If you’re looking for a durable new metal roof, you’re in the right place. We have over 30 years of experience installing standing seam roofs for commercial, industrial, and residential customers. Whether you’re replacing an old roof or installing a new one, we’ll get the job done on-time and on-budget. We install standing seam roofs throughout Southern Michigan.
A standing seam roof is made of long metal panels joined together by raised, interlocking seams. These seams, often standing one to two inches high, run continuously from the roof’s ridge to the eaves, creating a sleek and distinct appearance. The interlocking design acts as a barrier against the elements, making these roofs a great choice for areas that get heavy rain, snow, or high winds.
Special screws or clips fasten the roofing panels to the substructure underneath. These clips or screws are usually hidden for aesthetics. Our company has experience with the issues and concerns that can arise with this type of roof, whether it’s in a residential, commercial, or industrial setting.
Standing seam roofs are tough. Because they’re made of solid metal sheets, and have fewer joints than most other types of roof designs, they minimize potential weak points. This results in fewer opportunities for leaks and other types of damage, contributing to a lifespan that can exceed 50 years with proper maintenance.
Another benefit is their fire resistance. Unlike asphalt shingles, metal is inherently non-combustible, giving you an extra layer of safety.
Standing seam roofs also can help you save on energy bills. Roofs often bake in the sun for hours each day, collecting a great deal of heat, but the reflectiveness of metal can help to lower cooling costs by reducing the roof’s overall heat absorption. This energy efficiency, along with the fact that the metal is recyclable, makes standing seam roofs a more eco-friendly option than typical roofs.
Standing seam roofs can be customized to fit various architectural styles, from modern homes to large commercial buildings.
If you’ve looked into standing seam roofs even a little, you’ve probably heard about “oil canning.” It refers to the visible waviness or distortion in the flat areas of the metal roofing panels. This isn’t a structural or safety problem, but it can be unsightly. We keep oil canning in check by only using metal panels with striations, instead of the more common and simple flat panels. These striations give the panels added strength and greatly reduce the likelihood of waviness.
If you’re dealing with aging shingles, worn-out tiles, or some other roofing material, you can replace it with a standing seam roof. A decision you’ll face is whether to remove the existing roof or install the new standing seam roof directly over it.
A full tear-off involves removing the old roof entirely before installing the new standing seam panels. This approach allows us to thoroughly inspect the underlying structure, which helps us find and address any hidden damage, like rot or water infiltration. The tear-off method is recommended if your old roof has multiple layers or shows significant wear.
In some cases, it’s possible to install a standing seam roof on top of your existing roof. This method, known as an overlay, is typically faster and more cost-effective, because there is no tear-off of the old roof. An overlay can be a good option if your current roof is still in decent condition but simply outdated or nearing the end of its life. Whether an overlay makes sense depends on several factors, including the weight of the new materials and local building codes, which may limit the number of roofing layers allowed. We will carefully evaluate your roof to see if an overlay makes sense.
Both methods have their advantages, and our team at CS Roofing Company can help you decide which approach is best for your property. Whichever method you choose, we’ll make sure your new roof is installed with precision and care.
Standing seam roofs have a lot going for them, but there are several reasons why they’re not the most common type around.
Shingles are available everywhere, most contractors know how to install them, and everyone is familiar with them.
Fewer people know about standing seam roofs to begin with. Everyone’s seen them, but not everyone knows what they are, what they’re called, or why they might have been installed on this or that building.
The complexity of a standing seam roofing roofing system means fewer contractors are equipped to handle the job, which can make it tough for property owners to find qualified professionals. Standing seam roofs also tend to have a higher upfront cost than asphalt shingles.
Some people simply prefer the look of other roofing materials, like shingles or tiles. Others might not know about the benefits of standing seam roofs, so they choose more familiar options instead.
This combination of factors contributes to the lower prevalence of standing seam roofs. When you have one installed, chances are you’ll stand out from the crowd and be much happier with your roof and what it does for you.
