roofing questions answered

Replacing the roof on your home is almost inevitable for homeowners with twenty or more years in the same house. What you choose to replace the roof with can significantly impact the cost and the longevity of the new roof, but standing-seam metal roofing installation may be something to consider if you have the budget.

Metal Roofing Materials

Many people think of metal roofing as the corrugated metal roofing that you see on sheds or old barns, but there is a material called standing-seam metal that is different. It has tall seams between the panels and looks great on residential buildings. Besides looking good, there are some benefits of this material, and when it is installed correctly, the lifespan can exceed fifty years.

Metal roofing is often powder-coated so that the colored panels retain their color for years, with little to no fading or rusting over time. You will need a standing-seam metal roofing installation company to put the material on the roof for you, but there are some roofers that specialize in working with this material and can do the job quickly and professionally. 

Strength and Durability

One of the most significant benefits to standing-seam metal roofing installation is that the material is exceptionally durable and can withstand weather ranging from hot sun to heavy snow without damage. The seams are raised and interlock, so each panel secures to the next, creating a roof that will stay tight and secure for years. 

Because the seams are raised and the panels overlap and lock together at the seams, water cannot get under them easily. The edges of the panels are also cut and folded so that they lock down to the flashing that is installed around the edge of the roof. This creates a strong bond and leaves no gap for wind or water to get under or ice dams to form on. 

Cost of Installation

Standing-seam metal roofing installation is a little more costly than other materials, with an average cost of $5 to $25 per square foot. The price to do a whole roof can quickly soar higher, but it is important to consider the longevity of the roofing material when you consider the cost. 

If your roof lasts for fifty years, you will have extended the life to over twice the lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof and offset the cost of replacing the roof twice in the same time frame. Talk to your roofing contractor when you are ready for a roof replacement, and they can help you decide if metal roofing is right for you.