There’s metal roofing, and then there’s a particular type called standing seam metal roofing. Houses in your neighborhood with metal roofs most likely are of the standing seam variety. Continuous panels run from the ridge of the roof all the way down to the eaves.

Between the panels are seams connected by fasteners which are raised above the level of the metal roofing. This is where we get the term standing seam, because the seam is raised or standing, as opposed to flush-mounted. Because these fasteners are concealed, you only see a smooth continuous ridge extending from top to bottom.

One great advantage of standing seam metal roofs is contained in the name itself – seams. The seams are weak points in any roof and a potential entry point for moisture. Standing seam roofs have these seams raised above the level of the roofing panel. You can’t say this for composition shingles.

Because the metal panels run from the top to the bottom of the roof, not only are there no horizontal seams but in total the roof has a far fewer number of seams.

Metal is very tough, but it’s not impervious to all hazards. The sheet metal in this type of roofing can be penetrated by heavy falling limbs or dented by a severe hailstorm.

All metal roofing in general is considered a “cool roof” by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This is because metal roofing can be painted any color, including colors on the lighter end of the spectrum which will prevent solar heat gain.

Standing seam roofs are perfect for certain types of contemporary or country-style houses. Due to the smooth, straight lines, these roofs give your house an “industrial” feeling, yet with a modern flair. These are not the rippled tin roofs that you might remember from warehouses of the past.

Metal roofs also come in a decent array of colors: grays, browns, forest greens, earthy reds. Perhaps this isn’t the full palette of colors as you might find at a paint store, but it’s more than you’ll find with composite/asphalt shingles.