Standing Seam vs R-Panel Metal Roof: What's the Difference?
Length: 1:54
Our team explains how a standing seam metal roof differs from an R-panel roof, from hidden clips and exposed screws to panel gauge and where each one fits. Standing seam is used mostly on luxury residential roofs, while R-panel usually fits lake houses, sheds and carports.
Key moments
Transcript
People always ask me what the difference is between a standing seam roof and an R-panel roof. I'm going to show you. This is a standing seam metal roof.
If you look closely, you don't see any exposed screws. Underneath each panel there are metal clips screwed into the plywood. The metal goes on top, and then we run a machine that locks the panels together.
It's a very secure, watertight system with no exposed screws where water can get in. It also has a clean, high-end look, so it's used mostly for luxury residential roofs. This is an R-panel roof.
It looks similar to standing seam, but you'll see exposed screws throughout the roof. It's still a great roof system. R-panel is usually a little thinner, 26 gauge, while standing seam is 24 gauge.
Standing seam also looks better, but R-panel doesn't look bad either. It's not something you'd usually use on a home unless it's a lake house, a shed or a carport, and there's more chance of a leak. I'm not saying it will leak, but anywhere you have screws, if one loosens a little, water can get in.
Installed correctly, you shouldn't have that problem. If you need a free consultation or estimate on an R-panel or standing seam roof, give me a call. Stone Castle Roofing, (281) 250-1265.