Not All Metal Is Created Equal: The Midtech Standing Seam Difference

When you start researching metal roofing for your home, business, or agricultural building in Central Pennsylvania, you'll quickly realize the sheer number of options available. A quick search reveals everything from corrugated steel sheets to intricate, interlocking panels. They all fall under the umbrella of "metal roofing," but the similarities often end there. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices and to assume that one metal roof is as good as the next.

At Midtech Standing Seam, we’re here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. The difference between a high-quality, long-lasting metal roof and a cheaper, short-term solution is not just a matter of price—it’s a difference in design, materials, and engineering. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to making a wise investment that will protect your property for decades to come, whether you’re in State College, Bellefonte, Lock Haven, Boalsburg, Centre Hall, Lemont, Port Matilda, Pine Grove Mills, or Pleasant Gap.

Let's break down the key differences between a premium standing seam metal roof and other, more basic metal roofing options you'll find on the market.

The Tale of Two Fastener Systems: Concealed vs. Exposed

The most significant and fundamental difference between standing seam and many other metal roofing products lies in the fastener system. This is a crucial point that directly impacts the roof's longevity and integrity.

• Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing: This is the more traditional and often more affordable type of metal roofing. The panels are attached directly to the roof deck using screws with exposed heads. While this method gets the job done initially, it creates numerous points of vulnerability. Over time, the washers on the screws can degrade from UV exposure, and the screws themselves can expand and contract with temperature changes. This movement can loosen the fasteners, creating entry points for moisture. Rust can also form around these exposed screw heads, compromising the integrity of the roof and creating future leak issues.
• Standing Seam Metal Roofing: This system is engineered for superior performance. Instead of being exposed to the elements, the fasteners are completely hidden. The panels are designed with raised seams that interlock with one another, and the clips that hold them to the roof are secured beneath these seams. This elegant design protects the fasteners from UV degradation, temperature fluctuations, and moisture. The result is a clean, sleek, and virtually impenetrable roof surface with no vulnerable entry points for water. This is a major reason why standing seam roofs boast a much longer lifespan and require far less maintenance.

The Foundation of Quality: The Right Materials

Beyond the design, the quality of the base metal itself and its protective coatings are non-negotiable for a truly durable roof.

• Standing Seam: At Midtech, our standing seam panels are crafted from premium-grade steel, often with a protective Galvalume® coating. This advanced coating, a blend of zinc and aluminum, provides exceptional corrosion resistance, outperforming standard galvanized coatings. This is the first line of defense against rust and the harsh elements we experience in Central PA.
• Other Metal Roofing: Lower-cost metal roofing may use less refined steel or a simple galvanized coating that offers less protection. This can lead to faster degradation, chalking, and premature rusting, especially around the exposed fasteners.

The Finishing Touch That Lasts a Lifetime: Superior Paint Coatings

The paint on a metal roof isn't just for color; it’s a critical part of the protective system. It’s the final barrier against UV rays, acid rain, and other environmental factors.

• Standing Seam: Midtech uses industry-leading paint finishes like Kynar 500® (PVDF) and Beckers Paint. These multi-layer, baked-on coatings are renowned for their exceptional resistance to fading, chalking, and cracking. A Kynar-coated roof will maintain its vibrant color and flawless finish for decades, ensuring your property looks new long after a cheaper alternative has faded and worn out.
• Other Metal Roofing: Basic metal roofing often uses a standard polyester paint. While this may look fine initially, it is far less resistant to UV damage. Within a few years, you’ll likely notice significant fading and a chalky residue on the surface, which indicates that the protective layer is breaking down. This not only looks bad but also exposes the underlying metal to corrosion.

A Long-Term Investment, Not a Short-Term Fix

Ultimately, the choice between a premium standing seam roof and a basic metal roof comes down to your vision for the future.

A basic, exposed-fastener metal roof may seem appealing due to its lower upfront cost, but this savings is often an illusion. The material’s shorter lifespan, higher maintenance needs (re-tightening or replacing fasteners, repainting), and susceptibility to leaks can lead to significant headaches and unexpected costs down the road.

A Midtech Standing Seam roof, on the other hand, is a long-term investment. While the initial cost may be higher, its exceptional durability, minimal maintenance requirements, and superior longevity mean you won’t have to worry about your roof for 50 years or more. Its ability to withstand extreme weather, resist rust, and retain its stunning appearance makes it the smartest financial decision for any property owner.

At Midtech, we believe in providing our customers with the highest quality product and the peace of mind that comes with it. Don't settle for less. The difference between metal roofs is real, and it’s a difference that will protect your property for generations.