Standing-seam metal has many attractive features. Its architectural appeal, variety of profiles, textures and color, flexibility, and durability make it popular for residential and commercial projects, both in low-slope and steep-slope applications. Metal roofing and siding are inert, safe materials that do not pose a health risk. Other features include great wind, fire, and hail resistance based on rigorous testing. Its non-combustibility can reduce the spread of fire in and among buildings.
BENEFITS OF STANDING-SEAM METAL
- Valuable Investment - While the initial cost for a premium metal roof is higher than most other roofing materials, you’ll save money in the long run. A metal roof can last a lifetime, whereas materials like asphalt require reproofing every 10 to 20 years. A metal roof can also increase the resale value of your residential home or commercial building, and even lower your homeowner’s insurance by 35%.
- Long Lasting - The average life of a non-metal roof is 17 years. Asphalt can require re-roofing every 10 to 20 years, often sooner. But a metal roofing system offers unmatched durability, lasting 2 to 3 times longer. Chances are good that a metal roof will be the last roof you ever install.
- Beautiful Variety - No matter what kind of roofing style, color or finish you have now, there’s a metal roofing style to match. Today’s metal roofing offers everything from modern commercial-quality looks to metal versions of shingle, tile, and shake. However, metal lasts at least 2 to 3 times longer.
- Strong & Durable - Non-metal roofing and siding materials begins to deteriorate as soon as it’s exposed to elements such as the UV rays of the sun, temperature changes, severe storms, and high winds. A metal roof will never deteriorate, and can withstand most everything Mother Nature throws its way.
- Energy Efficient - Metal roofing in light colors reflects heat effectively to reduce cooling loads in the summer and insulates homes during the winter, which can help to lower energy bills.
- Long Warranties - AEP SPAN offers true 30 to 50 year manufacturer warranty, plus a workmanship warranty from Robison Roofing.
METAL IS GREEN!
In addition to being energy efficient, standing-seam metal roofing and siding is recognized as a sustainable building material for several environmental reasons. And, as a “green” building product, metal is rightfully becoming more popular in the architectural community.
Durability
AEP Span's standing-seam metal is known for its resistance to weather, including wind, hail, ice, and snow. It is less affected by hot-cold and wet-dry cycles that destroy other materials. Commercial metal roofs have been in service 30 years or more. Painted roofs are credibly warranted up to 30 years.
Recycled Content
Metal roofing materials typically have a minimum of 25% recycled content. This level of recycled content allows metal roofing to be routinely included on listings for “green” and recycled content products. This is especially important since the U.S. Green Building Council program for certification of green buildings, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)®, awards up to two points for the weighted total recycled content of all materials in a project.
Recyclability
Standing-seam metal is also 100% recyclable when ultimately removed as part of building renovation or demolition. Other materials are routinely removed and disposed of at the landfill, but metal can be recycled in its entirety. Metals are exceptional building materials that can credibly claim both recycled content and recyclability by recognized definitions.
Low Weight
Depending on the specific product chosen, the weight of metal roofing is one-third to as little as one-eighth that of conventional roofing shingles. This lower weight produces less static and dynamic loading on the structure and thus can allow for metal roofing to be installed over old roofing material without requiring demolition removal.
AEP SPAN PROFILES
These product brochures for the AEP Span metal roofing and siding product lineup. Please contact us if you have questions regarding compatibility with your application.
Design Span HP
HR-36
Klip Rib
Mini V-Beam
Multi-Lok 24
NuWave Corrugated
Reversed Box Rib
Select Seam
Span-Lok, Span-Lok HP, Span-Seam *POPULAR*
Super Span
X-Span
U-Panel
Please note this is a small selection of the products available - we carry the full line of standing-seam metal roofing materials from MBCI, AEP Span, Zip Rib, Berridge, and Garland.
FAQ
- Explain "standing-seam" vs. "through-fastened" metal roofing.
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Standing-seam refers to a type of roofing panel that is attached to the roof substructure with a concealed clip system. Typically, standing seam panels will have side ribs with heights of 1" up to 3" or so and usually spaced 12" to 24" apart.
Through-fastened panels are a type of roof or wall panel that is attached to the structure with exposed fasteners. These panels will typically have ribs 9" or 12" apart. The side lap of these panels is usually the same height as the other ribs in the panel. These side ribs will be 24" to 36" apart depending on the style of panel.
So why choose standing-seam? Performance and aesthetics.
Metal panels need to be able to expand and contract independently of the structure. Temperature fluctuations during the various seasons of the year create thermal movement of the panels and flashings (trim). Standing seam panels are designed to move over concealed clips, allowing non-destructive thermal movement. Forces placed upon the screws that penetrate long length through-fastened panels can cause the screw's compression washer to lose its seal and create a leak. The forces of expansion and contraction can create an elongated hole at the screw location, and jeopardize these metal panels’ weathertightness and attachment.
AEP Span standing-seam metal panels panels have proven themselves throughout the entire United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) to meet the requirements of all geographical conditions.
With the increased usage of metal panels on high-slope roofs, rather than just for low-pitched Metal Building roofs, Owners and Architects prefer to avoid to seeing the exposed screws attaching the panel to the structure. Except for canopies, through fastened panels are not recommended for slopes less than 1:12. In these cases, a standing seam metal roof is preferred.
- Are metal roofs loud during rainstorms?
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Usually, metal roofing is installed over plywood and felt or an existing roof. Therefore, the sound generated by rain or hail would be similar to other roofing materials. The myth of a noisy steel roof comes from barns that were built with steel roofing installed on open framing and with no insulation.
- How do metal roofs stand up in Extreme Weather?
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A metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hailstorms, and even wildfires. Metal roofing has a 140-mph wind rating, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour. In locations that see heavy snow, metal roofing has been the choice of homeowners for years. It sheds snow fast, which protects the structural integrity of the roof. And it can eliminate ice damming at the eves, so water can't back up and collect under the roof then leak into your home. If you live in a part of the country that is prone to wildfires, metal roofing can protect your home should burning embers land on your roof.
- What is the expected longevity of a metal roof?
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In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60 years and beyond. To put it in context, the average life span of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years. That lifespan can be shorter depending on the pitch of your roof and the climate in your area.
Made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather. A metal roof, however, will never decompose. Other roofing materials like wood shingle, shake and tile have varying degrees of weather-related problems that lead to breakdown. Wood shingle and shake roofs often need replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs can crack and warp in the freeze/thaw cycle of more northern climates.
All of the above roofing materials are well-outlasted by metal roofing, which retains its good looks and durability decade after decade after decade.
MORE INFORMATION
Metal Roofing 101 - Short Interactive Tutorial by the Metal Roofing Alliance.
Metal Roofing Selection Guide - Metal Roofing Alliance