Types of Metal Roofs: Hidden or Exposed Fasteners

A metal roof is considered a lifetime roof; it will typically last the lifetime of a homeowner. All metal roofs are not the same though and depending on the type of metal roof you have installed in Park City, will depend on how long it will last.

There are two main types of metal roofs, and they differ based on how they are installed; standing seam metal roofs and exposed fasteners metal roofs.

Let’s take a look at the difference between the two.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roofs

Exposed fastener metal roofs like the name implies are have exposed screws that fasten the metal to the roof deck. This installation method is popular among less experienced roofing companies and companies that install metal roofs in more temperate climates.

The drawback to exposed fastener metal roofs is that each screw makes a penetration hole into the metal that can become a potential weakness in the system. With hundreds of screws needed to fasten the metal to the roof deck, an exposed fastener system can cause issues in areas like Park City.

STANDING SEAM METAL ROOFS

Unlike exposed fastener metal roofs, standing seam roofs use a hidden fastener installation method. Standing seam roofs are installed in long custom-made panels that are attached to the roof deck at the joints.

Once the metal panel has been fastened, a special metal seamer is used to mechanically lock the previous panel with the next. The metal edges are folded into each other and over the fastener.

This installation method hides and protects the penetrations that were made the fasten the metal to the roof deck; eliminating the weakness of an exposed fastener system.

A standing seam metal roof will last at least 50 years with traditional steel and can last 100+ years when copper is used.