Metal roofing has recently seen a much greater popularity, although it may be the least understood by the general public.

The two most common types of metal roofing we see are the 5-rib metal roofing, and the standing seam metal roofing.

The 5-rib metal is the least expensive of the two, but there is a good reason for it. The 5-rib roofing is usually a thinner piece of metal, and it is secured with exposed metal roof fasteners.

The problem is that about six to eight years later, the rubber washers under the fasteners will deteriorate and become brittle. The roof can then begin to leak from under the head of the fasteners, once the condition of the rubber seal reaches this point.

Even though the metal has many more years left, you are left with hundreds of fasteners over the surface of the roof that have lost their ability to seal properly to the metal surface. Once this happens, the “better deal” loses its perceived value and you are left wondering how to replace or reseal all of those fasteners.

The standing seam metal roofing is usually a thicker piece of metal with hidden fasteners. These fasteners never see the light of day, and water doesn’t get to them so they last as long as the metal itself. The bad part is this option cost a good bit more than the 5-rib roofing.

So it goes back to the old adage; you get what you pay for.