Are you considering buying a standing seam metal roof but are unsure if it’s right for you?
While determining the advantages of certain roofs can be helpful, looking at some of the reasons a metal roof might not be suitable for your situation is also beneficial.
In this article, we’ve compiled the most common reasons a standing seam metal roof may not be right for your home or business and key questions to ask if you’re on the fence about buying one.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of whether a standing seam metal roof is truly the best option for you.
Sheffield Metals International provides metal coils, sheets, and other accessories for metal roofing projects. We aim to give contractors and other businesses the highest-quality products we can offer while educating those in our industry and curious homeowners about all the ins and outs of metal roofing.
Ultimately, we want contractors and homeowners, like you, to make the best decision for their situation and be happy with their roofing choice, regardless of the material. So to be sure to land on exactly what you want, let’s dive into some problems you’ll want to avoid when making your decision.
1. You Don’t Have the Budget for a Standing Seam Metal Roof
The most common reason we see our customers reconsidering buying a standing seam metal roof is because of cost. Yes, it’s true that metal roofs are on the higher end when it comes to roofing materials. A quote for a Sheffield Metals mechanical seam roof in Ohio was listed at $8.00 per square foot, with a final price of $24,800. Remember that there are many different elements involved with a metal roof, such as:
- Roof size
- Residential vs. commercial
- Type of material
- Paint type
- Seam Type
- Location
- Customizations
These will all have an impact on the final price of your metal roof, and you may be able to prioritize certain factors over others so that you can get the roof you want to fit within your budget.
There are ways to knock the price down a bit, such as opting for an exposed fastener system with SMP paint. While you won’t get the robust durability and aesthetics of a standing seam system with PVDF paint, you’ll still get that metal look with many of the benefits included.
2. Your Roofing Design Isn’t Conducive to Metal
Another common reason we see our customers opting for an alternative to standing seam metal roofing is their specific roof design. Metal roofs can’t be used on ultra-low slopes or flat roofs, for example.
And roofs that require small, cut-up panels will also be poor candidates for standing seam metal roofs. These types of roofs often have flashing transitions, which will take the leaking prevention benefits away from your metal roof. Flashing transitions will also drive up the cost of your roof and create a very slim margin for error during installation.
Aside from your design, you’ll also want to consider the appearance of your metal roof.
3. You Don’t Like the Way Metal Looks
Some people simply don’t like the way standing seam metal roofs look. If this is you, then you’ll probably want to opt for an alternative material. However, if you still want the benefits of metal roofing but aren’t satisfied with the way it looks, consider looking into metal roofs that mimic the look of other materials – this may be an option that solves your issue.
Or, you could actually like the way metal roofs look, but it simply doesn’t fit the region you live in. Some areas in California are predominantly Spanish tile, for example, so you may not want to opt for a metal roof that would stand out. In some cases, you may have to deal with the guidelines written up by your HOA.
4. Your HOA Doesn’t Allow Metal Roofs
If you’re part of an HOA, look into the fine print of your contract. In some cases, they may not allow metal roofs in the neighborhood. This could be for a variety of reasons – to keep a common aesthetic trend throughout the neighborhood, for instance, or it could be because the organization is not up to speed on modern metal roofing.
A simple conversation with your HOA about the benefits of metal roofing may be enough to change their mind and allow you to install a standing seam metal roof on your home. Likewise, if the metal roof you want is more energy-efficient than the materials your HOA allows, you may be able to petition for a construction board in your state to supersede your HOA.
Your region will dictate many factors when it comes to roofing, including what kind of services you find in your immediate area.
5. There’s a Lack of Qualified Metal Roof Installers in Your Area
Some regions may be lacking when it comes to reliable, trusted metal roofing contractors. Be sure to do your research and find others in your area who’ve had standing seam metal roofs installed on their homes or businesses. If you’re struggling to find a reliable contractor, don’t settle for a company that isn’t doing quality work.
Metal roofing requires a level of precision and detail that other roofing materials, such as shingles, do not. This is why finding a proven contractor to help you get what you need is essential. If you don’t get installation right the first time, it could lead to issues with your home, such as leaking, corrosion, and not to mention all the costs involved with repairs and maintenance to fix those issues that arose because of poor workmanship.
To find a trusted installer, do your research and try contacting a professional metal roofing supplier that can put you in touch with the right team. A local supplier can be very helpful with other considerations, too, such as what material may work for the climate you live in.
6. Your Region Receives Excessive Hail
While standing seam metal roofs are known to be highly durable and long-lasting, they do dent if debris hits them at high impact. This is usually related to hail damage, which may leave imprints on your metal roof. If you want to avoid this and know that your region receives excessive hail, then you may want to consider an alternative to metal roofing. Hail can also affect the longevity of your standing seam metal roof – something else you’ll want to pay attention to.
7. You’re Not Staying in Your Home Long-Term
One of the main advantages of a standing seam metal roof is its longevity – in some cases, it can last up to sixty years or more. While many view this as a plus, others may not want to commit to something for that long, especially if they plan on moving relatively soon.
A metal roof is a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure you plan on staying in your home for the long term before purchasing one. If your current home is just a stepping stone to something else or you’re already looking to go somewhere else, a metal roof might not be the best option.
Still, putting a metal roof on your home or building can increase the final selling price, so even if you do intend on selling your home at some point in the future, getting that metal roof can work as an advantage.
8. You Want a Quick Installation
Metal is a unique roofing material that requires a high level of experience and technique for correct installation. Other alternatives can be much simpler to install, which will shorten the installation duration. While it shouldn’t take that long – anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the size of the roof and weather factors – it may be longer than other types.
There are other issues to think about when it comes to installation, such as oil canning.
9. You Want to Avoid Oil Canning
If you’ve researched metal roofs, you may have come across the term “oil canning.” Oil canning refers to the perceived visual effect of a waviness or distorted look on metal roofing panels. While this phenomenon does not indicate a structural issue with the roof, it does turn away certain buyers because of the aesthetic drawbacks.
The severity of oil canning is dependent on a number of factors, such as the time of day, the location from which you’re viewing the roof, and the color and gloss type of the roof. Darker colors, for example, with high-gloss finishes, are more likely to display oil canning than lighter, low-gloss options.
If oil canning is the sticking point that’s making you think twice about investing in a metal roof, know that there are actionable strategies you can take to reduce the effects of oil canning:
- Choose thicker metal: Thicker metal resists the effects of oil canning because it’s harder for the metal to give in.
- Striated panels: Using striated panels is one of the easiest options to minimize the appearance of oil canning. The striations are utilized in the flat part of the panel and give it a uniform look that will hide oil canning that is less severe.
- Utilize a low-gloss finish: A main component of oil canning is the reflection of light on metal. To reduce reflectivity and, in turn, the visible effects of oil canning, consider opting for a low-gloss or matte finish for your metal roof.
- Ensure proper installation: As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to find a trusted team of contractors to install your metal roof. Oil canning can be reduced through various installation methods such as using a rib roller, installing panels on a leveled and consistent roof deck, and using narrow panel widths, all of which will be familiar to an experienced, reliable contractor.
Oil canning isn’t the only way your metal roof can be affected. If you own a business where chemicals are released into the air, you may have issues with a metal roof.
10. Your Building Contains Contaminants that Corrodes Metal or Paint
Think about any exhaust or airborne contaminants your building may be producing. These could affect a metal roof and start producing corrosion. Likewise, metal roofs are also not recommended for buildings with animal confinement, as the waste produced can create corrosion problems.
You should also be careful using dissimilar metals. If your current roof uses metals like copper for gutters, weathervanes, or accents, it can have a negative reaction and will need to be removed.
Consult with a metal roofing company to see how a metal roof would react to any contaminants released in your building.
11. You Have Specific Color Matching Needs
While choosing your initial color for your metal roof may be easy, you could face more challenges when making repairs. Some colors may not be available to match the rest of your roof, and older parts may have faded during previous years.
Key Questions to Ask When Deciding Whether to Buy a Standing Seam Metal Roof
There’s a lot to consider when deciding whether to buy a standing seam metal roof. With all the various materials, paint systems, and roofing types involved, it can be challenging to keep things organized and figure out what you want. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together some key questions that have helped customers figure out if a metal roof is right for them.
What Is Your Budget?
Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to standing seam metal roofs. Metal roofs are typically more expensive than your average roofing material, so it’s important to look at your budget and see if it’s worth the investment. And if it does fit within your price range, standing seam metal roofs are a great choice, offering premier durability, longevity, and unmatched aesthetics.
Price ranges for metal roofs vary widely; you can spend anywhere from $7,000 to upwards of $100,000 or more. So, while you won’t get the affordability of a material like traditional shingles, there are ways you can save on price, such as opting for a less expensive roofing system. And if you have a large budget, you won’t have trouble finding robust upgrades and improved aesthetics to get the perfect roof for you.
How Long Do You Plan to Stay in Your Home?
This is one some homeowners may not think about when buying a roof, but it’s a question you should have in mind as you consider your roofing type. Metal roofs can last for multiple decades, after all, so it’s great for those looking to stay in their home for the foreseeable future.
What Look Do You Want?
Also, consider how you want your roof to look – standing seam metal roofs often have a sleek, modern appearance that can adapt to various environments based on the color you choose.
What Region Do You Live In?
And lastly, it can be helpful to look at the specific region you live in. Take some time to look at the trends in roofing in your neighborhood and the surrounding area to see if a metal roof would be a good fit.
One of the best things about metal roofs is their versatility. They work in a variety of climates and weather, standing up well in both extreme heat and cold. Be sure to look at the various materials you can use for your metal roof and match that to your unique region. Aluminum roofs, for example, are best suited for those located near the coasts, as they handle the effects of saltwater well.
Find High-Quality Standing Seam Roofs at Sheffield Metals International
Buying a roof can be a stressful process, and while seeking out the advantages of different materials can be helpful, knowing the drawbacks can be even more useful. Now that we’ve walked you through the most common reasons we see our customers drawn away from metal roofing materials, we hope it’s helped you make your decision a bit clearer.
If you have decided that a metal roof is an excellent option for you, be sure to contact a professional metal roofing company that can supply you with the information you need and point you in the direction of a qualified contractor. At Sheffield Metals International, we’re happy to assist you with all your metal roofing needs. Our expert team is ready to answer your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.
