We are building in spring and have had our hearts set on a metal roof for aesthetic and practical reasons (Michigan winters). We are now looking for ways to trim the budget, and of course the pricey standing-seam roof has come into question. Exposed-fastener metal roofing is much cheaper, and we think it looks good, though not as polished as a standing-seam roof. But certainly more interesting than shingles. Any input on the pros or cons of an exposed-fastener roof? Thanks.
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Replies
the standing seam roof you mentioned is certainly going to be superior to the exposed fasteners, for sure. The simple reason is that the neoprene washers thatseal the hole beneath the fasteners will degrade over time. I suppose if you ever encountered a leak, you could just replace the fasteners and washers. I know little beyond that, so if that helps, great!
todd
It's more than just washers wearing out, the entire sheet of roofing expands and contracts with the heat and cold cycles. Over time, this works against fastners and substructure. Standing seam uses clips to allow the sheets to move. Pole barn farm buildings with metal roofs leak. On your home, the leaks would be small, probably not enough to soak the insulation, but enough to degrade the roof structure. If you are going to value engineer out a standing seam roof, don't go with barn steel.