Standing Seam Metal Roofing and its 4 Great Profile Types

Standing seam metal roofing is one of the most popular, adaptable, and long-lasting roofing options on the market today. Standing seam metal roofing panels are a product family of metal roofing. They are, in their most basic form, panels with male and female legs that are engaged and affixed to the roofing substructure with clips. However, as panel alternatives have expanded, clipless panels have become more frequent in this product family.

Standing seam metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular as property owners seek items that will endure a long time, look modern, and protect their structure. A concealed fastener metal panel system with vertical legs and a broad, flat region between the two legs is known as standing seam metal roofing. Whether the panel is clipped to the roof deck or directly connected to the decking material behind the vertical leg, the main idea behind standing seam metal roofing systems is that the fastener is hidden. When it comes to selling a property, a well-designed roof that compliments the structure it is installed on will help to beautify the home and add value.

 Standing Seam Panel Profile Types

Customers have a lot of choices and possibilities with standing seam metal roofing, and that has become its one of the most appealing features. These options include length, width, profile, form, thickness, and other factors in addition to the panel’s color. The panel profile type is one of these options.

The shape and method of joining two or more panels is referred to as a panel profile. What profile you should choose with the guidance of a contractor or architect will depend on the sort of roof you have, how steep it is, the environment your property is in, and a variety of other considerations.

• Mechanical Lock Profiles

Rollformed mechanically seamed panels have predefined edges that line up with one other. After the two panels are engaged, a seamer bends the edges and secures them together, either by hand or mechanically. Mechanical seams are divided into two types: single lock 90-degree seams and double lock 180-degree seams.

Facts: Single Lock (90-degree seam)

A single lock refers to ONE seam fold (or 90 degrees). While single lock profiles don’t perform as well as double lock profiles in harsher situations, they still work well. Single-locking systems take less labor and are easier to replace if a panel becomes broken.

Facts: Double Lock (180-degree seam)

TWO seam folds are used in double lock mechanical devices (or 180 degrees). Double lock systems are ideal for low-slope situations that require additional weather resistance. 2-inch double lock profile: Can be placed with in-seam sealant down to a 0.5/12 pitch (based on geography). 1.5-inch double lock profile: Can be used with in-seam sealant down to a 1/12 pitch (based on geography). Double lock panels work better and have a lower possibility of coming unseamed. Double lock systems are ideal for houses in cold weather zones where the temperature fluctuates between freezing and thawing. When snow/ice freezes and thaws, it expands and compresses, which could cause a snap-lock profile to disengage.

• Snap-Lock Profiles

Snap-lock profiles are made up of panels that have been precisely rollformed with properly shaped edges, a male and female leg, and snap together during installation, eliminating the need for manual or mechanical seaming. Snap-lock profiles are secured to the roof deck with a clip that fastens underneath the panel and attaches to the seam. Fastener flange panels have a similar locking mechanism, but we don’t consider them snap-locks because true snap-locks let the system float freely with their clip system.

Facts about Snap-lock:

1. Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, snap-lock systems should only be used on roof pitches (slopes) of 3/12 and higher.
2. Snap-lock panels can be utilized in any environment if they are properly fitted.
3. Because no mechanical seaming is necessary, these systems take less work and are often less expensive to install.
4. Unlike non-engineered variants, engineered snap-lock panel systems provide better performance.

• Nail Flange or Fastener Flange Profiles

Nail flange (also known as fastener flange) is similar to a snap-lock panel system, except that instead of utilizing a clip to secure the panel to the roof deck, it is secured to the deck directly through the male leg of the metal panel. The female leg of the panel snaps over the entire male leg after the fasteners are in place, hiding the fastening head.

Facts on Nail Flanges and Fastener Flanges:

1. Nail flange systems rely exclusively on the fastener’s head to hold the panels fastened to the deck, which could cause future issues.
2. Nail flange systems are a popular choice for residential applications since they are the most cost-effective solution for standing seam metal roofing because they require less installation accessories.
3. Metal roofs with fastener/nail flanges are not the most energy efficient and frequently lack engineering. They also look for the flaws in the roof deck.
4. Accepting roof clamps for snow retention or solar panels isn’t always a good idea.
5. Low-slope applications are not possible.
6. Are pinned, limiting their ability to expand and shrink.
7. Snapping the pieces together can be challenging.
8. If created in a rollformer with no separation between the drive and forming rollers, it may distort with time.

• Batten Panel Profiles

When two legs of a panel are rollformed and butted up next to each other, it is called a batten panel roofing system. Then, to produce a seam, a metal cap is placed over the legs and either snaps on or automatically seams into place. The section that goes over the legs comes in a variety of styles, but two are common: tee seams and snap caps.

Facts about Tee Seam:

1. Tee seams are manually sewn into place, ensuring that they will hold up in adverse weather conditions.
2. Tee seams are more weathertight than snap cap batten panels, and the cap itself usually has sealant pre-installed.
3. Both high and low slope applications are possible.
4. Individual tee seam panels can be easily replaced or repaired on the field.

EcoShield Roofing specializes in roof replacements and repair for metal and shingle roofs. We are a roofing business with all the correct credentials and the required local and state licenses to get your job done right. 

We also offer roof repair and gutter installation to ensure that your roof continues to work properly for years to come. To get started on your new roof, schedule a free estimate now!