What a standing seam roof is
A standing seam roof is made of long metal panels that run from the ridge to the eave in one piece. Where two panels meet, their edges rise and lock together into a raised seam. The panels are held down by clips hidden under those seams, so nothing pierces the face of the roof.
That one detail is what sets it apart. On a conventional sheet roof, every screw is a hole through the metal and a future leak point. On standing seam, the fixings are out of the weather.
Pictured: one of two standing seam roofs we installed in Trafalgar Park, Kingston.
Why it suits Jamaica
- Fewer leak points. Most roof leaks start at a fastener or a lap. Standing seam has no exposed screws on the roof face and, on a typical run, no horizontal laps either.
- Wind resistance. Locked seams and concealed clips hold each panel along its full length. Installed with the right clip spacing for the roof's exposure, it performs well in the high winds that come between June and November.
- Heat. Metal reflects a large share of the sun's heat, and lighter finishes reflect more. Combined with insulation under the deck, the rooms below stay cooler.
- Movement. The clips let panels expand and contract in the heat without working their fixings loose over time.
- Looks. Clean vertical lines and a choice of factory finishes. The two Trafalgar Park roofs show how different the same system can look.
Where we've installed it
Autumn Brown home
A full standing seam roof finished in Autumn Brown.
Roofing in Montego Bay
Island Routes
Standing seam used in the roof recovery after hurricane damage.
Read the case studyHow a standing seam job runs
- AssessmentWe inspect the existing roof and the structure under it, and take measurements.
- QuoteA written scope covering materials, structure repairs and timeline.
- Strip & prepareOld covering off, damaged rafters, purlins or decking repaired, underlayment down.
- InstallPanels, clips, ridge, flashing at walls, valleys and penetrations, then gutters.
- HandoverA final walk-through with you before we leave site.
Frequently asked questions
Is standing seam better than zinc?
It depends on the building and the budget. Corrugated zinc costs less up front and is quick to install. Standing seam costs more, but with no exposed fasteners it has fewer leak points and needs less maintenance over its life. If you're unsure, we'll price both.
Can standing seam go over my existing roof?
Sometimes, but we usually recommend stripping back to the structure first so we can check and repair the rafters, purlins and decking underneath. We'll tell you which applies after the assessment.
How long does a standing seam roof take to install?
Most residential roof replacements take two to four weeks, depending on size, roof system and weather. Commercial projects are scheduled in phases so the building can stay in use.
Do you install standing seam outside Kingston?
Yes. We're based in Kingston and work across St Andrew, St Catherine, Portland, St James and Trelawny. Recent standing seam work includes a home in Montego Bay and roofing at Island Routes.
How do I get a quote?
Call 876-290-7151, Niko on 876-437-2851, or email dasilvaconstructionja@gmail.com.