What is a standing seam metal roof and how does it work?

Let’s start with metal roofing. 

Metal roofing includes tiles and shingles made of metal. A standing seam metal roof is a type of metal roof that has become increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons: 

• They are aesthetically more pleasing.
• They are strong, durable, and can last a long time.
• They provide protection for the structure. 

A standing seam metal roof is a type of roofing system that is made up of long, vertical panels with raised seams that interlock to create a watertight seal. This type of roof is commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in residential applications.

In other words,a standing seam metal roof is a concealed fastener metal panel system with vertical legs and a broad, flat area between the two legs. It can be used for either metal walls or metal roofing. 

It is worth noting that the concealed fastener is hidden in both situations, whether the panel is directly fastened to the decking material under the vertical leg or attached to the roof deck with a clip. 

What are the standing seam panel profile types?

Standing seam metal roofs come with a variety of options, from width to length and colour to profile types. 

The term “panel profile” refers to the shape of the metal panels used in a roof, as well as the way two or more panels are seamed together. The choice of panel profile depends on various factors, such as the type and steepness of your roof, the environment your property is in, and your specific needs. 

Wondering how you can select the right profile for your house? A contractor or architect can help you select the right one. 

There are four main types of panel profiles:

1. Snap-lock: It features a unique interlocking mechanism that allows panels to snap into place and creates a tight, secure seal. 

It’s a relatively easy-to-install system that is often used for residential and commercial roofs.

2. Mechanical lock: A mechanical seam panel profile has a double-lock seam, which is formed by folding the edges of two adjacent panels together. 

This creates a strong, weather-resistant seal that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Mechanical lock profiles are available in two different versions:

• Single lock (90-degree seam)
• Double lock (180-degree seam) 

3. Batten panel: This panel profile is distinguished by its raised seams and its use of horizontal battens, which are installed over the roof deck. It provides ventilation and support for the panels. 

If your house has a historical or a traditional structure, you can consider this on

 4. Nail/fastener flange: This panel profile features a raised flange along the edge of each panel, which provides a secure fastening point for nails or screws. 

This system is commonly used for metal roofing and siding applications and is known for its strength and durability.

When it comes to the advantages of standing seam metal roofing, the list goes on and on. In this article, we will list five of them out of many. 

1. They are long-lasting and durable. 

Compared to other roofing materials such as shingles and tiles, metal roofs are stronger and more durable, as we also mentioned in the earlier sections. 

This is one of the main reasons why metal roofing has become increasingly popular among those planning to renew their roofs whether they are going solar at the same time or not. 

2. They come with low maintenance. 

One of the main features of standing seam metal roofs is that the fastener does not go through the metal’s surface with that roofing system. Therefore regular maintenance to check for loosening or damaged fasteners is less frequent compared to the other systems.

3. They can withstand extreme weather conditions.

One of the key benefits of a standing seam metal roof is its durability and resistance to weathering.

The raised seams prevent water from seeping through the roof, and the metal material is resistant to damage from hail, wind, and other extreme weather conditions.

4. They allow for thermal expansion.

Standing seam metal roofing systems typically do not have pins or fixed attachments between panels, which allows them to expand and contract more effectively. This is particularly true when slider/expansion clips are installed, or with snap-lock systems that use a clip to allow for free movement.

In addition, standing seam metal roofs can be coated with special reflective coatings that can help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the roof. This further improves the efficiency of panels’ and reduces energy costs.

5. Last but not least, they look modern and aesthetically pleasing. 

Thanks to their clean and stylish appearance, standing seam metal roofs have become very popular in recent years. 

Not only do they protect the structural integrity of the building but they also fit into many different environments, be it a city centre or a suburban area. 

This is one of the very reasons why they are also preferred in historic buildings.

Similar to any other roofing option, standing seam metal roofs have some drawbacks. Given that it is a substantial investment, the installation process is laborious and it requires skilled professionals. 

Additionally, these roofs are not suitable for flat structures. Another factor to take into account is that repairing a specific section of the roof can be more challenging due to the seamed system.

If you need guidance on your solar journey and are wondering if standing seam metal roofing is the right solution for your home or business, contact us today and ask for a quote.

With the integration of photovoltaic (PV) technology, metal roofs can also serve as a platform for solar energy production. The interlocking panels provide a sturdy foundation for solar panels, and the metal material can help reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, improving the efficiency of the solar panels.

When installing solar panels on a standing seam metal roof, special mounting hardware is used to attach the panels securely to the roof without penetrating the surface. This helps maintain the watertight seal of the roof and prevent any damage or leaks.

As mentioned in the previous section, a standing seam metal roof for solar installations come with low maintenance. The smooth surface of the metal panels makes it easy to clean and remove debris, which can improve the efficiency of the solar panels and prevent any damage to the roof.

Overall, a standing seam metal roof is an excellent choice for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings that require a durable and long-lasting roofing system. When combined with solar panel installations, this type of roof can provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for generating clean energy and reducing energy costs.

At Roofit.Solar, we prioritize using top-of-the-line materials for our products. Our integrated metal roofs combine traditional roofing techniques with a sleek design and proven photovoltaic technology (PV). 

If you’re unfamiliar with PV, check out our article How Solar PV Systems Work.

Our roofs utilize fully integrated mono PERC cells, a popular choice in the PV industry, that are made from lightweight SSAB quality metal from Sweden. These cells are almost imperceptible from a distance, adding to the roof’s aesthetic appeal.

In addition to the PV technology, our metal roofs are made with GreenCoat® coating, a premium Nordic-quality steel that can withstand even the harshest weather conditions. The durability of metal roofing is already well-known, but Roofit.Solar’s high-quality metal roofs with integrated PV offer even more benefits.

End-to-end solutions from Roofit.Solar

Roofit.Solar provides an end-to-end solution, from premium-material products to expert installation services.

When you decide to upgrade your roof with our integrated solar rooftop, we begin by creating a customized 3D project plan using our specialized roof planning software. This intelligent program not only analyzes the direction and slope of your roof but also takes into account the physical environment surrounding your home, including nearby buildings and trees that may cast shadows.

Our team of engineers then calculates the maximum power output of your solar project and provides a forecast for a full year. Using your desired energy production capacity as a guide, the app calculates the level of investment costs and estimates when your roof will begin paying for itself.

Want to know more about the safety and durability of our integrated solar roofs? Read this article to find out!

A standing seam metal roof is a durable and versatile roofing option that can provide many benefits for homeowners, including increased energy efficiency and cost savings. As the solar industry continues to grow, more and more homeowners are turning to metal roofing with integrated PV as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for their energy needs. With advancements in technology and installation techniques, the future of standing seam metal roofs in the solar industry looks bright.