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continental_gw

Modern metal roofing choices?

Continental
11 years ago

Hi all,

I'm having a tough time getting service providers to help me understand the differences between types of modern metal roofing- I've been quoted for two types, type 1 is a 29G "G-rib" and type 2 a 26G "Standing Seam". Standing seam is fully 150% the cost of G-rib.

From what I can tell standing seam used to be the clear winner in terms of seal quality because the fasteners were literally seamed into the panels and protected from the elements using a heavy and expensive machine. However, new systems *may* omit that machine by using a snap-lock system under what is essentially a pre-formed "seam".

Given that modern fastener techniques (self tapping hw and sealants) are pretty robust, is there really a rationale for the extra 50% in cost? Is there an in-between product that I should be considering?

FWIW application is a steeply pitched roof on a mountain cabin in western WV that can expect 180" or more snow/season. It currently has a tired and leaky cedar shake roof and the only permitted materials by the community are real/artificial shake or metal. Its slightly more to use cedar than standing seam and another step up to use artificial "Eco-star" cedar.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Best,

Guy
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Comments (5)

  • Debbi Branka
    11 years ago

    Guy, we had a metal roof installed last fall. We are so happy with it. it looks like regular asphalt shingles, but it is steel. Decra stone-coated steel shingles. 120mph wind tested and suposed to last for our lifetime. Here is a picture of the front, but during installation.

  • Aleksandrb
    10 years ago

    With exposed fasteners you would be compromising on aesthetics a bit, but a bigger problem is that exposed fasteners may eventually become loose especially when the rubber seals dry out in 10 to 15 years. When that happens you may have to re-seal and re-tighten some of the screws. - Having a steep slope is definitely a plus, and will help insure that any roofing system lasts longer.

    With snap lock standing seam you would be getting a system that is a leak-proof by design, as long as it is installed correctly. - This is really important because many so-called metal roofing specialists actually have no idea what they are doing when it comes to installing standing seam. The aesthetics, a more expensive system in terms of the cost of materials and paint quality, and a more involved installation is what essentially you are paying for with standing seam.

    An in-between system in terms of costs, would be a metal shingles roofing system such as Tamko Metal Works. I have attached a picture of Red Steel Shingles Roof.

    Below is page highlighting difference in pricing for various types of metal roofing including corrugated steel, metal shingles, and standing seam

    Here is a link that might be useful: Typical differences in pricing from metalroof.us

    This post was edited by Aleksandrb on Wed, Feb 12, 14 at 15:40

  • klem1
    10 years ago

    The two desighns you mention couldn't be farthur apart in appearance and recomended applications. I'm not certain what you are asking unless it's what roof I use and why. R-Panel and value. Is R right for you? I don't know,it's better than G in snow country and popular in Tx on a wide varity of applications from livestock shelters,homes and commercial. I wouldn't use G nor R in snow country simply because a 2" ice dam would cause leaks at seams. As you already know,standing seam is miles ahead of both when it comes to ice dams.
    I see no logical way I could choose which is best for you but I will say without reservation,any so called service provider that can't explain differences between materials he installs will never work for me. All roofing mfgrs are eager to supply information about their products. I don't believe you can ask a question they can not answer for you. After they help you decide which product fits your requirments,ask them for 2 or 3 names that are dependiable installers.

  • ionized_gw
    10 years ago

    Get a lot of estimates if you can. I'e seen snap panel roofing priced less than R-panel.

    If you have damage, what is easier to remove and replace a panel?

    My understanding is that the fastener seals are much better than in the olden days.

  • kudzu9
    10 years ago

    One of the reasons for the cost differential is that the standing seam one is a heavier gauge: 26 ga is about 1/3 thicker than 29 ga.

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