Standing Seam Metal Roofing: What Is It?
A concealed connector roofing system with longitudinal or trapezoid shape legs as well as a flat area in between is known as standing seam metal roofing. One of the strongest and weather-tightest roof systems on the market.
How is Your Standing Seam Metal Roof Installed?
Standing seam metal roofing is a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings due to its durability and long-lasting nature. The installation process for a standing seam metal roof involves a few key steps.
First, the old roofing material is removed and the roof deck is inspected for any damage or deterioration. Any necessary repairs or replacement are made to ensure a stable base for the new roof.
Next, a layer of insulation is added to improve energy efficiency and reduce noise transmission. This is followed by a layer of underlayment, which provides a moisture barrier and prevents leaks.
After the underlayment is installed, the metal panels are custom-fabricated to the exact measurements of the roof. These panels are secured to the roof deck with clips, which are hidden underneath the panel seams.
The panels are then joined together with interlocking seams, creating a continuous watertight seal that prevents water from penetrating the roof. The seams are raised slightly above the surface of the roof, creating a distinctive, vertical appearance.
Sheets of standing seam metal roofing are fastened together using hidden fasteners. The panel was initially attached to the rooftop foundation using clips hooked onto the longitudinal legs. As panel alternatives have expanded, clipless boards are frequently found in this product category.
What components make up a system of standing seam metal roofing?
A standing seam roof system is composed of several metal panels manually or mechanically secured together at the joints. Based on the length of the metal backplate and the desired appearance of the construction, the ribs (also known as standing seams) are often spaced 12 to 24 inches apart.
The parts of your standing seam metal roof system include the following.
• Roof decking:
The hardwood planks that support your roof’s construction.
• Starter lock strip:
Lock strips prevent standing seam metal panels from blowing in the winds or during severe storms by holding (locking) them to the borders of your roof.
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• Underlayment:
For extra protection, underlayment is typically a felt (15 lb, 30 lb, or synthetic) material. Your underlayment will function as a conscience, high-temperature water and ice shield for your standing seam metal roof.
• Metal panels:
The standing seam metal roof’s leading component, and what you can see are the metal panels. Typically, 24 gauge is used to create the panels before the steel with a 500 finish. You can, however, select from various colors and gauge sizes.
Clips are embedded connectors that hold every panel to that same roof deck.
• A Z bar
A Z-shaped piece of metal flashing 1/8th of an inch longer than the ribs on the metal panels is known as a “Z bar.”
• Ridge capping:
The trim is affixed to a roof’s peak where another two slopes converge.
How to construct a standing seam metal roof in 6 easy steps?
Now that you know the components of your new metal roof, you are prepared to discover how a standing seam metal roof is created. Learn the 6-step procedure for installing your fixed metal roof roofing material by reading on.
1. Remove your outdated roof
Your old roofing materials must be removed to create a clean deck while your new steel roof can be placed. This implies that your roofing contractor will remove the old roofing shingles and old panels from the roof’s substructure segment by segment.
They’ll begin by tearing off portions of your old roof using unique tear-off prongs on the end that is farthest from the dump trailer. Another crew is responsible for ensuring the torn-off debris land in the dump trailer or the tarped resting zone in your backyard, at the same time one team goes from section to section tearing off.
The restoration method depends on the tear-off procedure.
2. Add lock strips to the eaves & rakes.
The beginning lock strips are prepared for installation once your old roof has been removed. Your standing metal roof panels are secured to the corners of your roof using lock strips, preventing them from swinging in the breeze or during severe storms.
The troughs (bottom edge of your roof) & rakes will each receive the lock strips installation. The color and gauge of the material used for your lock bands will match those of the metal panels.
3. Place a high heat, ice, & water barrier down.
Your flooring will be laid after the lock strips have been attached to the rakes and eaves. For added protection, underlayment, which is often a felt (15 lb, 30 lb, or synthetic) material, is placed over your flooring.
On the other hand, the substructure for your standing seam metal roof will be a self-adhering, high-temperature ice & water shield. The lockable strip at the roofline must be put underneath the water and ice protection.
Supersaturation under the ribs will drip down the soffit board while behind the lock strip if it is installed and over an underlayment. When water starts flowing behind the lock strip, this will gradually produce lines on the fascia board.
4. Attach your standing seam metal panels.
The new standing seam metal roof is prepared for installation once it has been designed to ensure that all of the sections will be parallel. The bottom of the panels will be trimmed off at the rib before installation so they may be secured to the locking strips at the eaves.
Regardless of how lengthy the panel is, the ribs (also known as standing seams) you encounter on the metal panels are typically spaced 12 to 24 inches apart. The first metal panel will have its rib cut off and connected onto the lock strip just at rakes to start the installation process.
5. Fill in the space between your roof’s top and the standing seam metal panels.
A section of metal flashing must be fitted once your panels are put in place to cover the gaps between their ribs and the roof’s peak. A z bar is the name of this flashing component.
One-eighth of inches taller than that of the columns on your metal panels, a Z bar is a piece of steel twisted into a Z form. This shields your vertical slats from water entering your roof’s rib spaces at the top.
6. Secure the Z bar with ridge capping.
The standing seam metal roof will be prepared to lock into the gable topping or metal oxide once the Z bars have been placed. Ridge capping is the trim affixed to the tip of a roof where the two slopes converge. It will be the same kind and shade of steel as the metal panels on your standing seam metal roof.
If your panels move from a slope-length roof to a steep gradient, you will need transition metal rather than ridge finishing. To ensure a straight plane across, the metal oxide should go down the top and out 6 inches before locking onto the Z bar.
Under a standing seam metal roof, what do you put?
Traditionally and frequently, non-perforated, asphalt-impregnated felt underlayment is used as the roof underlayment on steep-slope metal roofs. Felt underlayment comes in various forms, including organically and inorganically reinforced.
According to research, adding an air gap beneath a metal roofing system will boost energy savings both in the summer and the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is a standing seam metal roof expected to last?
You should expect your modern standing seam metal roof to last at least 30 years if it is constructed correctly and your attic is properly vented. Your current standing seam metal roof might last 50 years with the proper maintenance.
- Is Standing seam metal roofing worthwhile?
Standing seam metal roofs are among the most excellent roofing alternatives for long-term reliability because of the concealed fasteners & strong metal composition.