Year after year, we see more and more architects and homeowners selecting standing seam metal roofing (SSMR) systems for their projects. They make an excellent choice due to the benefits of concealed fastener as well as their time-tested ability to perform well in weather conditions from the hurricanes of South Florida to the blizzards of New England and everything in between. Additional benefits include Energy Star tax credits, system recyclability and the contributions to help achieve LEED certification.
Wide variety of panel configurations with different options to fit contractors’ needs
Looking back in time, we can see the evolution of the industry from the equipment used to the way these roofing systems are installed. Historically speaking, roofing panels were generally made from lighter gauge metals than what is standard today. Small coils of metal were rolled out onto the ground and specialized hand (and foot) tools were used to form the panels.
Some panels were also fabricated using a heavy-duty hand brake—this is the reason you’ll see transverse seams with panels limited to 8-foot lengths since they’re limited to the length of the brake. Many of these roofs are still performing today. As amazing as it sounds, this old-world craftsmanship is still demonstrated in some areas of the country without the use of rollforming equipment. Often, you’ll find communities of tin-knockers who’ve been working with metal roofs for over 50 years.
However, with the advances in both in-plant and portable roll-forming of SSMR panels, we now have a wide variety of panel configurations with different options to fit the needs of any roofing contractor or architect.
What Type of SSMR System/Seam Profile?
In my past life, I was a SSMR contractor whose lack of experience limited my thinking to the idea that an SSMR panel was either a 20- or 21-inch wide mechanically seamed panel. That panel had to be formed on-site using portable equipment. To me, it was the only panel that met the definition of a SSMR. This sentiment also resided with the general public and its attitude toward SSMR panels. I lost a project once and happened to drive by it after completion. I quickly noted that it was a snap-lock panel configuration. A friend of mine knew the homeowner and told me how disappointed he was at not getting “true standing seam” on his home. To the homeowner, it would’ve only been true standing seam if the contractor arrived with metal coils and a portable rollforming machine and formed those panels on-site. However, this certainly isn’t the case and I happen to know that snap-lock system is performing flawlessly to this date.
Over the last 15 years, my experience has shown me the value of some of the other SSMR system types and methods of fabrication. An example of this was demonstrated in a preconstruction job meeting on a large commercial project. I listened to the project manager artfully make a masterful presentation on why a pre-formed 1.5-inch snap-lock panel configuration/system would be the perfect replacement for a mechanically seamed panel formed on-site. The lack of mechanical seaming, the aesthetics and ultimately the speed of installation convinced the owners to allow the switch and made for a successful project.
While decision makers may have a favorite panel type to work with, ultimately it is the performance requirements of the job that will dictate the system types. The 1-inch mechanical seam system for a re-roof on a house in central Virginia may be the standard for the area and meet the historical design standards. However, it may not meet the wind ratings/requirements for a condo association in South Florida. And once you determine the performance requirements, then you’ll want to consider the aesthetics of the project. While it may perform, a 1.75-inch snap-lock system installed on a U.S. Air Force hangar may not aesthetically work for a small cape in Martha’s Vineyard.
Whether you’re a designer specifying a metal roof, a contractor installing a metal roof, a distributor selling a metal roof or a manufacturer selling equipment to produce metal roofing panels, you can see there are a lot of factors in making a decision. SSMR is a system that can work on almost any project; it’s up to you to determine the performance and aesthetic requirements for your project. Once you do, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when making your final selection.
James Hazen is national roofing sales manager at Englert Inc., Perth Amboy, N.J. To learn more, visit www.englertinc.com or call (732) 646-4915.
