What Is The Best Choice For Your Roof? Standing Seam vs. Screw Down Metal Roofing

We understand that choosing a metal roof brings a lot of questions, especially given the significant investment. That’s why smart Metro Detroit homeowners and business owners are doing their research—and they should be! At Four Seasons Kanga Roof, we aim to provide you with a clear, unbiased breakdown of the pros and cons of standing seam metal roofing compared to traditional screw down metal roofing (often called corrugated metal roofing).

This essential information was compiled based on extensive industry knowledge from both Matthew Burkhardt, the head of our Commercial Division, and sheet metal superintendent Kurt Ryan. We also rely on manufacturer’s recommendations and data sheets to ensure accuracy.

Ready to find the right metal roofing solution for your Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne County property? Let’s get into the details.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing – The Premium Choice

This system is considered the gold standard for residential and commercial metal roofing in Southeast Michigan.

Pros

• Thicker, More Durable Panels: Standing seam metal roofs are generally made of robust 22 or 24 gauge steel. This superior strength resists the kind of weather we experience in Detroit, including heavy snow and ice.
• Significantly Longer Lifespan: With minimal penetrations and a hidden fastener system, standing seam roofs offer much fewer opportunities for water and weather to break down the system. These roofs can last 50 years or more, offering unmatched long-term value. Learn more about the lifespan of different roofing materials on our main website’s metal roofing page: https://kanga-roof.com/commercial-roofing-services/metal-roofing/.
• Superior Wind Resistance: The clip and locking systems are hidden under the panels, leaving virtually no exposed fasteners for wind uplift to grab onto. This makes it an ideal choice to withstand strong Michigan storms.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Due to the multiple profile heights and widths, consumers can choose the exact, modern look of the metal roof they want for their office or home in Metro Detroit.
• Wider Installation Application: Standing seam metal roofs can be installed on pitches as low as 1/12 and on radial (dome) surfaces. This versatility allows for a metal roof to be installed on just about any building design.
• Low to No Maintenance: Due to the thicker gauge, no exposed fasteners, and little to no penetrations, these metal roofs have virtually no maintenance other than keeping them free from the buildup of organic debris.

Cons

• Higher Initial Cost: Due to the better quality metal, smaller width panels, and the complex locking clip systems, these metal roofs have a much slower, more precise installation process and a significantly higher initial cost compared to screw-down systems.
• Oil Canning is Possible: This refers to the slight visible warping or bending of the panels once installed. It’s a cosmetic concern, but a professional Metro Detroit roofing contractor (like us!) can mitigate this risk by installing a slight pattern into the panel or using foam backer rods.
• Repairs Can Be Difficult: Since a standing seam system is an interlocking system, repairs in the middle of a roof can be time-consuming and costly. However, they also have a much lower probability of damage compared to any other roofing system.

Screw Down (Corrugated) Metal Roof – The Budget Option

Often referred to as “Barn Metal,” this system is a viable option for utility structures but comes with major caveats for permanent living or working spaces.

Pros

• Faster/Easier to Install: Corrugated metal roofs come in three-foot-wide panels and require no complex locking system. The fasteners are screwed directly through the ribs, resulting in a much faster installation.
• Lower Initial Cost: These systems often use materials of a lesser quality and much thinner gauges (normally 29 or 26 gauge metal). The less expensive materials and faster installation result in a significantly lower initial investment.
• Highly Available: These panels can be purchased at local big-box hardware stores and most metal suppliers.
• Limited to No Oil Canning: Because these panels come prefabricated with a corrugated design, this essentially eliminates the possibility of oil canning.

Cons

• Lighter Gauge Metal, Less Durable: Typically made from 29-gauge steel, they are very prone to dents, bends, and dings—a real concern from falling debris or during installation.
• Dramatically Shorter Lifespan: Due to the lesser quality metals and the exposed screw system, these metal roofing systems have a dramatically shorter lifespan than a standing seam metal roof.
• Requires Major Ongoing Maintenance: After just 12-15 years, these roofing systems require regular and ongoing maintenance. This is due to the neoprene gaskets used on the exposed screws eventually dry-rotting and needing to be resealed or replaced. Proper maintenance is key to prolonging any roof’s life. Read our maintenance tips here https://kanga-roof.com/kanga-kare-club/.
• Limited Application: These roofing systems were designed for cold storage and agricultural buildings like barns. They are not ideal for homes or offices. We only recommend installation on pitches above a 4/12, and ideally at least a 5/12.
• High Rate of Improper Installation: Because this metal is highly available, nearly any contractor claims they can install it. This leads to common problems shortly after installation due to improper accessories or poor installation techniques.

The Real Insider Secret: Why “Barn Metal” Isn’t for Your Home

Here’s the real distinction when it comes to the difference between screw down metal roofing and traditional standing seam metal roofing: screw down metal roofing is called barn metal for a reason.

It was originally designed to go over large structures that had a high leak tolerance for small, intermittent leaks. It was never designed to be installed over structures where people are working or living in Metro Detroit.

Unfortunately, slick-talking marketers have convinced consumers that it is a great “life time” product that will last just as long as a traditional metal roof at about half the cost. This often leads to regret and expensive repairs years down the road.

—–Customer Spotlight:“Kanga Roof installed a beautiful standing seam metal roof on our historic home in Grosse Pointe. The crew was professional, and the attention to detail was incredible. We noticed a major difference in our energy bills almost immediately. Highly recommend to anyone in Metro Detroit considering a metal roof!” – The Smith Family, Grosse Pointe (5-Star Google Review)

Making the Right Choice for Your Metro Detroit Roof

In reality, there is nothing wrong with screw down metal roofing in the right instances (i.e., a shed or barn). The key is making sure that your business or home is the right application.

Another vital hint: If the company you are talking with ONLY offers one metal roofing system, be wary. This means they cannot provide multiple recommendations, and their only opportunity to earn your business is to convince you that their one product is the absolute right fit for you—whether it is or not.

If you are contemplating a metal roof for your property in Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne County, we would love to help. Our team of local Detroit roofing experts offers multiple different metal roofing systems in various styles and gauges. This ensures you are only looking at the best, most appropriate options for you and your building. Plus, they are all backed with the best guarantees in the industry.

To schedule your metal roofing inspection in Metro Detroit, give our team a call at 586-566-0308 or go ahead and schedule your appointment directly online by CLICKING HERE.

As always, I hope you gained some valuable knowledge and found some benefit from this article. I hope you have a Kanga-Rific day!

Sincerely,

Bill Burkhardt, Jr.

VP-Owner

Four Seasons Kanga Roof