Are you thinking about installing a metal roof and want to know the best option?
We get it. Trying to decide between the standing seam vs the corrugated metal roof presents a dilemma. Let’s take a closer look at each type.
What is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?
Standing seam metal roofing falls under the category of a concealed fastener metal panel system. Its panel is wide and flat, and some variations have two vertical legs and/or raised seams. This type of roofing can be installed onto the deck using clips or fastener flanges.
Pros and Cons of Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Just the same, standing seam metal roofing comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Pros:
- A 3-decade lifespan or longer
- The paint finish serves to protect the metal from corrosion
- Little to no maintenance
- Increase your home’s value
However, there is a downside to standard seam metal roofs.
Cons:
- The cost- It’s pricey!
- The noise factor- unless you add insulation boards between the deck and panels
- A slight chance of oil canning- no room for sideways expansion
What is a Corrugated Metal Roof?
A corrugated metal roof has its own distinctive feature, the curvy, S-shaped waves on its surface. These waves, also known as corrugates, serve as fasteners, which is why you see them on the panel’s surface. Moreover, it’s crafted from galvanized steel.
Pros and Cons of Corrugated Metal Roofing
Based on the features of corrugated metal roofing that we’ve outlined, you can expect the following benefits and drawbacks.
Pros:
- Less expensive
- Faster and easier installation than standing seam metal roofs
- Lightweight, which also contributes to the lower labor costs
- Recyclable steel
Furthermore, this type of panel can also be used for fencing and siding. In some cases, you’ll find corrugated steel sheets on indoor walls, which give a unique industrial look.
On a different note, the cons of corrugated metal roofing include:
- Vulnerability to corrosion and dents
- Expansion and Contraction, which leads to damage
- High maintenance since you have to keep checking/replacing screws
And unfortunately, the corrugated option is prone to leaks if the fasteners loosen up over time.
Similarities Between Corrugated And Standing Seam Metal Roof
Corrugated metal roofing and standing seam metal roofing share some similar qualities. For one, they’re both fire and pest-resistant as well as eco-friendly. Plus, both types of panels have their own fastening system, and they’re both made by roll-forming. From there, however, the two roofing systems greatly differ.
Differences Between Corrugated Metal Roofs And Standing Seam Metal Roofs
As you’ll see, these roofing systems have their own characteristics beyond appearance and purpose. Here are a few distinctions.
A Quick Overview:
| Feature | Corrugated Metal Roof | Standing Seam Metal Roof |
| Panel Design | Wavy, uniformly spaced corrugations; fasteners are visible | Flat panels with raised vertical seams; fasteners are hidden under the seams |
| Visual Style | Industrial, rustic, or farmhouse look | Sleek, clean, modern, and contemporary appearance |
| Metal Thickness | 24 to 26-gauge (thinner) | 22 to 24-gauge (thicker) |
| Durability | May be more susceptible to hail, debris, and wind damage | More resistant to hail and wind; generally longer-lasting |
| Fastening System | Exposed fasteners; screws placed through peaks and valleys of the panel | Hidden fasteners; options include snap-lock, mechanical seams, batten panel, nail flange |
| Fastener Coverage | No coverage – fasteners are exposed | Seams conceal the fasteners; options for seam designs, like pencil ribs and bead ribs |
| Installation | Panels overlap by about 5 inches; faster to install | More complex installation due to interlocking seams and hidden fasteners |
| Design Flexibility | Fewer color and design options | Greater variety of colors, seam styles, and panel widths |
| Overall Performance | Durable but with some vulnerability; shorter lifespan | Higher performance and longer lifespan, better weather resistance |
| Best Suited For | Barns, sheds, industrial, or farmhouse-style homes | Residential homes, commercial buildings, and modern architectural styles |
Panel Design
As we mentioned, the panel design for each roof looks quite different. The standing seam metal roof has a flatter surface than the corrugated roof. The seams, which rise slightly above the surface, form long vertical lines along the flat surface. They serve the purpose of hiding the fasteners that hold the panels together. All these traits that give it a streamlined appearance make this roofing option ideal for modern and contemporary styles.
The corrugated metal roof, compared to the standing seam choice, has uniformly spaced waves. These waves also add to the structural integrity of the metal.
As noted, these waves also make up the fastening system. So, when roofers install this type of panel, they’ll overlap one over the other by five inches or more. Moreover, the roofing nails and screws that hold the panels in place are visible. These qualities make the corrugated metal roof a good option for the modern farmhouse or industrial design.
Thickness and Durability
Another difference relates to the thickness of the metal used to craft each type of panel. The standing seam metal roof is thicker than the corrugated roof. It’s fabricated from 22 to 24-gauge metal, whereas the corrugated roof is made from 24 to 26-gauge. Consequently, the higher gauge signifies a thinner sheet of metal.
With this quality in mind, the standing seam metal roof would be the more durable choice and less likely to sustain hail damage. Since the corrugated metal roof is thinner, you might have the concern of damage from hail, debris, and to some extent, bending with high winds.
Fastening System
Likewise, the biggest difference between the two is their fastening systems.
Along with the corrugates serving as the fastening system for the corrugated metal roof, contractors secure the panels together with screws on their peaks. And every few inches, additional screws and rubber washers are inserted into the valleys on the surface.
On the other hand, the fasteners vary in standing seam metal roofing systems. You can choose from several types, depending on your roof’s size, slope, and other factors. The various categories of fastening systems include the following:
- Mechanical seams
- Snap-lock
- Nail/fastener flange
- Batten panel
The seams that cover the fasteners also come in variations such as pencil ribs, bead ribs, and V-ribs. These terms describe the shape of the indentation between each seam.
Overall Performance
Consequently, many contractors might recommend the standing seam vs corrugated metal roof on its overall performance. While both prove to be durable, the standing seam metal roof tends to last longer than the corrugated. Also, you might notice more choices in relation to colors and designs. This can be attributed to the distinct types of fastening systems that you’ll find in standing seam roofs. The fastening system itself affects the entire aesthetic of the roof.
Also Read: Metal Roof vs Shingles
So, as you’re weighing your decision between the standing seam vs the corrugated metal roof systems, keep in mind their characteristics, pros, and cons. Reach out to Mangold Roofing for more information and answers to any questions related to metal roofing.
