What is Standing Seam Metal Roofing: Best Buy Metals Guide

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Standing Seam Metal Roofing: Modern Looks and Steel Strong

So, you’re considering a standing seam metal roof. Excellent choice! They’re incredibly durable, long-lasting, and add a touch of modern elegance to any home. Before you dive in, let’s make sure you have the information you need for a successful project.

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Working with Metal: A Bit of a Learning Curve

Installing Metal roofing can be like a skilled artisan working with wood or stone – powerful and beautiful materials, but they require a bit of a learning curve to work with effectively. Use these points below to get a basic overview of what to do and not do when working with standing seam or any metal roofing.

Cutting and Drilling: Precision is Key

Forget those aggressive power tools! You need to think like a surgeon performing a delicate operation. Use specialized shears designed for sheet metal.
Abrasive cutting methods like angle grinders will damage the metal and can lead to rust, which is like a slow, unsightly disease for your roof.
And those metal shavings? Clean them up promptly! Leaving them behind can stain your beautiful roof, which would be a real shame.

Handheld Turboshear Attachment

We recommend the Turbo Shear product for standing seam installations. It’s a great tool that makes any cuts much cleaner, easier, and safer.

Expansion and Contraction: Metal “Breathes” With the Weather

Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes. Imagine your metal roof like the air in your tires – it’s going to want to expand in the warmth and contract when it gets cold.
To accommodate this natural movement, install it with a “fixed” end and a “free” end. It needs some freedom to roam, but also a secure anchor point.

Oil-Canning: A Slight Undulation

You might notice a slight waviness in the metal, most will call this “oil-canning.” It’s a natural characteristic of the metal panel’s surface. It’s not a defect and does not affect its performance. There are ways to lessen the amount of oil canning and those include: using a heavier gauge standing seam metal roof panel (i.e. use 24ga vs 29ga), only using clips recommended by the manufacturer, if there is a screw flange making sure the screws go in the center – not at the top or the bottom. If you use those tips you can reduce the chances of oil canning but it’s a natural occurrence and perfectly normal to expect some to occur. We would also recommend using a cordless drill and avoid impact drills. We have a selection of driver bits available in our online metal roofing tool store.

Dissimilar Metals: Avoiding Unwanted Reactions

Some metals don’t get along. Copper and brass, for example, can cause corrosion when in contact with steel. It’s an unwanted chemical reaction so take care if you have metals other than steel on the job site.

Chemically Treated Lumber: Taking Precautions

Chemically treated wood can also be harsh on metal. It’s like putting a strong acid next to a delicate plant – it can cause damage. Use stainless steel or ceramic-coated fasteners to minimize contact.

Graphite Pencils: A No-Go

Avoid using graphite pencils on galvalume metal panels. It can produce corrosion/rust at the point of contact, which will erase the beauty of your roof. Use a marker (i.e. Sharpie) or grease pencil for any marking on metal panels (whether it is galvalume or not just to be safe).

Design Information and Planning: The Foundation for Success

Before you even lift a cutting tool, careful planning is essential. Having your measurements in place and verified is super important.

The use of home plans with verified measurements for roofing make for accurate orders.

The use of home plans with verified measurements for roofing make for accurate orders.

Slope: The roof’s slope is crucial. It needs to be steep enough to allow rainwater to drain properly, but not so steep that it becomes a hazard. Also, standing seam panels, like all metal roofing, will have recommended slopes and slopes that it will not work well for. At BBM our estimating team can help you determine the proper product for your slope and are happy to help.

Substrate: The substrate is the foundation of your roof. It needs to be sturdy and LEVEL, like a strong and stable base for a building. Typically new construction will have wood panels but in some cases the use of purlins may be needed. Be sure to ask your Best Buy Metals representative if you have any questions.

Underlayment: Underlayment provides a protective layer for your roof, like a shield against the elements.

Insulation and Air Barriers: Insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home, while air barriers prevent unwanted air leakage, just like weatherstripping around your doors and windows.

Also, if you have a portion of your roofing that extends to a lean-to or other area that does not have a substrate and is exposed to the elements; you may want to consider an anti-moisture product like Drip Stop. It will keep condensation on the underside of the panels from affecting your enjoyment of your deck or outside seating area and keep it drip-free.

Need More Guidance?

This is just a basic overview. All metal roofing will have their own set of unique considerations by type. If you have any questions or want to ensure metal roofing is the right choice for your project, don’t hesitate to contact Best Buy Metals. They’re the experts and can provide valuable guidance. From standing seam types and product knowledge, project usage recommendations and estimating our pro team can assist you.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We encourage you to perform your own due diligence and always consult with qualified professionals for any construction or roofing project.