Steel Building Talk

Standing seam roofs are becoming the covering of choice for existing and brand new steel buildings. A standing seam roof can be fabricated at the jobsite for an existing structure in just a few days, or produced at a factory for a new building just as quickly.

The attributes of a standing seam steel roof are impressive. They are very durable and long lasting. They also require very little maintenance – if any. A steel standing seam roof can be fitted over existing roofing materials. Standing seam roofs are also available in a wide variety of colors and styles and, additionally, steel is a non-combustible material. Standing seam roofs have grown very popular nationwide, whether in the heat and humidity of Florida or the frigid conditions of Maine. Standing seam roofs can greatly enhance any steel building.

The component assembly style of a standing seam roof is very simple. A standing seam roof consists of many interlocking panels that run vertically from the roof’s ridge (or gable or top of roof) down to the eave. The interlocking seam where the two panels join together is raised above the roof’s surface. This allows moisture to run off without seepage between roof panels.

There is a vast array of sizes and shapes available for standing seam roofs. In some applications, the vertical panels are pre-cut at the factory and delivered to the job site. Some standing seam roof applications are shaped and cut at the job site using the appropriate equipment. There are other options, including standing seam shingles, which are shipped pre-packaged and are installed in a staggered form for the appropriate aesthetic effect.

There are commonly two methods utilized to secure the panels to the roof. Fasteners are attached to the raised section of each panel. These, then, are covered by the next panel attached during the installation. The most inexpensive method utilized uses fasteners that are driven through each steel panel into the roof sheathing.

There then is the steel standing seam roof installation guide. Steel is formed and cut to length using a metalworking tool called a “brake,” at the job site. Every section of the steel roof is formed to the necessary length, and waste is therefore kept to a minimum. The brake is designed to form the interlocking panels of the roof. A shear cuts each panel to the desired length. There will be a bit of hand trimming involved, but the panels are formed and cut to length and ready to install in a short period of time. The roof elements are installed in the proper sequence to create a watertight seal. Each vertical roof section will be attached to the ridge vent. Each roof panel that runs from ridge to eave tucks into the ridge vent and the use of hidden fasteners creates a more professional look. The next adjoining roof panel will cover the clips that secure each panel and the raised seams at each panel’s end are crimped. Each adjacent roof panel is then crimped together. The ridge cap, valleys, and vertical section all work together to form a watertight seal. This correctly installed roof will last for many years, requiring virtually no maintenance over its lifespan.