Beige and stone lake house with standing seam metal roofing in the Fall

Lake House Roofing: Is Standing Seam Metal Right for You?

Standing Seam metal roofs are still not as popular as asphalt shingles, but they are slowly gaining in popularity among lake house owners. Initially reserved for businesses, agricultural and commercial buildings, many more homeowners are now noticing their contemporary appeal and durability. Standing seam metal roofs represent a growing number of total lake house roofing installations being done each year.

Standing seam metal roofs are named after the way they are built. The roof is constructed out of metal panels running from the ridge down to the roof’s edge. Each of these panels has tall seams or fasteners that connect with the next panel giving the roof a seamless look. These roofs are pre-formed in the factory and then brought on-site for installation.

If you are considering new standing seam metal lake house roofing, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages associated with it. Weighing them against other options, such as asphalt shingles, will help you make the right decision.   

Here are some of the top advantages of standing seam metal roofing types for homes:

  • Fasteners are Hidden – There are no visible fasteners on the surface of the roof, preventing them from being exposed to moisture, UV rays, wind and other elements that can cause them to fail over time. There is also no need to put holes on the panels protecting the house structure.
  • Allows Thermal Movement – A lot of roofing materials are restricted in their movement which can lead to problems such as increased noise, fastener withdrawal, and “oil canning“. These roofs are not double pinned, and they can expand and contract as needed depending on the weather condition.
  • Long-Lasting – Standing seam metal roofs last longer and need very little maintenance. Since there are no fasteners penetrating the metal’s surface, there is no need for regular maintenance to check for damaged or loose fasteners.
  • Recyclable – These are a great option for those looking to make their homes eco-friendlier. The metal material is completely recyclable once its intended usage is completed.

While standing seam metal roofs are a great alternative for lake house roofing, be aware that they have certain disadvantages, too.

  • Expense – One of the biggest disadvantages of standing seam metal roofing is its high cost compared to other roofing types, particularly asphalt shingles. In addition, the installation cost of this type of roofing will push the total cost even higher.
  • Labor and Material Intensive – Apart from the high cost of materials, the installation charges of standing seam metal roofs are also much higher than what you will normally pay for other roofing types. However, many homeowners are okay with additional expense in consideration of such a long-term investment in the protection and aesthetics of their home.
Blue metal roof and large picture windows in a lake home.

The right roofing material can substantially improve the aesthetic of your home, provide the much-needed protection it needs, and still be well within your budget. Even though standing seam metal roofs are a great option for residential properties, many people will balk at their high price. If you are worried about the high costs of standing seam roofing, asphalt shingles offer a less costly option and offer other benefits such as being easier to install and repair. Or, if you happen to have a flat roof, we recommend that you read this article.

If you would like to further discuss your options and the pros and cons of different types of roofs, we would be glad to speak with you. Call Roof Lux anytime for a no-pressure consultation.

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