For low pitch roofs, choosing the right panels is crucial for effective water management and durability. Opt for metal panels designed to handle low pitches effectively. Panels with concealed fastening systems offer enhanced weather resistance and longevity, making them ideal for various low pitch roofing applications.
Having a new metal roof installed is often a great idea for your home. They offer so many benefits to you, including a long life span and exceptional weather resistance. While metal roofs are great for many homes, if you have a low pitch on your roof you may be wondering if they are right for you.
Here is everything you need to know about metal roofing for low pitch roofs.
Do Metal Roofs Work On Low Slopes?
Firstly, can you even have a metal roof installed on a low pitch roof? All metal roofing types will work on roofs that have a 3:12 roof pitch, or larger. If your pitch is lower than this, you can still have a metal roof installed, but you will need to use different roofing panels in order to do so.
Just because a low pitched roof is a lot more susceptible to water damage, especially from ponding. This is when water stands on the surface of the roof without running off, allowing it to penetrate through the roofing material and causing damage to the structure.
With specialist metal roofing panels, they will ensure the roof is as water tight as possible to avoid these issues.
What Metal Roofing Panels Should You Use On A Low Slope Roof?
So, what kind of roofing panels should you be using on a low there are three different types of panels that are perfect for roofs like yours:
Snap Lock Standing Seam panels
These are the most common types of standing seam panels out there right now, and they are perfect for low slope roofs. This is because they have a concealed fastener system, which holds your roof together without the need for anything that penetrates the roof surface.
Because those fasteners are hidden, this ensures there are no places for water to potentially make its way into your roof. Instead, the roof is held together with standing seam clips, which clip the roofing in place.
It is worth noting that this roofing system is not quite as secure as mechanically seamed standing seam roofing panels. This is because these have extra seams, which help secure those panels. Because of this, snap lock standing seams are usually best for those living in milder climates, where you are not going to expect heavy rainfall or heavy snow.
The upside to this is that these roofing panels are quicker and easier to install because there are fewer parts to handle in the installation process.
Mechanically Seamed Roofing Panels
As mentioned above, you also have the option of installing mechanically seamed metal roof panels. Like the snap lock panels, these are a concealed fastener standing seam system. They are installed with a mechanical or hand seamer, which ensures that all the panels are locked together and have the most weather resistance seam possible.
This makes them a great choice for a low slope roof, as it offers the most resistance against potential leaks. If you experience heavier rainfall or snowfall in your area, these are the metal roof panels that you will want to look into.
7.2 Panels
These metal panels, also known as structural box rib panels, are also a great option for lower sloped roofs. Corrugated metal panels have high ribs that allow for extra durability and protection against the elements.
The name comes from the amount of spacing between each rib, with 7.2 inches available on these panels. Essentially, water has to rise to the level of the panel heights in order to penetrate the seam and start leaks. This ensures that water cannot reach those levels, and so not get into the roof structure itself.
They do have exposed fasteners on the panels, which of course does pose a risk towards leaks. With the high ribs on such camels so, this should most typically not be a problem. They are also one of the most affordable options out of these three, so if cost is the biggest concern to you right now, it will be what you are looking for.
Extra Seam Sealing Concerns
Whatever metal roof panel you choose, you will need to think about the type of sealant used on them as well. If you get a mechanically seemed metal roof for example, you will see they come with single or double lock seams. Double lock seams are considered to be more weather tight than single ones, but you will need to discuss this with your roofer when you are looking at having your roof replaced.
You will also need to consider extra seam sealants as well, since you are installing these panels on low slope roofs. Adding in seam sealant will provide extra weather tightness, adding more protection where it is needed most.
Which Metal Roof Panel Is Right For You?
These are the three most common metal roof panels used for low sloped roofs right now, but which one is going to be right for your home? This is very much up to you and your needs, as well as where you are located.
If cost is the biggest concern, then you will want to go with the 7.2 panels, as they are the cheapest option available right now while still offering great weather resistance.
You will next need to consider the climates around your home. If you get a good amount of rain or snow, you will want to take the next step up and get the snap lock standing seam panels for your roof. This will be able to keep out the weather, even on low slopes. If you get extreme amounts of rain or snow, then you will want to go one step above that and get the mechanically seamed roof panels.
Conclusion
So as you can see, even if you have a low sloped roof, you can get a metal roof installed on it. There are several different options to you when it comes to metal roof panels, so you will find something here that works for you and your needs.
If you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Fairfax, Winchester, or Leesburg, Piedmont Roofing will be happy to help you with your roofing needs.
