Selecting Your Roofing Materials

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing systems deliver durability, exceptional energy efficiency, and modern style – making them a standout choice for residential and commercial properties. Its superior weather resistance ensures long-lasting protection while adding to your property’s sleek and contemporary curb appeal.

Material Selection

Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing System

Exposed fastener metal roofing is a durable and cost-effective option, often chosen for its affordability and straightforward application. Suitable for residential, agricultural, and industrial buildings, it provides reliable protection against the elements. Its simple design allows for versatile installation, making it a practical choice for large or budget-conscious projects. Exposed fastener roofing delivers solid performance and value without sacrificing durability.

Economical Durability

Exposed fastener metal roofs offer a cost-effective solution for achieving the longevity and strength of metal. Commonly used on agricultural and industrial buildings, they provide reliable protection at a fraction of the cost of premium systems.

Faster Installation with Versatility

The design of exposed fastener systems allows for faster and more straightforward installation, reducing labor time and costs. However, proper alignment and fastening are critical to ensuring long-term durability and weather resistance.

Fasteners Maintenance

Exposed fasteners are more vulnerable to wear over time, requiring periodic maintenance to ensure weather-tight seals. In applications where a fully seamless appearance or lower maintenance is desired, standing steam systems may be more suitable.
Material Selection

Standing Seam Metal Roofing System

Standing seam (some mistakenly refer to seamless) metal roofing is a high-performance option known for its modern appearance and exceptional weather resistance. Its interlocking panels and concealed fasteners create a sleek, seamless look while offering enhanced durability and protection. Highly energy-efficient, it reflects heat to help lower cooling costs and requires minimal maintenance over its long lifespan. Standing seam metal roofing is a sophisticated choice for homeowners and businesses seeking a balance of style and strength.

Premium Durability and Longevity

The concealed fastener system eliminates points of vulnerability, offering an unparalleled level of protection against water infiltration and wind damage. This makes standing seam ideal for regions prone to extreme weather conditions.

Energy Efficiency and Style

The reflective metal surface reduces cooling costs while offering a sleek, modern aesthetic. Its versatility allows it to complement both contemporary and traditional designs, making it a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

Higher Initial Investment

Standing seam systems are among the most complex to install, requiring specialized labor and equipment. The upfront cost reflects its advanced engineering and durability, highlighting the biggest drawback with its greatest strength.

Frequently Ask Questions?

A step up in affordability from exposed fastener metal roofing would be standing seam metal roofing. Standing seam systems eliminate exposed fasteners by using concealed clips and interlocking panels, providing superior weather resistance and a more polished aesthetic. These roofs are ideal for homeowners or businesses seeking increased durability, sleek design, and minimal maintenance while still enjoying the long lifespan of metal roofing.

For those seeking a more premium option, Brava Polymer Tiles or DECRA Stone-Coated Steel Tiles. Both offer an exceptional blend of durability and aesthetics. Brava tiles replicate the look of slate, shake, or barrel tile while being lightweight and weather-resistant, making them ideal for high-end residential applications. DECRA systems provide the strength of metal combined with the classic appearance of tile or shingles, delivering superior performance and longevity. These materials are perfect for homeowners or architects prioritizing style, durability, and a unique roof profile.

Exposed fastener metal roofs are generally quicker and less complex to install compared to standing seam systems, potentially reducing labor costs. Metal roofing, whether Exposed Fastener or Standing Seam, requires specialized installation compared to traditional materials like asphalt shingles. Exposed fastener systems are quicker and more straightforward to install, as the panels are secured with visible fasteners directly into the roof decking, making them a cost-effective option for budget-conscious projects. In contrast, standing seam metal roofing features concealed fasteners and interlocking panels that demand precision and skill, ensuring superior weather resistance and a sleek, seamless look. Both systems require proper underlayment and expansion considerations to account for thermal movement, and professional installation is crucial to maximize performance.

Standing seam systems are designed with concealed fasteners and interlocking panels, which create a watertight barrier against leaks and high winds. This makes them especially effective in regions like Florida, where hurricanes and extreme weather are common. Combined with proper installation, standing seam roofs offer some of the best protection available. 

Maintenance for exposed fastener roofs includes regular inspections to ensure fasteners are tight and sealants remain intact. Fasteners can loosen over time due to thermal expansion, and periodic tightening prevents water intrusion. Additionally, inspecting for rust or corrosion and replacing damaged panels when necessary is essential.

A surprise for many, no! Without proper underlayment or insulation, metal roofs can amplify noise during heavy rain or hail. Adding a sound-dampening underlayment during installation makes your home or building quieter and more comfortable. 

In many cases, standing seam metal roofs can be installed directly over an existing roof, saving time and disposal costs. This method must comply with local building codes and depends on the structural condition of the existing roof. Contact us for a Free Roof Inspection and Consultation to discuss options for your upcoming project, and to determine if your home or building is suitable for a metal overlay.

Yes, metal roofs are highly energy-efficient due to their reflective surfaces and depending on its color, which reduce heat absorption and cooling costs in warm climates. While black absorbs more heat, the metal itself still reflects a significant amount of heat away from the home, making it more efficient than traditional asphalt shingles.

If maximize energy efficiency is important to your roofing decision, consider lighter colored metal roofs, often referred to as "cool roofs." Some systems are even ENERGY STAR® rated and may qualify for energy-saving tax incentives.
In The Real World

A Sneak Peak