When people think of “metal roofing,” they often think of flat roofs, even though top-quality metal roofs are anything but.
The best metal roofers now use standing seam roofing systems to maximize the value clients get from their new roof.
A standing seam roof has panels that run vertically up the roof. People enjoy their striking look, with vertical shadows that provide a tremendous amount of visual interest. But the appearance of a standing seam pattern is only the beginning of what makes it an outstanding roof.
No matter what kind of roof you have, there’s one structural challenge your roofer always needs to overcome: Protecting the joints in the roof system. No matter where they appear, joints are always a weak point. In most roof systems, metal flashing reinforces them.
Flashing is also used around vent pipes and chimneys.
Of course, metal roofing systems are made from multiple panels – and the way those panels interconnect gives them a tremendous strength. But a metal roofer needs to have the expertise to plan, fabricate, and install the panels correctly to bring out their capabilities.
Fabricate Metal Roofing Panels On-Site
An expert metal roofer will always fabricate your roofing panels on site after getting the necessary measurements. Unique roofing panels ensure a custom fit based on the dimensions and quirks of your structure. This safeguards against moisture penetration.
Use a Standing Seam Approach
Standing seam roofs are designed to conceal the fasteners with relatively tall seams impervious to cracking, streaking, and staining. The seams are protected from the elements and are less likely to warp in heat or cold.
Custom metal panels ensure the standing seams of the roof are perfectly sized and panels connect securely. Of course, it is important the seams themselves be defended from oxidization since rust could weaken them and expose the fasteners over time.
This is where Galvalume comes in.
At Longhorn Roofing, we use only the best high-gauge Galvalume coated panels.
Galvalume is a special coating consisting of zinc, aluminum, and silicon. Zinc acts as a “sacrificial coating” that, being more chemically active than the underlying metal, reacts harmlessly with oxygen to prevent rust. Even our painted metal roofs have a base coat of galvalume, making them extra UV protected.
The fact that a modern metal roof should be rust-free for many years to come is another reason metal roof owners save on maintenance and see the excellent long-term performance.
Most people first laid eyes on metal roofing way back when it was mainly used in barns and other agricultural buildings. A true standing seam metal roof was rare back then. But still, it’s not unusual for homeowners to think that if they buy a metal roof, their house will look like a barn!
Nothing could be further from the truth, but this is still a “secret” because the word hasn’t gotten out yet. When you invest in a standing seam metal roof in Austin, you’re getting a superior product. Let’s consider some “drawbacks of metal” that aren’t really true today (or never were.)
a. False: Metal Roofing Only Comes in One Color
Your standing seam metal roof can come in a range of colors. White is the most common because it is the most energy-efficient. At the same time, many homeowners feel a black metal roof is especially stylish. So, those are the most popular colors – but they’re not the only ones.
When you pick out a standing seam metal roof, you’ll usually have access to at least a dozen colors, with much more available as special orders. It might take a few extra days or weeks to get unusual colors, but you can make a style statement or blend in with the neighborhood. It’s all up to you.
b. False: Metal Roofing Is Noisier than Other Roofs
This one is kind of baffling because a standing seam metal roof does not really sound much different from the average shingle roof. After all, you are going to hear rain or hail on your roof no matter what kind of roofing material you choose. You will get used to the difference within just a few days.
c. False: Metal Roofing Is More Likely to Get Struck by Lightning
A standing seam metal roof is designed for fire resistance, so there’s a lot less risk if a roof does get struck by lightning. Naturally, we all wondered about this in the early days – Austin metal roofers, home inspectors, regulators, and more. So, a lot of research has gone into this subject.
Turns out metal roofing isn’t really more likely to get struck by lightning at all.
All in all, you’re best off with a standing seam metal roof if you’re concerned about lightning!
Although standing seam is more complex to install, it ultimately represents the apex of what a metal roofing system can do. To get the job done right the first time, choose metal roofers with plenty of experience.
Longhorn Roofing is the team that’s delivered new metal roofing installation to residential and business customers all throughout the Austin area. To learn more, just contact us today.