From the Roof Rescue Team: As Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors serving Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho since 2014, we’ve installed our fair share of metal roofs. Here’s everything we’ve learned to help you choose wisely.
Choosing between standing seam and corrugated metal roofing is one of the most important decisions homeowners face. We’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate this exact choice across our four-state service area.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs: The Premium Choice
What Makes Standing Seam Special
Those raised vertical seams running from ridge to eave aren’t just for looks—they’re the backbone of the system. A standing seam panel is a specific type of metal roofing system characterized by its concealed fastening method and vertical raised seams, which provide a sleek, modern appearance and enhanced durability. The vertical leg and vertical legs of each panel form the raised seam, contributing to the panel’s structural integrity and weather resistance.
- Watertight protection: Interlocking panels create superior barriers, and the panel system design promotes efficient water drainage and long-term durability.
- Hidden fasteners: The concealed fastener system means no exposed screws, resulting in fewer leak points and a clean, modern look.
- Thermal movement: Designed to expand and contract with temperature changes.
- Standing seam panels: These metal panels are available in various thicknesses (gauges), rib heights, and panel widths, with structural features like striations or stiffening ribs to enhance performance and uplift resistance. The choice of thickness, rib height, and width is important for selecting the most suitable panel for your roof’s needs.
- Versatility and design: Standing seam systems are suitable for a wide range of roof slopes and structures, including complex architectural designs and curved applications, making them a preferred choice for modern buildings.
Standing seam systems offer a fastener-free appearance, high durability, and are often considered the most modern option among panel systems. When comparing different panel systems, the design and installation method of each panel—such as snap-together, standing seam, or corrugated—affect not only the appearance but also the performance and suitability for your specific project.
Our Local Insight: In high-wind areas like Twin Falls, ID we always recommend mechanically seamed systems over snap-lock for maximum durability against those brutal gusts.
Materials & Construction
We work with all three material types, each with distinct advantages:
- Galvalume steel (24-gauge): Our most-installed option for its perfect balance of cost and durability
- Aluminum: Ideal for homes near Utah’s Great Salt Lake where corrosion resistance matters
- Copper/Zinc: Premium choices we often use on historic Bozeman homes
Standing seam panels are typically attached directly to the roof deck or purlins, ensuring a secure and durable installation. Proper attachment is crucial for the longevity and performance of the roofing system. For added flexibility in construction, these panels can also be installed over open framing, eliminating the need for a solid deck.
Our panel systems utilize a male and female leg assembly mechanism, where the female leg securely engages with the male leg to lock panels in place. Some installation methods use pancake head fasteners, which allow for quick and efficient fastening without the need for additional clips.
The construction and materials of our standing seam roofs are designed to protect your home from the elements, including water, UV, and moisture, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Why Homeowners Choose Standing Seam
- Excellent choice: Standing seam metal roofing is an excellent choice for a wide range of building types, including residential and commercial projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy the benefits of outstanding durability, longevity, and minimal maintenance with standing seam metal roofing.
- Lifespan: 50+ years (our earliest installations from 2015 still look new)
- Performance: Withstands 140+ mph winds and heavy snow loads
- Low maintenance: Just occasional inspections needed
- Curb appeal: The sleek design features, such as striations and ribs in standing seam panels, enhance curb appeal by improving the visual attractiveness of your home.
- Snow retention: Snow retention systems can be installed without penetrating the roofing material, helping prevent snow from sliding off the roof and maintaining roof integrity.
Corrugated Metal Roofs: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
Key Characteristics
That classic wavy pattern isn’t just nostalgic—it’s functional. Corrugated metal roofs use corrugated metal panels, which are known for their versatility and practical benefits:
- Exposed fastener systems: These panels are installed using exposed fastener systems, which allow for a simpler, faster, and less labor-intensive installation compared to concealed fastener systems or other fastener systems.
- Low cost: Corrugated metal panels offer a low cost solution, making them an affordable choice compared to standing seam metal or asphalt shingles.
- Residential suitability: Ideal for residential applications, corrugated metal panels provide an attractive, durable, and cost-effective roofing option for homes and residential buildings.
- Structural strength: The ridges add rigidity to lighter gauge metals.
- Timeless look: Perfect for Idaho farmhouses and mountain cabins.
- Our Standard Practice: Every corrugated roof we install uses EPDM-washered screws—this small upgrade prevents 80% of potential leak points based on our service records.
Material Options
We typically recommend:
- Galvanized steel: Most economical choice
- Galvalume: Better corrosion resistance for the price
- Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-proof
No matter which material you choose, installing proper roofing underlayment is essential to protect the underlying wood structure from water penetration and weather-related damage.
Real-World Performance
- Lifespan: 40-60 years with proper care
- Maintenance: Requires checking fasteners every few years
- Repair: Repairing corrugated metal roofs can involve replacing damaged panels or addressing leaks, which may be challenging if panels are hard to match or if there is damage from hail or surface scratches. Proper repair procedures are important to maintain the roof’s integrity and warranty.
- Noise: More noticeable during storms without insulation
Side-by-Side Comparison
Consideration | Standing Seam | Corrugated |
|---|---|---|
Cost (installed) | $12-$16/sq.ft | $8-$12/sq.ft |
Installation Time | 1-3 weeks | 1-3 days |
Best For Climate | Heavy snow/wind areas | Moderate weather regions |
Maintenance | Very low | Moderate |
Standing seam metal roofing is a type of seam metal roofing known for its concealed fastening system, durability, and modern appearance. Among panel systems, standing seam is especially popular for commercial and commercial projects due to its long-lasting performance and the availability of specialized weathertight warranties. Compared to other panel systems like corrugated, seam metal roofing offers superior durability and is better suited for demanding applications.
Which Roof Is Right For You?
Choose Standing Seam If:
- You’re making a long-term home investment
- You want minimal maintenance
- Your home experiences extreme weather
Choose Corrugated If:
- Budget is a primary concern
- You love the classic metal roof look
- You need quicker installation
Critical Advice From Our Crew: Whether you choose standing seam or corrugated, the installer’s expertise matters most. Always verify licenses (ours: MT#251262, WY#7106, UT#11719555-5501, ID#RCE-37148) and manufacturer certifications like our Owens Corning Platinum status.
Final Thoughts
Both options outperform traditional asphalt shingles significantly. Standing seam offers premium longevity, while corrugated provides excellent value. The right choice depends on your budget, aesthetic taste, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Local Service Note: We offer free consultations across our four-state service area, with offices in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls and Logan ready to help you make the best choice for your specific situation.
Mark Franklin, owner of Roof Rescue in Idaho Falls, Idaho, has been a trusted name in roofing since 2014. Serving Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah, Roof Rescue specializes in commercial and residential roof replacement and installation. Recognized for community initiatives like the “Operation Roof Rescue” program, which provides free roofs to local heroes, Mark combines professionalism with a passion for giving back. With 16 years of industry experience, an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and glowing customer reviews, Mark’s leadership embodies quality and community-focused service.
