August 1, 2024
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What Are The Benefits of Standing Seam Roofing?

What Is Standing Seam Roofing?

Standing seam roofing refers to fabricated roll-formed sheets, which consists of one sheet from eves to ridge with no breaks in the system. These sheets are installed in sequential vertical rows using a concealed seam clip at fixed locations – allowing the adjacent seam to join the adjacent panels. The concealed fasteners and restraining clips enhance the sleek aesthetic and also contribute to the standing seam system’s outstanding durability. Alongside roofing, it is also an effective and attractive solution for vertical elevations such as wall areas.  

This composition creates a clean, sleek modern design that continues to be a popular option with the builds of new commercial and industrial facilities. Standing seam roofing is also increasingly being used for residential projects.

The first development of standing seam roofing can be traced back the mid-20th century, when the traditional corrugated sheet was replaced with a more secure and durable sheet by industrial building owners seeking weatherproof durable sheathing.

Standing seam has evolved since its introduction in the 1950s, providing affordable materials and a vast array of colour options – all within a competitive price range. Its increasing popularity is also due to its being one of the more environmentally friendly options, with recycled materials frequently used with in the systems and the option for materials to be recycled once it is time to replace a standing seam system.  

Advantages Of Standing Seam Roofing: Durability, Weather Resistance And Low Maintenance

A primary benefit of standing seam roofing over conventional roofing is its extraordinary lifespan upwards of 50 years. On average, steel standing seam metal roofs last for between 50 and 80 years and often come with a 40-year manufacturer’s warranty – which makes them an attractive proposition for architectural and building companies in terms of both durability and cost effectiveness.

The standing seam system has no minimum length and can be created on site with a portable roll-forming machine. The standing seam is produced from coils of stainless steel, aluminum or steel to the exact required length, which ensures 100% waterproofing.  Additional machines can also be used on location to create curves and add any required  features or designs.

The standing seam roofing system’s durability derives from the specified materials used – including stainless steel, aluminum or steel sheet with a coating or finish of choice. The vertical sheet orientation also boosts precipitation factors, with options available for it to be welded and fix pointed at different angles to provide an overall clean finish. In addition, clips such as the DSP QRSS65 work well in areas where there is a high wind load.

Over the years the DSP Doha Team has received a great deal of feedback from clients and regional facilities managers that praise its minimal maintenance requirements. Many roofs of commercial buildings require regular inspections, topcoat renewals every two to five years and continual repairs. But in the DSP Doha Team’s experience, properly installed standing seam systems require no such hands-on intervention for decades, even in the sometimes-harsh Gulf climates.

Energy Efficiency: Reflecting On Cool Roof Technology And Reduced HVAC Costs

The PVDF paint system contains cooling pigments, which increases solar reflectiveness and reduce the surface temperature of the standing seam roof. As a result, heat absorption is prevented by this reflection of the sun's heat and radiation is then emitted back into the atmosphere.

Standing seam’s thermal resistance u-value is established through the use of different rockwool densities within the material. This improves the energy efficiency of the roofing system and differs depending on the project specification and building usage requirements.

PVDF Versus SMP Paint Systems

As discussed above, all metal roofing relies on factory-applied paints or films to avoid corrosion and enhance performance. Two excellent coating technologies are PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) and SMP (siliconized modified polyester). Costlier but with exceptional performance levels, PVDF chemistry comprises fluoropolymers that deliver extreme colour/gloss retention plus resistance to chalking and dirt accumulation.

Even under intense sunlight and acidic rains, PVDF finishes do not fade or lose reflectivity over 30+ years. This makes them ideal for prestigious buildings pursuing performance points for longevity. Economy SMP paints utilize flexible resins and inorganic pigments to offer decent cost/performance ratio, although recoating may be needed within a 20-year period in harsh environments.

DSP Doha recently executed a full stainless steel duplex standing seam roofing system in Hamad International Airport for its Expansion Project. Due to the highly corrosive environment under C5 calcification, Duplex 2205 stainless steel grade was required to ensure corrosion resistance whilst mechanical properties were established to meet the wind uplift requirements. A non-directional micro bead blast finish was also used to enhance the standing seam roof’s solar reflectance and to comply with Aviation Operations Requirements.

Architectural Versatility: Seamlessly Integrating Standing Seam Roofs Into Various Designs

While integral to building performance, roofs also define architectural essence along with facades. Here standing seam metal delivers numerous unique aesthetic advantages. The tapered vertical seam patterns impart textural contrast and shadow lines that interplay gracefully with the reflective surface. Unlike dark membranes, metal panels create dynamic visual energy. This characteristic works equally well on traditional low-rise structures and modern towers. Compared to slate, clay tile, asphalt or cedar shakes, the narrow metal seams better preserve clean geometrical lines across roofs.

Seam height, spacing and orientation can be tailored to enhance specific design styles, such as neoclassical, historic or contemporary. And unlike masonry or tiles, metal seamlessly integrates onto curved surfaces. This combination of form and function provides architects and designers with a great deal of flexibility.

In addition, the relatively light weight of standing seam roofing, when compared to materials such as concrete, stone or terra cotta, also avoids overloading issues.

Case Studies And Success Stories: Real-Life Examples Highlighting The Benefits Of Standing Seam Roofing Solutions

The DSP Doha Team has substantial experience in providing standing seam metal roofing that delivers a proven outstanding performance. Recent projects include:

Hamad International Airport – Expansion Project – Central Concourse

DSP DOHA created 42,000m2 of new stainless steel standing seam roof for Hamad International Airport’s second expansion phase, which was in addition to the existing airport roof – that was already the world’s largest stainless steel roof prior to the expansion phase.  

As a result of its second expansion phase, the Hamad International Airport now features a spectacular 10,000m2 indoor tropical garden in a central concourse and a 268m2 water feature as the focal point of the project.

Qatar Foundation – Education City Stadium

The Education City Stadium is a 45,350-seat football stadium located in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The stadium was built to accommodate the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is located in the midst of several university campuses in the Qatar Foundation’s Education City.

The design of the stadium, known as ‘the jewel of the desert’, reflects the form of a jagged diamond through its 31,000m2 complex standing seam roofing system. DSP DOHA completed the supply, fabrication and installation of the standing seam and aluminum roof cladding to the required high standards.

Falcon 5 Al Udeid Air Base

DSP DOHA’s reputation as a multi-discipline Doha contractor secured it the roof and wall cladding works contract at the USACE Falcon 5, Al Udeid Airbase. The multi-purpose building contract has required a variety of roof/wall cladding systems to meet the various specifications. Within this, the project has benefited from DSP’s state of the art roll-former in producing circa 65,000m2 of aluminium roof panels in varying lengths of up to 85m.

Lexus Showroom

The Lexus Show Room consists of a car show room on the ground floor, offices on the second floor and a service and equipment area in the lower roof section.

DSP DOHA undertook the design, fabrication and installation of 4,000m2 of standing seam roofing, alongside additional stainless-steel exterior and roof cladding works.

Al Maha Hospital for Children & Adults

The 15,000m2 Al Maha Center for Children and Young Adults relocated Hamad Medical Corporation’s long-term acute care operations for children to Al Wakra – just outside the capital of Doha. It has created a nurturing, non-clinical environment utilising evidence-based design that has resulted in an engaging sensory experience for young patients.

The DSP DOHA team enjoyed contributing to various aspects of the project, including 5,000m2 of standing seam roofing.

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