What’s the Difference Between Standing Seam and Corrugated Metal Roofs?

Metal roofs come with pros and cons, but if you’ve made up your mind to get one, odds are you’re probably discovering that there are quite a few options available. Two of the most popular are standing seam and corrugated metal roofs, and although they appear to have a lot in common, the two are different in many important ways. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to choose wisely regarding standing seam vs. corrugated metal roofs. 

Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roofs: Key Differences

Although there are several types of metal roofing, standing seam and corrugated metal are two options that get the most attention.

Standing seam metal roofs consist of flat, wide, vertical panels that interlock through a series of ridges or standing seams (hence the name). This setup conceals all the fasteners, screws, and bolts used during installation, protects them from the elements, and gives the entire roof a longer lifespan. 

By contrast, corrugated metal roofing is built from large metal sheets rather than individual panels. These sheets are characterized by a wavy, corrugated pattern that reinforces the roofing and makes it stronger than flat panels—but it’s also more likely to corrode quickly because it leaves fasteners, screws, and bolts exposed.

What Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?

What sets standing seam metal roofs apart are their unique standing ridges that interlock numerous panels to create a sleek and uniform appearance. It’s also this mechanism that protects the roof’s inner workings from decay and makes the whole thing last a lot longer—but you can expect to pay extra for the additional reinforcement.

Best for:

• Those willing to spend a little more on a metal roof with a stylish design. 

• Anyone who doesn’t want to have to replace or repair their roof in the near future. 

Pros of Standing Seam Metal Roof

This type of metal roof comes with a lot of benefits. The fact that all its fasteners, screws, and bolts are concealed prevents deterioration from external forces like rain or snow. Plus: because of the way the panels interlock, leaking from wet weather and warping from hot and cold temps—the kind of issues that cause the most damage—are less likely to happen in the first place. 

All of this also extends standing seam metal roofs length of life. With semi-annual checkups, such a setup could last up to 30 years or more. 

Cons of Standing Seam Metal Roof

Although standing seam metal roofs come with a bunch of perks, there are a handful of downsides to consider. For one, they don’t have much noise insulation on their own. You’ll have to build that in yourself to keep the pitter-patter of rain to a minimum. And they may rust if They’re also significantly more expensive than corrugated metal roofing.

What Is a Corrugated Metal Roof?

While corrugated metal roofing is less chic than standing seam options, it’s way more affordable and nearly as durable. It’s bent to have a corrugated, W-shaped pattern that gives it extra strength and prevents water from pooling or causing the structure to collapse over time. However, it likely won’t last as long as its competitor because its exposed seams are at greater risk of damage.

While corrugated metal roofing is less chic than standing seam options, it’s way more affordable and nearly as durable. It’s bent to have a corrugated, W-shaped pattern that gives it extra strength and prevents water from pooling or causing the structure to collapse over time. However, it likely won’t last as long as its competitor because its exposed seams are at greater risk of damage.

Best for:

• Those looking for an affordable yet sturdy metal roofing option.

• Anyone needing an inexpensive roof for an extra home feature, like a shed. 

Pros of Corrugated Metal Roof

Although not as stylish as standing seam metal roofing, corrugated metal roofs are still worth considering. This option provides a number of advantages, including the fact that it’s totally rust-resistant, inexpensive, and lightweight—with this last perk making for a quick and painless installation. 

Cons of Corrugated Metal Roof

The myth is that corrugated metal roofs can last for 100 years, but the truth is that this is really only possible if you’re dedicated to maintaining it. More than likely, you’ll get a solid 30 to 45 years out of it before it’s time to look for a replacement.

While that’s still a long lifespan (and even longer than a standing seam roof), much time and care is required to make it happen. Because the seams are exposed, hardware replacements will need to happen more frequently, in addition to new caulking and reapplications of protective coatings. And, unlike standing seam roofs, there are also no protections to prevent swelling and shrinking in warm and cold temps—which can result in damages over time.

Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roofs

Now that you know how standing seam and corrugated metal roofs differ, here’s how they compare to one another in a handful of important categories. 

Appearance: Standing Seam Metal Roof

There’s nothing wrong with how a corrugated metal roof looks, but many prefer the sleek, uniform appearance of standing seam options. Plus, because they’re pre-coated in a protective enamel, they still look good with little to no maintenance—which can’t always be said for the alternative. 

Options and Customization: Standing Seam Metal Roof

Standing seam roof panels come in many different sizes, colors, and particular arrangements. On the flipside, corrugated metal roofs can be painted different colors, but that’s about it. You won’t get much variation in pattern shape or size with the latter pick. 

Durability: Standing Seam Metal Roof

While it’s true that corrugated metal roofs have a long lifespan, their exposed seams and hardware put them at a greater risk of damage and decay than standing seam metal roofs. Aside from hiring a metal roofing contractor near you for occasional checkups, there’s not much else you need to do to keep the latter looking good and functioning as it should. 

Price: Corrugated Metal Roof

The price for standing seam metal roofs is a lot steeper than corrugated metal roofing. The cost of standing seam metal roofing ranges from $5 and $26 per square foot, plus $2 to $6 per square foot of labor, for a rough total of $15,000 to $19,000 for an entire project—and that’s just for the most inexpensive materials, like aluminum and steel. Pricier picks, like zinc and copper, can cost up to $35 per square foot of roofing.

If you’re limited by budget, corrugated metal roofing is definitely worth it based on price alone—just $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot for materials on average. 

Maintenance: Standing Seam Metal Roof

Aside from periodic cleanings and checkups from a pro, there’s not much you personally need to do to maintain a standing seam metal roof, thanks to the fact that all its hardware is hidden safely below its seams.

By contrast, corrugated metal roofs must have protective coatings reapplied once a year or more, depending on how severe the weather is where you live. They may also need to occasionally have their hardware replaced or their seams re-caulked since there’s no measure to protect these features. 

Length of Life: Corrugated Metal Roof 

Corrugated metal roofs can theoretically last up to 100 years or more with regular maintenance and care. But even if you don’t devote your life to them, they’ll still give you a solid 35 to 40 years of coverage—more than the 30 years offered by a standing seam metal roof.