Standing Seam vs. Exposed Fasteners

Dec 20, 2019 | Whats New

So, you have decided on the perfect combination of materials, paints and finishers. You are very excited about how your future roof will look. However, there is one more important decision to make; and this article will supply you with the knowledge to make the right choice. This article guides you on the way your customized metal roof will be anchored to your home. We will examine the difference between a standing seam roof and an exposed fastener roof.

Standing Seam vs. Exposed Fasteners

Standing seam roofs are generally the favorite choice of expert roofers and you may notice that most roofing professionals use standing seam fasteners in their own homes. The standing seam roof system uses a series of concealed fasteners that are hidden by the roofs evenly spaced vertical seams (the standing seams). There are many benefits to using the standing seam roof system. We will discuss its characteristics from an economic, aesthetic and maintenance point of view. Standing seams offer a few unique benefits not seen with other fasteners.

The first thing you will notice about a standing seam roof is the sleek, ?clean lines? your roof exhibits. Because there are no exposed fasteners, many believe that standing seam is more aesthetically pleasing than exposed fasteners.

standing seam local commercial

Additionally, this method fastens the roof panel to another roof panel without piercing the metal itself. This method confers a high degree of water resistance and you will often see much better weather/waterproof warranties included with your roof. Due to the hidden quality of the standing seam?s fasteners they will never be exposed to the elements. Thus, they will last longer than a system that has exposed fasteners. Due to the durability and strength of a standing seam roof, you will find that less maintenance is required.

Standing Seam Robust Durability

Additionally a standing seam roof is able accommodate thermal movement (the expansion of the roof panels in warm weather and contracting during the cold weather). This is especially important to the weather resistance of the roof as there are no fastener holes that will fail due to weather changes. Energy efficiency is seen with standing seam roofs as they are often installed with cooling coils, which reflect sunlight and make the roof cooler. This will save you money on cooling costs for the building and will enable you to attain energy star status to become a green building.

standing seam with snow bar

As with any system, there are also a few drawbacks to SSRs. The first and most obvious is the cost. A standing seam roof has a higher cost than exposed fasteners and require more skilled labor to install. Additionally standing seam roofs can not be used with a flat roof as the SSR will not drain water adequately and are prone to early failure.

Exposed Fasteners – Quick install and Budget Friendly

residential exposed fastener master rib panel ocnqx7ma0bn5m0sgaix6xzki03pj6i14qjhporglmw min

ou can also find a variety of exposed fasteners in local home improvement stores. The easy availability of EFs make it faster and easier to install a new roof. Due to the simplicity of the system, you could buy the panels yourself and complete the project with a small roofing team.

Exposed fasteners are the other choice for your roof.

An exposed fastener roof is installed directly through the metal roof and pierce the metal panels. Due to strong adhesion of the exposed fasteners building can use thinner roof materials thus, you save money. In fact, a exposed fastener roof is all around less expensive than a standing seam roof. Sometime staying within a budget is necessary.

exposed ocdi0af7uxgsueesdvga848xost5dza9r080zrqdow min

Due to the fact that exposed fasteners systems requires hundreds, if not thousands of fasteners, this system is more prone to human error. They might screw the fastener too tight or too loose. This could lead to water damage. You will see less robust warranties with exposed fasteners due to the fact that they have a higher chance to leak.

standing seam metal roof color blue oal0n5f02pyllfpp7a3s22r03rf4hr9ttbokmg68bw min

Additionally, exposed fastener roofs are not very good with thermal movement which creates problems in fastener holes. This necessitates a more frequent maintenance schedule as you have to examine the fasteners themselves for damage. A more thorough roof examination is needed, noting any water infiltration. The biggest driving force for choosing exposed fasteners is due to the speed and price of the EF system.

Why utilizing sub-par crew results in big problems.

Now you are armed with ample knowledge of these two systems and you will be able to make an informed decision about you roof.

Resource Articles

*additional images provided by our metal supply network including, but not limited to, Drexel Metals, McElroy Metals and Union Corrugating.
We do in fact use all these companies and have received permission to utilize images.

Why Do I Need Emergency Funds and How Do I Use Them?

Why Do I Need Emergency Funds and How Do I Use Them?

Harold Wilson, former British Prime Minister joked, "I am an optimist, but I'm an optimist who carries a raincoat."You probably already have some cash stored away for the inevitable rainy day. Indeed, you should have savings for those one-time, non-recurring expenses...

Prices for New Roofs

Prices for New Roofs

Recently, I came across a client who was in the metal materials business and wanted to know how he should budget for a new metal roof. After the conversation, I was reminded of my father's favorite quote that, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing!"This client...

All About Roofing Contractors

All About Roofing Contractors

Having your roof done right is important for longevity. Whether you are working on a smaller job such as a little leak that needs a few shingles replaced, or a larger job like installing an entirely new roof, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Roofing...