Roofing
Standing Seam
Standing-seam metal roofs have been popular for centuries.
The term standing seam is used to describe any type of joinery
that uses an upturned portion of the metal to connect adjacent
metal sections. The joinery raises the seam above the drainage
plane of the panel, creating its distinctive vertical lines.
In the past, the original standing-seam roof
involved only the 90-deg. adjacent metal upstands that could
be single or double folded at the top. Today standing-seam
joints are held together with a concealed clip, or cleat,
at the seam. The clip involves a male and a female upstand
that joins with or without seaming. Other versions of standing
seam incorporate a nailing flange to the roof, which is then
covered up by the next panel as it is snapped into place.
Standing-seam metal roofs are used with many
types of high-pitched expanses of roof that can be enhanced
with strong definition of the architectural lines. Standing-seam
roofs are also very prevalent in mountainous regions where
the need to shed snow is important. In addition, standing-seam
installation is sometimes easier than other roofing styles.
Standing-seam metal sheets go through a roll-forming
process to create the panels. The roll-formed panels are custom
cut to the specific lengths of the roofs. Because they are
custom cut, the product is usually special-ordered for each
job.
ADVANTAGES OF METAL ROOFING
Standing-seam steel roofing holds the largest percentage of
residential metal roofing in the industry. This type of roof
is economical, attractive, and used in heavy snow areas. With
a historical look that is gaining new popularity, standing
seam is the oldest style of metal roofing that can be seen
on traditional and restored buildings and homes.
In addition, the latest styles of metal roofs are catching
the eye of many homeowners. The new metal-roofing products
address all preferences by providing a variety of designs,
styles, and colors to complement any type of architecture.
As there are many advantages to standing-seam steel roofing,
many of these attributes can be found with other recent styles
of metal roofing.
Metal roofs are durable, offering a high-strength-to-low-weight
ratio. These roofing systems are almost maintenance-free,
no cleaning or pressure washing is needed, and will not lose
impact resistance with age. Furthermore, metal roofs are low
weight and can be installed over many existing roofs.
The advantages of a metal roof in severe weather are numerous.
Metal roofs are fire retardant, providing a unfriendly home
to fire-blown embers. In heavy snowstorms, metal roofs reflect
radiant heat to melt ice and snow. In high winds, standing
seam's fully interlocking panels can pass the Dade County,
Fla., test -- withstanding winds over 110 miles per hour.
There are numerous environmental benefits of standing-seam
metal roofs. Metal roofs are energy efficient; the metal reflects
the heat and blocks heat transfer. Homeowners have reported
a savings of up to 20% in their energy bills. Furthermore,
steel roofs are made from 60-65% recyclable material and can
be installed over existing roofs, eliminating excessive landfill
disposal.
Standing-seam steel roofing is a complete system that includes
factory- formed sheets and accessories, consistent protective
finish, and overall protection. A metal roof is actually quiet,
despite the misconception that they are noisy. Folds in the
metal, solid decking, and insulation in the attic or ceiling
muffle the sound of rain.
Cost Issues
While the initial cost for a premium metal roof is higher
than most other roofing materials, the investment homeowners
make for installing a metal roof will be returned over many
years.
Installation Considerations
Many metal-roofing manufacturers have been reviewing the installation
process and looking for ways to make it simpler and less labor
intensive. Some metal manufacturers have been able to design
a roofing system that needs only six common tools.
Furthermore, metal-roofing manufacturers have been designing
products that do not require specialized training. Contractors
can learn how to install a metal-roofing product through a
brief presentation by the manufacturer or through a step-by-step
video.
Future of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing will always be a roofing option, for both old
and new homes and buildings. In the past few decades, metal
roofing has evolved into a variety of styles and designs while
maintaining its traditional standing-seam style. Even though
standing seam still dominates the metal-roofing industry,
other varieties and styles have also emerged, attracting many
different audiences.
Tile Roofing
More than any other roof type, the traditional tile roof
is an architectural feature deserving of special attention
-- because the texture, color, and play of light and shadow
impart a distinctive character to a building that no other
roof type can match. Yet tens of thousands of tile roofs have
been lost in recent decades because of the ignorance or laziness
of low-level roofing repair contractors. When a contractor
says of a tile roof: "That can't be repaired," it
only means that he or she can't repair it!
Roofing tiles can be ceramic (e.g., clay fired at a high
temperature) or fabricated from cement concrete. Some of the
lighter types use fibers (e.g., cellulose) added for strength.
The color of a tile may be dispersed throughout, or it may
be applied in the form of a coating. Perhaps the most venerable
type of roof tile is the Spanish style red barrel tile made
from fired clay. The modern version of this tile is sometimes
a cement tile with a suitable coating. In either case, the
red color is due to the ubiquitous iron oxide material, hematite.
Roofing tiles are available in a wide range of colors; more
data on the solar reflectance properties is needed. A starting
point for the estimation of the solar reflectance would be
to use the reflectance of a paint coating of similar color.
Advantages
Advantages of tile include fire safety, as they are non-combustible,
and durability. Disadvantages include increased weight and
cost compared with low-cost asphalt shingle roofs.
Tile roofs often have enhanced air circulation compared to
other roofing types because ambient air can circulate below
as well as above the tile. (Wood roofs also have provision
for air circulation below the roof, to make sure they always
remain dry.) This enhanced air circulation helps the roof
shed solar heat more readily.
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