Exposed Fastener Vs. Standing Seam Metal Roofing Revisited

Exposed fastener metal roofing vs. standing seam metal roofing. Which is best for you?
Comment below to have your question answered on Q&A Mondays!

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Today on Q&A Mondays, Thad revisits one of the most popular topics on the Metal Roofing Channel, exposed fastener vs. standing seam. On the previously released Q&A episode covering this topic, commenters requested a more graphical look. In today's episode, we'll do exactly that as Thad discusses paint, substrate, panels, flashings, and more.

Topics covered:
►Intro 00:00
►What are the differences between exposed fastener and standing seam? 0:51
►What materials can be used? 2:05
►What about engagement and panel length? 2:35
►What about slope? 3:10
►What is the cost difference? 3:35
►What is the longevity difference? 4:28
►When is exposed fastener a good choice? 5:19
►When is standing seam a good choice? 5:49

Have questions about metal roofing or the metal construction industry? Comment below to have them answered on camera by industry experts in future episodes of Q&A Mondays!

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[jasonstarr]

We covered our home (two story with a "shed" addition from the previous owners) with 8" steel purlins, blown or sheet poly foam insulation, and R-panels. Being in my 60's and having done R-panels starting in the 70's, and given how much it cost to put this roof on, even though I did it myself, yes, cost was a big factor. I was pretty clear that a) I didn't have the equipment to do a "real" standing seam roof (and believe me, I investigated it, from manual crimpers to trailer bound forming machines to small electric roll crimpers for the seams, all the way up to "snap-lock" type "standing seam" roofing), b) I didn't have the experience/expertise (or patience) to do the standing seam, and c) I was able to do my roof at my own pace, getting materials from suppliers I knew could fill my needs when needed. Our roof is a category 4 metal roof and earns a nice insurance discount. I need to go up and scrub it down once in a while because of the natural tendency of anything left outside to get dirty and dusty. But, all that said, I think the standing seam with no fasteners showing is a more "classy" looking roof, as mine tends toward the industrial look. But, sometimes we have choices to make, and mine was to "DIY" and save several thousand dollars. For about 7-8 thousand bux, I got my 2700 square foot home covered with metal, as opposed to the $20K I'd have spent for a standing seam installed by "professionals" (not to mention that I was doing it in the midst of a massive roofing effort in this part of town due to two consecutive springtimes of bit hail storms). Excellent video, much appreciated.

[leerichards]

Great presentation,
I've roofed since 1974 and my experience always leans toward standing seam,
I'm doing Inspections/ repairs now so for my old ass it's a kick to see the progress in the science that takes place now.
Roofing has come a long way through the years I've been involved.
Nice job guys, live long, work well. ☮️

[VelvetCrone]

We installed a galvalume standing seam roof on our 1000 sq ft addition project ourselves, awhile back, prior to an army of DIY Youtubers being a thing. Should be a lot easier to find good educational videos now. Saving the installation cost makes the standing seam roof a swinging deal if you're looking to not have to roof again, or do any maintenance to speak of in your lifetime. The cool roof (galvalume, light silver, plus we spent a little extra on a more reflective UV coating) makes a massive difference on insulation efficiency and comfort (we don't have AC, but we insulated over double the code requirements, used a good radiant barrier, and we have a hydronic heating system in the floors below the metal roof, which is great in Feb). It wasn't that hard to install, as we did it when the weather cooperated. In fact, we even invited our architect over to help us, and learn how to do it. He said the experience changed the way he designs structures. Hardest part was renting a flatbed and driving the panels from the inland empire to ventura county. That was 12 years ago, when we were gambling on a future of rising temperatures wreaking havoc with utilities and wildfires getting worse. Yesterday it topped 112F here on our property in the conejo valley, and we are hoping not to have to evacuate this year. Guess we gambled well on those materials back when. The galvalume standing seam roof, the cement-board siding, and the warmboard decking we ran the pex in for our hydronic floors were definately all a bit of a splurge at the time. In retrospect they were all SO worth it! As we look to retrofitting the existing 1970s construction that needs upgrading, we will insulate and radiant barrier at 3 or 4 times code, waterproof with the new self adhesive barriers available at big box stores, use good whole house fans, install another cool roof over it, and -- if we can--ditch what's left of our forced air heater for point of use hydronics, so we aren't heating rooms we aren't using, or breathing all those allergens. Still hoping we might not have to install AC.

[cpenn]

I’ve bought exposed fastener roofing from 3 different places and just like you they leave out a very big consideration.The metal might last a long time but the seals on the screws will not.I have never been told CHANGE SCREWS EVERY 10 YEARS. If you put it on change the screws or you will regret it.

[therealdiehl]

Bought a house with a metal roof. Screws sticking up every where. Panels were coming loose and had some damaged de king under neath. Creeked and popped all day as it warmed up then again as it cooled down. The noise when it rained hard was deafening.
Metal roofs are very popular around here. People say they love to hear the sound of the rain. No thanks. We went to shingles and the house is so much quieter there is no comparison. As to your speech some one commeneted, if you just slow down a little and are not in such a hurry it will be better. You gave a ton of good information in a short time. The listener needs a chance for it to soak in. Cheers!

[jessicaodell]

This is a FANTASTIC episode! I’m new to this channel and cannot thank you guys enough for selecting a great speaker with good content, good flow, and perfect speed of delivery. I learned so much because this was so well put together 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[brbilheimer]

You are the only person I’ve heard even attempt to pronounce pvdf properly. Even though you are my companies competition, I appreciate the work you are doing

[mytablet]

Great video very helpful I'm a salesman starting out selling steel I've sold different home improvement products this is a new learning curve for me thanks again look forward to watching. Other Video

[jonkirkwood]

Thad, you do a great job with these videos. Thanks.

[lanedo]

Thanks….Great info…helped me decide which material to go with..👍

[laserfalcon]

What about the longevity of the gaskets under the screws with the exposed fasteners?

[HeWearsGlasses]

Very informative video, I plan on building my first house with my dad in cash, in order not to take out a mortgage, and I’ve really have liked the look of standing seam roof. I’m definitely gonna check out the rest of your videos. Thank you

[spamtownrick]

This metal roofing stuff is killing me. I’m on a budget so leaning towards exposed fastener. I’m worried about expansion and contraction but my panels will only be 15’ with a 30’ ridge line. God help me! Thanks, Rick

[sonyanieberle]

Awesome and a great looking guy to look at to learn about a boring subject.

[k.b.]

It's time for me to replace the shingle roof. I wish to do a metal roof; standing seam. I live in SE NYS. What gauge metal would be best to use??? Can you recommend a company who can do this correctly??? I presume I would want to remove the single layer of shingles OR would it be ok to have a metal roof applied over the shingles???? When I had the current roof applied, 2 layers of singles were removed prior to the roof I have now. What do you think it would cost to apply a metal roof on a standard 26' x 40' ranch-style house??? I do have a semi-detached garage & screened porch (between house & garage), as well. I am more concerned with having only the house redone due to costs.

[AllenBarclayAllen]

Galvanized exposed lead seal nail last a hundred years ..! If you insulate with celotex underneath it that will take all the heat out of your attic..!, , if you look at the price compared to the years the old fashioned barn roof galvanized expose nail is the cheapest roof of all ! I have seen this roof on a 12/12 pitch with a bullet hole in it and it still don't leak..!

[johnnynephrite]

I literally watched over a dozen metal roof videos and Ive yet to see anyone address the issue of panel length and size of roof. Ive seen exposed fastener roofs that were 30x40ft. How is this done when the panels are only 16ft long?

[gregwarner]

A matter of pay me now or pay sometime in the future. Standing seam with zink coated steel is probably the last roof you will put on that roof. Please note that cathedrals built 500 years ago still have the original roof. These are cast in place lead.

[goosemendoza]

I have an existing car port with exposed fasteners. The panels are the classic ridge, i would like to install a poly-carbonate panel for natural light . The issue is i can seem to find a supplier. The local big box stores don't carry them. The car port is 10 years old an no leaks, any ideas where i can purchase???

[chuckshippey]

Can you recommend a quality standing seam installer in the Sarasota/ Bradenton Florida area for your product?