Mechanical Lock vs Snap Lock

Not all standing seam metal roofing is equal. The way that the standing seam is connected, is key. There are two primary ways of connecting standing seams: mechanical locking, and snap lock. Mechanical lock is the premium, used for many commercial buildings, and snap lock is what is mostly sold to residential customers. The differences between the two are outlined below.

Firstly:

Commerical buildings such as Government buildings, Schools, and other buildings designed to last, primarily use mechanical locking panels.

Mechanically locked standing seam panels are built to last. The mechanism by which panels are connected is protected from exposure and offers the best seam security for adverse conditions including low-sloping buildings.

Mechanical locking roofs and Expansion and Contraction

Heat, cold, wind, snow, and other extreme weather, cause roof movement, with every weather change. Over decades, this can be thousands of times that movement places stress on every connection in the roof, no matter what kind of roof it is.

Mechanically locking standing seams are designed to withstand those changes. Every panel is folded (sometimes double-folded), and mechanically seamed together, which creates a stable, continuous roofing system that can withstand more weather conditions than snap-lock roofing, due to its ability to move without coming apart.

In addition, mechanically locked panels do not compromise the roof as traditional fasteners do when they are put under stress.

Snap-Lock Panels: Not for Flat Roofs or Extreme Weather

While snap-lock is less expensive because it is easier to install, the fact that they simply press together is also their weakness: they simply do not provide the same level of protection on flat roofs — due to their inability to seal effectively against standing water. In addition, the snap-lock is just not as forgiving when it comes to roof movement, whether it’s from heat and cold change, or extreme weather.

Residential customers are typically the main consumers of snap-lock panels

Snap lock may be less expensive, but it can fail when it comes to extreme heat or cold, since metal expands and contracts with heat and cold. To repair any breach with snap-lock panels can be complicated, as many panels would have to be redone to remedy the situation.

NW Metal Roofs Specializes in Mechanically Locked Standing Seam Roofs

Our aim is to educate residential customers as we believe every roof is as important as the foundation, when it comes to protecting the home.

We specialize in mechanically locked standing seam roofing systems because we believe

homeowners deserve the same proven technology trusted on commercial buildings around the world.

Our systems are designed with attention to details that matter:

Mechanically locked standing seam panels

Precision-formed hems and notches

Professional flashing details

Hidden fastening systems

Panels manufactured specifically for your project.

Our goal isn’t simply to install a metal roof. Our goal is to install a roofing system designed to rpotecte your home for decades.

Give us a call or text us for a roofing consultation and estimate. Every consultation includes a project evaluation and estimate.

Before purchasing any metal roof panels or hiring a roofing company, this is one of the key questions to ask: Are the panels mechanically locking, or are they snap-lock? Click here for more questions to ask any roofing company.