If you want to have a roof that will provide your home with an exquisitely modernized look, coupled with excellent longevity and durability, then standing seam metal roofs make for an ideal system. These are rapidly gaining in terms of popularity around the country with homeowners that wish to invest in an environmentally-friendly, quality roof system which will afford peace of mind over the decades to come.

What is a standing seam metal roof system?

The standing seam metal roof represents a metal roofing system, whereby panels that are continuously interlocking run from the roof’s ridge down to the eaves. Distinctive vertical lines with a modernized look is afforded. A roof slope with a minimum of 14 degrees (3:12) or greater is required before installation can go ahead.

Residential standing seam panels typically are made from galvanized steel which is painted, or galvalume steel (and aluminum alloy – zinc coated steel) which provide superior corrosion protection over and above galvanized steel.

Panels can also be made from zinc or copper, though these are more expensive, and not the material of choice for the majority of homeowners who would like to have this type of installation.

Manufacturing

Standing seam panels may be either pre-formed at the place of manufacture, site-formed, or made at a sheet metal shop. Site-formed panels are made using a metal coil roll that is fed through specialized equipment that crimps the metal to make rigid panels.

Where standing seam panels are formed on site it means there’s an advantage of convenience, speed, and panels can be created in considerable lengths which would be difficult to transport otherwise.

What’s the cost?

There are many factors that determine the final cost of this type of roofing system. First, there can be a variation in the cost of the materials based on material type, and also between suppliers. In square footage terms, it will depend on the total amount of square footage – the greater the overall area, the lower the cost in square footage terms.

Labor costs also vary greatly, and is dependent on location. Through interviewing contractors and obtaining on-site estimates, while also reviewing their previous work, it will provide you with a good sense for overall quality of workmanship and the pricing detail.

Do note that labor costs are relatively high for this type of work, given that standing seam systems can only be legally installed by installers who are specially trained, and come with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and tools.

In terms of an average sized standing seam metal roof, do expect to pay anything between $1,000 and $1,500 per 100 square feet. This will be inclusive of labor, materials, and the appropriate warranty.