Snap Lock Metal Roofing

Hidden Fastener

Snap lock metal roofing, often referred to as a standing seam metal roof, uses a hidden fastener system. The hidden screw method not only provides better cosmetics but secures your roof in a more stable manner resisting those elements that cause leaking from screw holes “growing” over time, the "wobble" affect.

Hidden Fasteners
The hidden fasteners are of two basic types. The First is where Panels are screwed to your roof deck through screw slots on one side of the Panel. The slotted side of the secured Panel is then covered by the seam of the next panel which actually “snaps” into place. This is repeated from one Panel to the next. Once completed you have clean lines and never see a screw or fastener.

Panels for residential applications are commonly 12” or 16” wide with a 1” standing seam and come in a wide variety of colors.

The Second system employs a series of clips which are fastened to the roof deck. The clips are placed over the ridge of the panels and held in place when the next panel is snapped into place. Clips are more common in a commercial application which have a higher standing seam, usually 1 3/4" or higher.

A higher seam is also used for a lower pitch to keep the water flowing properly which in turn prevents standing water and potential leaks from developing.

Snap lock metal roofing or the standing seam for commercial applications are typically 16 or 18 inches from the center on one seam to the next.

Adding Strength
With the hidden fastener method panels can be creased uniformly, throughout the length of the panel. Done for either the residential or commercial Panels this process strengthens your roof Panels and eliminates a common problem of snap lock metal roofing – oil-canning.

Oil-canning is a wave, or distortion, that often occurs throughout the panel in a random pattern, not something desired.

This type of panel, snap lock metal roofing, or standing seam, can be made at the job site with a roll-form machine that rolls out each panel to a length specified by the contractor. The machine may have a striated roller built into it which incorporates a series of uniform creases along its entire length, as mentioned above. A striated roller caused crease in the panels makes for a stronger, uniform and even panel, every time. And, no oil-canning, guaranteed!

When buying a standing seam metal roof we recommend this to be the only way to buy! Due to the increased strength gained by the added creases you gain a roof that will maintain it's beauty 50 to 60 years or more.

A note of caution: be careful to have your panels rolled with a broad striated pattern, NOT the pin format which is very narrow and not near as effective as the broader pattern of creases.

We believe this to be so important we have the striated roller system built in our machines and there is no extra cost to you for this added benefit.

Rolling your panels on your job site also eliminates potential damage for transit or shipping problems.

Hemming?
One additional option you may want to insist on, assuming your budget allows. Hemming! These panels are the color you choose on top only and usually white on the underside. A panel at the edge or at the eve will show its white underside - just a portion, but I find it looks incomplete, unfinished, distracting. Often a contractor will then fasten that edge with an exposed screw, yukkk! For me that defeats the look I wanted in using the hidden fastener and snap lock metal roofing. The solution? Heming!

Will Hemming cost more? Yes. It takes more time, more labor, which equates to more cost. At the eve the contractor can hem the panel, or bend the top edge of the panel down and attach it to a special drip edge bent for this purpose. So . . . you are paying for a little more labor and for a specialized drip edge also. Your roof however will have a finished class A look - and, no exposed fasteners.

If you decide you want the hemming done make sure your contractor knows before bidding the job, and that it is stated in your bid. Ask your contractor for a sample of how each finish will look. If he hesitates maybe he doesn't know how to do it.

Hot Melt Sealant
Some manufactures, few actually, have the ability to add a sealant to each panel which helps keep water from entering between the panels in the monsoon season or in heavy rains. The cost is about 7 cents per foot, along the seams, a little insurance well worth the price.

At least get a price for these options. You'll like the finished results
. . . see the FREE Estimate Form below.

Metal Panels

Snap Lock Metal Roofing

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