Exposed Fastener vs. Standing Seam: Which Type of Metal Roof Panel Is Right for Me?

Have you been researching metal roofs but feel overwhelmed by the options? Are you wondering which metal roof panel is best for preventing leaks and water damage in rainy Seattle weather? 

At RoofSmart, we discuss with each customer the options they have for their roof replacement before each job begins. This includes having an honest conversation about the pros and cons of each type of roofing material so that the customer knows exactly what to expect. 

In addition, we brought in a sales expert from Exterior Metals (a local metal manufacturer) to discuss common problems he has noticed with metal roof installations in the Greater Seattle area and how to avoid them. 

Every roof material has benefits and drawbacks, which is why we believe it’s important to be aware of both before you choose which type of roof you want to buy with your hard-earned money.

In this article, you’ll learn the pros and cons of both exposed fastener and standing seam panels, so you can confidently decide which is best for your home, budget, and needs.

Want to figure out how much your new metal roof will cost? Use our instant estimator to get a ballpark estimate:

What is an exposed fastener panel? 

Image from Metal Alliance

Exposed fastener panels are metal panels that are installed with exposed screws, meaning that you can see the heads of the screws all along the roof. It has a more rugged industrial feel. These types of panels are typically used on barns or commercial buildings. 

Our source from Exterior Metals divided them into two categories: 

• Agricultural application (barns): These are designed to be installed over a solid roof deck or open wood purlins (bars installed across the rafters for extra support) at a maximum span of 24 inches. 
• Structural application (steel industrial buildings): These are designed to be installed over open wood or steel purlins spanning up to 60 inches. 

For reference, this is what purlins look like: 

Image from FBi Buildings

What are the pros and cons of exposed fastener panels?

Here are the different advantages and disadvantages of exposed fastener panels to help you make your decision: 

Pros: 

• More affordable: Exposed fastener panels typically cost less than standing seam panels. 
• Easier DIY installation: Exposed fastener panels are easier to install yourself because they don’t require the same level of expertise as standing seam panels. 

Cons:

• More prone to leaks: The screws are covered with a neoprene washer. But, after 10 to 20 years the washer will wear down and fail. This creates an opening for water to get into the roof and cause leaks. The screws will fail long before the end of the roof’s life, meaning you’ll have to repair or replace the roof prematurely. The screws can also loosen as the metal expands and contracts during temperature changes, creating an entry point for water. 
• You might not like the look of visible fasteners: This also comes down to aesthetic preference. You might like (or at least not be bothered by) having visible screw heads all over the roof, or you might think it looks bad.
• Cannot be used on low slopes: If you have a low-slope roof, you cannot use exposed fastener panels because they are more prone to leaking and will not handle pooling water well. 
• Condensation issues: It will likely have condensation problems, especially without the proper use of an insulation blanket or similar precautions.

What is a standing seam panel?

Standing seam metal panels are a different type of panel option that is ribbed and fastens at the seam to hide the screws. This gives the panels a sleek, modern look. These panels are used on both residential and commercial buildings. 

There are different ways to fasten the panels together, depending on the slope of the roof and the length of the panel. Our expert source from Exterior Metals outlined the requirements: 

• Snap lock: This panel type must be installed over a solid roof deck (OSB or plywood). It should only be used in 3:12 pitch or above and the maximum length should not be more than 35 to 40 feet. 
• Clip lock: This panel type is designed for installation over OSB, plywood, or open purlins (max 36-inch span). This style panel is great for a 2:12 pitch and above or longer-length panels exceeding 40 feet. This panel type typically has higher labor costs because the clips take more time to install. 
• Mechanical seam: This panel type is designed for installation over OSB, plywood, or open purlins. They can be used on low-slope roofs down to 1:12 pitch (or even lower depending on the height of the seam). The panels often come with butyl injected into the seam to prevent water from getting through.

What are the pros and cons of standing seam panels?

Here are the different advantages and disadvantages of exposed fastener panels to help you make your decision: 

Pros:

• Better leak protection: Because there are no exposed fasteners, standing seam panels are watertight. You do not have to worry about hundreds of tiny holes that can potentially let water in after 10 to 20 years. 
• It modernizes your home: Standing seam metal panels have a very particular sleek, modern look that cannot be obtained with any other roof material. If you want an easy way to elevate and modernize your home, choose standing seam panels. 
• They allow the roof to expand and contract: Standing seam panels are designed to expand and contract with the changing weather. They are locked or clipped together, giving the panels more flexibility than exposed fastener panels. You won’t need to worry about screws coming loose or popping out. 

Cons:

• More expensive: Standing seam panels are typically more expensive than exposed fastener panels (they cost about 1.8 times more than exposed fastener panels). The labor is less and the material is cheaper too.  With an exposed fastener, you only need purlins, which are cheaper to install than OSB or plywood. 
• More difficult to repair: Because standing seam panels are interlocked and usually longer than exposed fastener panels, they are more difficult to repair. To fix a damaged panel, you’ll have to remove the entire thing which can also require taking out or adjusting the panels around it during the replacement. 
• Not as many contractors are qualified to install it: Standing seam is more difficult to install because it requires more attention to detail and a higher level of expertise. Not just anyone can install it properly, meaning that it can be more difficult to find a roofing contractor who has the right experience. 

Need help finding a reliable, qualified roofer to help with your project? Assess each contractor’s qualifications quickly and confidently with our Qualified Roofer Checklist.

How do I know which type of metal panel is right for me?

Ultimately, the decision between exposed fastener and standing seam panels is up to you. Be sure to consider the environment you live in, your budget, and your preferences. 

Most homeowners in the Seattle area choose standing seam panels because they’re best for leak prevention and require little maintenance. In other words, you don’t have to clean off pine needles and leaves unless you want to. 

Here is a table that quickly compares standing seam and exposed fastener panels to help you make your decision: 

For more information on metal panel types, check out this video from Western States Metal Roofing: 

Avoid the Common Pitfalls of Metal Roof Installation with the Right Contractor

Installing a metal roof is a big investment, but when done right, it can provide decades of durability and protection. Each panel type has unique benefits. Exposed fastener panels are cheaper and easier to install, but standing seam last longer and has better leak protection. 

No matter which panel type you choose, it’s important to hire a metal roofing contractor that you can trust to do the job right. Not everyone has the skills and expertise needed to properly install a metal roof, especially if it’s standing seam.

Wondering how to find a metal roofing expert who has the right experience and knowledge to do the job correctly? Check out our article “The 8 Best Metal Roof Replacement Contractors in the Greater Seattle Area” to start your search for a qualified roofer.