Up on the Rooftop
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Up on the Rooftop

The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

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Up on the Rooftop

2 Advantages of Installing a Standing Seam Metal Roof on Your Home

Lori Silva

If your home's shingled roof has started to wear down, you may be thinking about having it replaced with a metal roof instead. While you may think that all metal roofs are the same, there are actually different types, with the primary ones having either exposed or standing seams.

While trying to make your decision, consider the advantages of choosing a standing seam roof over a traditional one that utilizes exposed seams.  

1.  Seams Require Less Maintenance Than Those Featured on Standard Metal Roofs

One advantage of choosing a standing seam roof over one with exposed seams is that the former requires much less maintenance than the latter. When you have a roof with exposed seams, the screws and their holes are subjected to constant moisture and temperature changes.

Because of their exposure to the elements, the exposed seams often need to have the screws replaced every few years since they tend to become loose. 

However, with a standing seam roof, the screws and anchors attach the metal panels directly to the underlayment of the roof. The resulting flat seams are then covered with a ridge, giving them the appearance that the seams are above the panels. However, they are underneath and well protected from the elements.

2.  Standing Seams Are More Watertight Than Their Exposed Counterparts

Another benefit that standing seams have over their exposed counterparts is that the standing seams tend to be more watertight. While traditional metal roofs featuring exposed seams keep the water out when they are newer, as the screws loosen and the metal becomes warped, they start to create gaps.

Even if the gaps are hair-thin, the spaces create an avenue through which water can seep underneath the panels. You may not even know about the water seepage until you find leaks inside your home.

However, with the standing seam roofs, not only are the panels covered with a ridge, but they tend to overlap slightly. Between the overlap and the ridge, they fit together to form a tight seal that makes them virtually impervious to water leakage.

If your home needs a new roof and you have already decided to have it replaced with a metal one, opting for a standing seam variety instead of a metal roof with exposed seams will give you a more watertight roof that does not require as much maintenance. Contact a contractor who offers standing seam roofing installation services to learn more about the benefits as well as discuss your options.


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