The Good and the Bad About Standing Seam Steel Roofs

Steel roofing is growing more and more popular across the state of Florida. And more specifically, standing seam steel roofs are popping up on houses everywhere we look. So why all the fuss about residential metal roofing?

There are a lot of factors at play in this phenomenon, from standing seam steel roofing prices to their unbeatable durability. As your local roofing experts, we at John Hogan Roofing feel it’s our responsibility to tell you everything you need to know before purchasing your standing seam steel roof. To get started, let’s look at what sets a standing seam steel roof apart from other metal roofing options!

What Is a Standing Seam Steel Roof?

Despite the name, standing seam roofs are usually made out of more than just steel. Typically this is steel that is coated in protective alloys to help prevent rust—an essential protective feature in humid Florida.

But where standing seam steel roofs shine is their flat appearance and hidden fasteners. Steel roofs with exposed fasteners, called 5V roofing, have a more industrial look from being screwed down to your structure. For this reason, some homeowners will not choose 5V roofs for residential properties.

But a standing seam steel roof doesn’t have this issue. Since the steel panels fit seamlessly together and adhere from beneath your roof, there is only a smooth, uniform surface. Not only does this create a more welcoming aesthetic, but it also ensures that your roof is securely installed and won’t go anywhere when the weather takes a turn.

That covers the basic concept of a standing seam steel roof and how it works. But why are they suddenly so popular in Florida?

Advantages of Standing Seam Steel Roofing

Standing seam steel roofs have a lot to love. Keep reading to see the biggest reasons that homeowners choose standing seam for their metal roof replacement!

Fantastic Durability

Your typical asphalt shingle roof might last you, at most, around 25 years. But a standing seam steel roof can last much longer than that. In fact, standing seam steel roofs have been known to last for anywhere from 40 to 70 years.

This is longer than even 5V steel roofing. Why? Because exposed fasteners cause the roof to age prematurely due to not being able to expand and contract with the sun’s heat. Thanks to standing seam’s hidden fasteners, though, it can easily adjust to the current temperature and stay strong for longer.

Wind and Rain Resistance

In Florida, two of the biggest roof killers are high winds and heavy rains. This is especially true during hurricane season, when intense storms are just a fact of life in Florida. And while shingle roofs can rarely withstand winds in excess of 110 mph and are easily soaked through by heavy downpours, steel roofs hold up much better.

Standing seam steel roofs, on the other hand, have been known to withstand winds of 180 mph. And their interlocking pattern creates a watertight barrier for your home that is further reinforced by a water-proof underlayment on top of your roof decking. In this way, standing seam metal roofs protect against the worst parts of Florida’s weather patterns.

Low Maintenance

Nobody wants a roof that will require a lot of attention and maintenance. Thankfully, standing seam steel roofs don’t need much in the way of support once they’re properly installed. Where shingle roofs will intermittently need shingles replaced, a standing seam steel roof is in it for the long haul.

You should still conduct an annual roof inspection around your roof’s perforations (like vents or chimneys) just to be safe, but with standing seam, you don’t have to worry about your roof losing pieces or developing mold the way that you would with other roofing materials.

Eco-Friendly

Standing seam metal roofs are good for the planet in two key ways. First, they reflect the sun’s UV rays away from your home. This means a lower monthly energy bill, which is better for both the planet and your monthly budget!

Additionally, metal roofs are completely recyclable. So unlike asphalt shingles, which are almost always thrown into a dump after being removed, steel roofs can be recycled and reused instead of taking up space in a landfill.

Downsides to Standing Seam Metal Roofing

While standing seam roofs are great, it’s not all positive. Like any other roofing material, these metal roofs have both pros and cons. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the most common reasons that homeowners choose not to go with a standing seam steel roof.

Hefty Price Tag

While this is a great product, it’s no secret that standing seam steel roof installation is anything but cheap. Asphalt shingles tend to hover around five dollars per square foot, whereas standing seam can easily cost three times as much.

When you consider how much longer standing seam lasts than shingles, it’s clear that standing seam can still be a great investment for your home. But the truth is that standing seam is outside the budget of many homeowners, so it’s important to know what kind of price you can expect.

Noise During Rain or Hail

You may have heard that metal roofs are especially loud when it rains, and this is true to some extent. Water or ice hitting your metal roof is likely to make more noise than the same materials falling on a shingle roof. However, this still isn’t a problem for most homeowners with metal roofs.

Why? Because experienced installers know that metal roofs can make extra noise. That’s why we install additional insulation to block out this sound. As a result, when you choose metal roofing contractors who know their business, you won’t have to worry about annoying sounds every time it rains.

Troubles With Standing Seam Steel Roof Installation

Generally, standing seam is a reliable, durable roofing system. But a roofing material is only as good as the people installing it. And unlike shingles, which are easy to install, standing seam steel roofs are notoriously complicated. That’s why it pays to choose professionals who have experience with standing seam roofs.

Choosing inexperienced contractors can lead to roofing problems like persistent leaks, pests, and even total failure of your roofing system. So while it can be tempting to pick the cheapest roofers around, the better way to save money is to choose trusted local roofers with experience and clear, upfront pricing.

Your Local Metal Roofing Contractors

John Hogan Roofing has been working with nearly every roofing material for over 30 years. So whether a standing seam steel roof is right for you or you ultimately decide on another material, we have the experienced crews to get the job done.

When you’re ready to move forward with your roof replacement, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ve got decades of experience and the great roofing reviews to prove that we know our stuff. We even make the roof replacement process easy—to get started, all you have to do is schedule your free roofing estimate.

Choosing whether or not to invest in a standing seam steel roof is a major decision. And you can now make an informed choice, knowing that no matter what you choose, the crew at John Hogan Roofing has your back.