The flat seam metal roof is the best roofing system choice for buildings with flat or very low pitched roofs. This makes flat seam metal roofing one of the most commonly used roofing choices in the Dallas Fort Worth area for large commercial buildings, or for homeowners with a very low or zero pitch to their roof.
There are many advantages to a flat seam metal roof, including durability, longevity, cost over time, and the sustainability of the materials used. Korrect Roofing offers professional and experienced installation of flat seam metal roofs for both commercial and residential homes in the DFW area.
Required Pitch for Flat Seam Metal Roofs
A traditional shingle roof requires a minimum slope of 2:12 (2 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run) and has a maximum slope of 45 degrees. A standing seam metal roof has the same minimum slope, but it does not have a maximum slope—making it ideal for more steeply pitched roofs. A roof that is 2:12 or less is considered a flat roof and should use the flat seam metal roofing system.
Flat Seam Metal Roofing Materials
Galvanized steel, aluminum, and copper are the commonly used materials for flat seam metal roofs. Galvanized steel and aluminum are most frequently used for large surface areas such as whole roofs. Aluminum is typically used on large commercial buildings due to its lower cost, while galvanized steel is a more widely chosen material by homeowners.
Copper is considerably more expensive than steel or aluminum and is typically used on architectural details with curvature, giving them a beautiful aesthetic touch. However, it can be used for a whole roof, and it is considered a “lifetime roof” due to its longevity and durability—it should not need to be replaced once installed.
Flat Seam Metal Roofing Installation
To create flat seam metal roofing panels, an 18” x 24” sheet of galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper is folded over itself to create seams. The panels are then installed with clips that fasten to your plywood roof decking. This allows each panel to move independently of the others. Once the panels are laid, interlocked, and clipped, the seams are soldered together. The soldering prevents water, air, fire, insects, and more from breaching your roof.
Benefits Of Flat Seam Metal Roofs
If you install a flat seam metal roof on your home or business, here are some of the outstanding benefits you will receive:
- Durability – metal roofing is significantly less penetrable than traditional roofing materials and requires fewer, if any, post-storm repairs. They are also rot, mildew, and insect resistant.
- Longevity – metal roofing lasts much longer than shingle roofing, even up to 50 years.
- Fire Resistance – metal roofing has a Class-A fire rating, the highest rating achievable.
- Weather-tightness – the soldered seams of a flat metal roof are weather-tight, preventing leaks and other deterioration from standing water on a flat roof.
- Energy Efficiency – Metal roofing reflects, rather than absorbs, heat. In hot Texas summers, this equates to considerable energy cost savings for home and business owners.
- Sustainability – metal roofing is made from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable if or when it is replaced. Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofing is not petroleum-based. They also make a great platform for solar panels and easily connect to water collection devices.
- Maintenance cost savings – since metal roofing is essentially maintenance free, they offer considerable cost savings over time.
Request a free roof inspection today!
