Metal roofing has very impressive attributes. It is extremely durable, lasting for over fifty years or even more. Requiring little or no maintenance, it is available in a number of designs to suit aesthetic preferences and architectural requirements. One of the many types available is the standing seam metal roof. Equally popular in areas with climatic conditions as diverse as hot and humid to freezing temperatures, the standing seam metal roof is available in a wide range of material, colors and designs.

This type of roof is made up of a number of interlocking panels that run vertically from the roof ridge to the eaves. The interlocking seam i.e. the place where two panels join is raised above the flat surface of the roof and is formed in various interlocking profiles, all of which prevent water form seeping between the joints letting it run freely down the panels.

The panels of a standing seam metal roof are either 'factory cut' to appropriate sizes or cut to size on the jobsite using suitable equipment. The roofing is then put together using the upturned joints of the panels/pieces for interlocking the adjoining panels/pieces. No nails are used for joining the panels; hidden fasteners or clips are used instead. The panels are placed in a manner that makes one panel/piece stand partially on top of another to prevent water from seeping in.

Another big advantage with these roofs is that they are very easy to install and require relatively much less time for installation. Lesser time means lesser cost and also that outside people like construction workers are present in the house for a shorter duration of time. Although these roofs are never 'off the shelf' products available in your home improvement store, there are some options like standing seam shingles that come prepackaged and ready for installation in three to five foot lengths. These shingles are installed to provide an overall aesthetic effect that is very appealing and eye catching.

Experienced roofing contractors who undertake installation of standing seam metal roofs usually manufacture the roof panels, custom trim and flashings on the jobsite to ensure high quality panels that provide durable and weather tight roofing solutions, together with high visual appeal. These roofs remain weather tight in even in severe weather conditions like hail storms and hurricanes. The clips and fasteners help retain the panel position to resist strong winds and expand/contract with change in temperature, without suffering structural damage. It remains water tight because of the weather tight seam, which is raised above the roof's drainage area. The roof is resistant to shrinking, perforating, cracking, puncturing, rusting and corroding.

Standing seam metal roofs are lightweight, long lasting and fire resistant. They cut down installation time by about half. They are suitable for installation across purling, and can be laid directly on top of solid decking or rigid insulation. These roofing products are available in different thicknesses in galvanized steel, stainless steel, zinc, copper, aluminum and zinc aluminum alloy with a variety of special coatings in different colors for enhanced corrosion resistance.