Metal Roofs
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Fasteners Exposed
Exposed fasteners are typically used with the “post rib” profile panel. Which is a 29 gauge panel, 36″ wide with ribs every 9 inches. NOTE: There are other profile options available. This is your cheapest roofing option available using metal. This panel gets fastened with a screw line every two feet, screw spacing of nine inches. It makes a nice-looking roof but does require some maintenance.
Fasteners Concealed
Standing seam profiles offer a fastening system that allows every single screw to be concealed. There are a number of different profiles available. The most common residential profile is the 1″ snap lock. Which is a 26 gauge, 16″ panel with a 1″rib on each side. The pictures on this website are of this profile. This roof requires no maintenance. It has an incredibly clean and crisp look.
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A Slotted Screw Hole
The difference with the standing seam is the screws are installed in a slotted screw hole. That allows the metal to expand and contract without working the screws. This roof will last for 50 years with no maintenance whatsoever.
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Expand and Contract
The temperature fluctuation we get here in Montana causes the metal to expand and contract. When using the exposed fasteners that really works the screws and with time they will start backing out. When that happens you have a tiny leak by each screw and eventually it will compromise your whole roof. The important thing is to tighten the screws every five years or so.
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Difference in Thickness
Both the exposed and concealed fastener systems have the same paint and carry the same manufacturer warranty. There is a difference in thickness. The standing seam is 26 gauge and the post rib panel is 29 gauge. The standing seam is to some degree a more rigid product. Both are equally rust-resistant and carries the same 50-year paint. The most significant difference is the fastening system.