporary looking metal roofing system. It is best for property owners who want the eminence of standing seam metal roofing, but only want top-grade roofing with high quality manufactured vertical panels. Standing seam metal roofing can be manufactured in any length and a variety of widths. Unlike the exposed fastener agricultural metal panels, they have a hidden fastener system. These panels have an independent clip system that allows for the metal’s natural contraction and expansion during thermic changes. These panels work very well as traditional roofs that have a lot of open area and a lack of varied angles. This, however, is still a very subjective, as each and every individual home is going to need to meet different criteria based on the homeowner’s objectives and tastes.
It is important to consult with a metal roofing contractor before making any rash decisions. That said, it is also key to do your research on the product you are buying to make sure even the contractor you are speaking with is a specialist in metal roofing. Regardless of which product you choose, you will be making a wise decision versus the option of a conventional asphalt roof. Both types of metal products will shed ice and snow very efficiently, will be invulnerable to water infiltration, and will be unaffected and resistant to water. Arrange for a metal roofing specialist to meet with you at your home to evaluate your roof and determine which product meets your needs and fits into your criteria.
