In this article, we will see what a seam roof is and why it is good, why craftsmen like to use it even on the most complex types of sloped roofs. Consider what are the positive and negative aspects of using and why the installation of such a roof will be expensive. We will find out what is better than a metal tile or a folded roof and why the cost of materials can be different.
What is a good seam roof?
Few people fully understand what a seam roof is and why it is good, let’s try to figure it out. Earlier we already talked about the pros and cons of ondulin tiles, but there are a huge number of roofing materials now, innovative materials appear on the market almost every year that have high quality characteristics and do not require complex installation steps.
Seam roofing is distinguished by accuracy of execution and regular geometric shapes and proportions. It is made from the most popular roofing material – metal, which has been in demand for centuries. In addition, the high waterproofing properties of the folded roof are also associated with its design. It includes seams, which are called folds, they are, in their own way, a lock for connecting sheets.
Factory strips of this material builders call paintings. Clamps, which are not visible to the eye, act as a fastening link. Are under the seam. Moreover, all fasteners are installed with additional holes in the roof. But it is they who, often, are the cause of moisture getting inside the roofing pie.
But do not forget about the price of such a roof. The estimated cost of a complete installation of such a roof can cost anywhere from $18,000 to $40,000, depending on the manufacturer, roof size, etc. We are recommended to check the standing seam metal roof cost, before ordering installation. This way you can calculate your budget.
What is a better seam roof or metal tile?
Often, when planning a roof, people think that it is better to use a seam roof or metal tiles, and these materials are not suitable for laying and installing a rolled roof, but only for pitched ones. We have already talked a little about the first, now a few words about the second, so that the comparisons are not unfounded.
The metal tile is also made of steel and outwardly completely imitates classic roofing ceramics. The material is lightweight, which makes it easy to use and install. Another plus of the material is a wide range of colors.
The cost will also please many – sheets of metal tiles have a very reasonable price. The sheet contains several layers, including protective ones, which allow extending the life of the roof up to 50 years. The quality directly depends on the thickness of the polymer layer, so it is better not to save on this.
Seam elements are also covered with special protective layers. But, unlike steel metal tiles, there are many other elements in the composition. But, in general, the positive characteristics of the materials are similar. The advantage of the fold is in its design features, because all bends are formed at the production stage.
That is why the seams are even. And the price of the material is much lower. But when choosing, it is also worth it based on the type of roof being erected. With complex shapes, for example, a domed roof, it is better to opt for rebate elements.
What is a better seam roof or corrugated board?
The next choice looks something like this: what is better seam roofing or corrugated board, what is corrugated board and what is it made of, we have already told. The first advantage of corrugated board will be the size of the sheets, which are an order of magnitude larger than those of the fold. With such dimensions, fewer elements are enough for the work surface, and the fewer sheets, the less seams, joints and work.
The protective coatings of the materials are almost identical – this is galvanization, which allows you to save the metal from corrosion, a colored polymer, which creates an additional film that extends the metal’s service life. If we compare the reliability indicators, then much depends on the correctness and accuracy of installation. An important role is played by the crate and the angle of inclination of the ramp. For better snow removal, it is better to choose an angle from 16 to 40 degrees.
In terms of complexity of installation, materials also do not have a significant difference. The profiled sheet is attached by analogy with ordinary slate, but working with steel sheets is much easier. In this case, it is important to observe the dimensions and technique of execution, so even a non-professional will cope with this task.
Fastening the folds requires the participation of several people, in addition, it is necessary to use a special tool, because. it is necessary to crimp the attachment points. And if it is necessary to carry out repair work, the dismantling of the folded material will require more effort.
What is a seam roof made of?
Consider the question of what a seam roof is made of. Now, like many years ago, many roofing finishing materials are made not only from bitumen, as for built-up roofing, where the cost of work is calculated from the payment of the master and material, but from metal, seam roofs are no exception.
Recall that the design features of the elements allow you to create maximum waterproofing, due to the absence of open seams. The rebate has been used for many years, but its production does not stand still, but is constantly being modernized, which makes it relevant for modern requirements in construction.
Seam roofing is metal sheets, which, as a rule, are galvanized in production. The sheets are covered with polymeric materials, which create additional protection of the metal from corrosion and give it juicy shades. Lying is done depending on the slope of the roof. Those. If the slope is small, then it is better to use a double fold.
Sheets of steel are produced in various thicknesses and lengths. Some manufacturers use not only steel in the manufacture of sheets. Sometimes seam roofing is done by analogy with metal tiles and corrugated board, this is when a layer of zinc is applied to the steel, after which the material is primed and polymers are applied. As in any other roofing pie, for this type of roof it is better to use additional waterproofing, as when laying a membrane roof, which is highly resistant to moisture.
What to do with an uneven seam roof?
It often happens that during roofing work material defects are found and the question arises of what to do with an uneven seam roof. Firstly, defects may be factory, but it is better to check this at the delivery stage in order to replace defective sheets in time. And sometimes waves can arise due to the crooked hands of the master or improper transportation.
Sometimes the appearance of waviness may not be related to marriage. There are several reasons:
- natural phenomenon of thin material;
- softness of steel;
- cargo handling;
- transportation process;
- sloppy work of a roofer.
Some deformations of the sheets may not even be noticed. Roof lighting plays an important role here. When carrying out the work, it is important to use special tools for roofers-tinsmiths, and not just a hammer and pliers. Sheets are fastened with the help of special plates that are laid in bends, if everything is done correctly, then it will simply be impossible to notice the traces of the fasteners.
Both overlaps and metal cuts should be avoided. Metal, like many materials, shows the ability to expand and in order to avoid its deformation it is better to use movable plates. Over time, the seam roof may begin to sag, this may be due to both installation errors and heavy snowfalls.
What is more expensive – a seam roof or a metal tile?
Not the last question when building or repairing a roof is what is more expensive – a seam roof or a metal tile. The problem of choosing a material based on the budget is relevant for almost everyone. In this case, it is worth comparing not only the cost of the materials themselves, but also the price of roofing services. For example, the cost of a metal tile is higher, but its installation is much easier than that of a folded roof, so the cost of laying services will be higher for the latter.
This is due to the fact that the construction of a seam roof involves the use of professional tools when fastening and requires high skills of the master. If mistakes are made during the installation of the roof and in roofing work, then the coating may be deformed, waves will appear. An unprofessional roofer will not be able to beautifully “hide” the fasteners, which can even lead to the fact that the waterproofing of the roof will be broken.
What does a folded roof mean?
Seam roofing means reliability, durability, ease of maintenance and reasonable price. This type of roofing material is ideal for roofs that have a slope. Seams are suitable for any form of roofs, even domed and hipped ones. The finishing element does not support combustion, and does not emit toxic substances when heated. In some cases, when the issue of money does not confront the owner of the building, the seam roof is ordered not from steel, but from more expensive copper.