Metal Roof Options for Your Commercial Building
They say the sky is the limit if you have a roof over your head, and that’s a fitting sentiment when you think about the future of your operation, your new commercial building and its metal roof.
But let’s pause for a moment to ask a very important question: What about that metal roof? The one that will be protecting all the valuable items that you will store in your building. How do you pick the right one for your operation? Selecting the right roofing solution for your building is hardly a trivial decision. That’s why today we’re going to look at the most common commercial metal roofing options available in the marketplace.
Let’s begin.
Your Metal Roof Options
If you’ve spent any time reviewing metal roofing options in the general marketplace, you know that most metal roofing solutions seem to fall into two categories: standing seam roofs and through-fastened roofs. But what do these terms mean?
Architectural standing seam metal roofs utilize a series of continuous panels — with fastener-connected seams in between — to raise the roof’s seams above the water level for a durable, sleek-looking solution. The fasteners are concealed by a batten (metal trim) that covers them. Their appearance makes standing seam roofs a popular option, but the solution is expensive because they must be installed over a plywood deck to provide the necessary diaphragm strength required for the building.
A through-fastened metal roof, meanwhile, connects the roof’s fasteners directly into the structural framing of the building; generating the necessary diaphragm strength the structure requires. This leads to a more structurally sound building at a lower cost. However, the fasteners themselves are left exposed to the elements. Due to this exposure, the fastener, over time, is typically the first thing to show signs of rust. Once rust is present, it tends to work its way to the roof panel and that could eventually cause a leak. Additionally, UVA rays eventually cause the fastener washer to deteriorate, which over time can also create roof leaks. This hinders the roof’s ability to protect the interior of the building from the elements.
Explore Metal Roof Options
While standing seam metal roofs and through-fastened metal roofs each have their positive attributes, the drawbacks of each solution are hard to ignore. And yet many would-be owners feel they are left with a choice between the two and must compare which series of drawbacks they can best live with in their commercial building metal roofing solution.
There is another way.
The patented Eclipse Roof System™ provides a welcome alternative to standing seam and through-fastened roofing options by delivering the benefits of both without their respective drawbacks.
The Eclipse Roof System uses a unique patented rib and snap-on batten system for through-fastening across its 36-inch-wide panels. It is the shape and height of these panels along with the ability to fasten them directly into the building structure that provides the Eclipse Roof System with the strength not found in standing seam roof options; all while giving it the sleek, concealed fastener appearance standing seam roof solutions are known for.
In addition to its strong, durable construction, the Eclipse Metal Roof System design is engineered to protect against a common occurrence of through-fastened metal roofs — roof leaks that cause water damage. The Eclipse Metal Roof System’s batten snaps cover the major ribs of the panel to conceal the panel fasteners from the elements. This creates a weather-tight solution that also supports the bold, clean lines the standing seam solution is known for.
A Quality Metal Roof Solution that Saves You Time and Money
A strong, durable solution that protects its most vital components from the elements is certainly a positive, but you have other things to consider as well. You need a solution that can be installed quickly, so you can start to utilize your new commercial building — all while keeping the cost of your project down. Fortunately, the Eclipse Metal Roof System delivers here as well, installing more easily, in less time and at a lower cost than the standing seam metal roof alternative. Because each panel covers a 36” span, an Eclipse roof requires significantly fewer panels — about 1/3 or 1/2 — than a typical standing seam solution, along with fewer concealed fasteners. That saves time and material costs without sacrificing a drop in performance.
Finally, the 26-gauge Eclipse Metal Roof System can be installed over open purlins, without the requirement of a plywood or OSB roof deck. The elimination of roof decking is a big cost saver for your project. It is important to note, however, that a roof deck is recommended if you opt for the 28-gauge panel, which is often used in re-roof applications when going over the top of an existing deck. Be sure to ask which gauge is right for your needs and your area.
Find Your Next Roofing Solution
Whether you are looking for the perfect roofing solution for your new commercial building or you are interested in re-roofing an existing structure, the Eclipse Metal Roof System is the answer you won’t find anywhere else on the market. Its durability means the Eclipse Roof System will last up to three times longer than a conventional asphalt shingle roof, so you can stay focused on the everyday work of your operation knowing you’ll always have a dependable roof over your head.
To learn more about the Eclipse Roof System, contact us today.