Are you in the marketplace for a new roof? If you are seriously researching metal roofing products, you might have heard of the popular Snap-lock roofing (or standing seam roofing). With this type of metal roof, you will have seams running vertically down the roof. The roof consists of a concealed metal fastener-panel system with vertical legs and a flat area between them.
Snap-lock roofing has two legs – male and female, that snap together. and a clip. It is the clip that makes this roofing installation stand out from others. The clip serves as a bridge by attaching the panel to the roof deck while fastening it underneath.

Benefits of Snap-lock Roofing

  • Weather-resistant Since it works through a clip and not screw holes, the snap-lock method is better at preventing leaks. The clips that attach the panels are weathertight, and no fasteners penetrate the panels.
  • Longevity The lifespan of snap-lock roofing makes it a cut-above-the-rest. It is made from heavy 24-gauge steel that lasts between 40 to 60 years.
  • Easy Maintenance and Installation If correctly installed by a professional roofing company like Nielsen, this roofing system is fairly easy to install and requires only minimal maintenance. Fewer tools and less labour to complete the job!
  • Curb Appeal With the boom in real estate in the Okanagan, whether you have a home or a commercial property, you want to select a roof that will appeal to a potential buyer. The snap-lock metal roofing style is contemporary, attractive, and comes in many styles and colours.
standing seam metal roofing with snow guards

Are there any drawbacks to snap-lock roofing?

  • Expensive If you are contemplating going for this one, make sure you keep your budget in mind. With its long lifespan, you won’t be replacing your roof every 20 years! But snap-lock roofing may be twice as expensive as asphalt shingles or corrugated metal roofs.
  • Does it fit your roofline? Snap-lock roofing is not an ideal choice for properties having flat or low-sloped roofs. The particular design of the Snap-lock roof mechanism is not suitable for roofs that are relatively flat (have less than a 3:12 pitch).
  • Climate Snap-lock roofing works less well in areas with heavy rain and snow (mechanically seamed panels would then be a better choice).

Things to know before installing:

  • Your professional roofer will take careful measurements before the installation. Geometrical angles play an important role here.
  • Examine the substrate or framing. Doing so helps ensure that supporting pieces are straight and level. Make sure that the decking is solid.
  • When doing the felt underlayment, we recommend Titanium® Synthetic UDL30
  • Ensure that sealant is in place before attaching the closures
  • Avoid using a power circular saw as this could increase edge rust and metal particles on the panel surface
Nielsen Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd has been installing metal roofs since 1946. We welcome requests to come onsite to discuss the benefits of snap-lock roofing, anywhere from Penticton to Kelowna.