Standing Seam vs. Crimp Roof
Metal roofs are low maintenance and add value to your home, but what's the difference between standing seam vs. crimp roofs?
Over the last few years, homeowners all over Charleston, SC have started to realize that metal roofing can be a smart decision that not only adds value to their property, but also creates more aesthetic appeal. Of course, it’s not quite as simple as deciding to go with a metal roof. There are a wide variety of options to choose from, two of the most popular of which are standing seam roofs and crimp roofs.
Below, we’re going to describe what each one is and compare standing seam vs. crimp roof to see which one better meets your needs.
Standing Seam and Crimp Roofs Defined
Standing seam roofs are made from a durable metal and consist of vertical panels connected by two seams per panel. Your contractor will install this type of roof by crimping each adjacent seam together, which will seal the joint without the use of through fasteners.
5-V Crimp is one of the most popular metal roofing systems. Crimp roofs use a series of metal sheets that are attached from eave to ridge using an exposed fastening system. Crimp panels typically require a solid roof deck with a waterproof membrane.
What You Can Expect to Pay for Each of these Roofs
If you’re interested in a standing seam roof, your first cost will come from the onsite inspection you need to determine the feasibility of this type of installation. If your contractor determines this installation will work for your roof and you decide to move forward, be prepared to pay about 10% more than you normally would for material and labor costs, since standing seam roofs require a complex installation process. Your material cost will depend on the length of the panel; for example, a 29 gauge 12” panel might cost around $2.45 per linear foot while a 29 gauge 16” panel might cost around $2.75 per linear foot.
When comparing standing seam vs. crimp roof, cost is a big part of the equation, and crimp roofs tend to cost quite a bit less. However, this will vary depending on the gauge, paint used, and sometimes even the warranty. For example, a 29 gauge sheet with a 25-year warranty might cost around $1.67 per linear foot, while a 26 gauge with a 25-year warranty might cost about $1.87 and a 26 gauge with a 40-year warranty might cost $2.85 per linear foot. Keep in mind that these are just estimates; Sea Island Builders will be able to give you a quote and advise you on the best panels to use based on your specific situation.
How Much Maintenance Is Involved?
One of the major advantages of standing seam roofing is that it requires very little maintenance. In fact, these roofs may have more than double the life span of standard roofing shingles. Since the screws on the roof panels are hidden, they will hold up for a long time. Many professional roofers do recommend that you replace the rubber washers on the fasteners after about 20 years, however.
Like standing seam roofs, crimp roofs are low maintenance. Of course, no type of metal roof is completely weather resistant, and it is important to inspect your metal roof after a hail storm, abnormally heavy rainfall, or high winds.
Although neither standing seam roofs or crimp roofs require very much maintenance, it is still advisable to have a roofer inspect your roof for damage once a year. By staying on top of your roof maintenance, you can prevent large, costly problems in the long run.
Which Roofing Type Is More Durable?
When installed correctly by a professional roofer, your standing seam roof should be able to withstand whatever inclement weather South Carolina throws your way. Because they are metal and allow water to easily slide off their surface, these roofs are both fire resistant and for the most part are able to withstand heavy rain and snow.
Speaking of withstanding, your crimp roof should be able to last up to 50 years when installed correctly—far longer than most people spend in one house. Professional roofers recommend that you avoid walking on your crimp roof as much as possible, though, as this can damage the metal.
Which one has the better wind rating? Both are typically wind rated to 140 mph. However, you should still have a professional roofer inspect your roof after it has been through abnormally high winds.
How are the Warranties on Each Type of Roof?
In the battle of standing seam vs. crimp roof, warranties should be looked at on a company-to-company basis because what’s offered varies greatly. Either way, you should make sure that you’re getting at least a 20-year warranty that covers material, workmanship, and water damage. If you’re offered a “limited lifetime” warranty, carefully read the fine print to learn exactly what is and isn’t covered—sometimes these warranties cover less than you would think!
How Do They Look?
Standing seam roof panels come in a wide variety of colors and finishes and can be tailored to various roof radius profiles, allowing homeowners to get exactly the architectural appearance they want. Standing seam roofs also have a higher profile, meaning that their ribs will stick out farther and will be more visible from a distance.
Crimp roofs look less obviously metal because they have a lower profile, and their ribs only appear at the seams. Unlike standing seam roof, it will have exposed fasteners, but these are only visible very close up.
Overall Pros and Cons
As stated above, standing seam roofs are durable, low-maintenance, and versatile. In addition, the metal will reflect the sun’s rays and reduce heat transfer to the house, saving you on your cooling bill when the weather is warm. However, keep in mind that the materials and installation cost will be higher than they would be for shingles (although high oil prices have also been driving up shingle costs lately). You may also have trouble installing a standing seam roof at a particularly steep angle or on a roof that already has a lot of equipment, like vents, skylights, or chimneys.
Many homeowners consider 5-V crimp to be the most aesthetically pleasing metal roof choice, especially for older houses or barns. 5-V crimp panels are lightweight and, in many cases, easier to install than standing seam roofs. This type of roofing shares a lot of the same advantages and disadvantages as standing seam roofs: it is energy efficient, long-lasting, and durable, but will cost more than shingles.
If the cost of metal roofing is the main downside for you, keep in mind that this type of roofing generally proves to be a better investment over time because it lasts so long, requires very little maintenance, and increases the value of your home. So, standing seam vs. crimp roof – which one is better? Since both have positives and negatives attached, the better question is probably which one is best for you? Learn more by talking with one of our experienced contractors.
