Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does the term “standing seam” mean when it comes to metal roofing?

    A.The term “standing seam” is used to refer to almost any kind of metal roofing panel with a raised vertical seam. The metal panels interlock where they come together and are seamed vertically above the flat part of the panel.

Q. What is a double locking system?

    A.There are a variety of seaming or panel interlock methods and double lock is one of them. Seams may be formed by mechanical seamers or by hand. Double lock is a seaming method that uses two 180◦ bends created by a mechanical seamer. Walker & Company uses a one inch high double lock seam.

Q. What kind of material is it manufactured from, how is it painted, and what is the warranty?

    A. Metal roofing is available in painted or unpainted galvanized steel, galvalume, and    aluminum and are available in several gauges. Twenty four and 26-gauge metal are the most popular gauges for residential roofing, while the heavier gauges are used for commercial applications. Top of the line coatings are called fluoropolymers. This type of coating has a factory applied, baked-on finish which gives it an extremely long life. Quality coatings should have a 70% Kynar finish, commonly known as Kynar 500. Most manufacturers offer a 20 or 30-year coating warranty.

Q. How is it manufactured?

     A. Walker & Company uses an on-site roll-forming machine to custom fit the panels to the roof. Drip edge, ridge cap, and flashings are custom fabricated from the same coil used for roofing panels. This is the most cost-effective way for the consumer.

Q. Do you have to strip my roof?

     A. Most of the time, no. If  you have asphalt shingles and they are in good condition, a standing seam metal roof can go right over them. If you have a slate roof or cedar shakes, they will have to be removed.

Q. How Much does it cost?

     A. Standing seam metal roofing generally costs between two to two and a half times the cost of asphalt shingles, though that gap has been closing recently. Since most shingled roofs have to be replaced at least two or three times during a properly installed metal roof’s lifetime, the standing seam metal roof is more cost effective. Time and money is also saved with the metal roof’s low maintenance.

Q. Will a metal roof attract lightning?

     A. No. Lightning is typically attracted to the highest point in an area, not exclusively metal objects. If lightning strikes a metal roof it may be safer than other roofing products since the metal will help conduct and dissipate the electrical charge. Also, metal roofing is non-combustible so it will not burn if struck by lightning.

Q. Will my attic be hotter with a metal roof?

     A. No. Metal roofing acts as a radiant barrier between the sun and the ceiling insulation. The heat does not radiate down through the attic as it does with conventional roofing materials. A clean radiant barrier reflects 97% of the radiant heat back into the atmosphere as opposed to organic matter which acts as a conductor.

Q. How long does it last?

     A. In the Northeastern United States an uncoated galvanized metal roof will last around 100 years. We do not know of any current statistics on coated (painted) steel.

Q. Will a metal roof make more noise in a rainstorm?

     A. Rain on metal roofing installed on top of roof decking, above an insulated attic space will probably not be any more noticeable than an asphalt shingled roof. This is a common misconception that stems from association with older metal sheds and barn roofing.

Q. Are you insured?

     A. Yes. We are fully insured for workmen’s compensation and general liability. Feel free to ask us for a copy of our certificate of insurance.

These questions and answers do not cover the entire spectrum of the finishing field. They are based on information sources in the industry regarding galvanized steel alloys, tempers, processes and fabrication.