If you're considering upgrading to a metal roof, you've probably come across standing seam—and the price tag that comes with it.
Standing seam metal roofing is often called a "forever roof," but what exactly makes it worth the premium price? And is there a more affordable option that still delivers lasting value and curb appeal?
For many homeowners, sticker shock is a real obstacle. Standing steam metal roofs can range from $25,000 to $50,000 and more. At Equity Roofing, we've helped hundreds of homeowners in Central PA navigate these decisions. From classic standing seam roofs to the more affordable exposed fastener roofs with PRO-Z fasteners and pro-appearance panels, our crew has installed it all.
In this article, we'll break down what standing seam metal roofing is, how much it costs, what drives that cost, and when exposed fastener systems with PRO-Z technology make sense as a smart alternative.
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A standing seam metal roof is a premium roofing system that hides all screws and fasteners under the panels, making the entire surface smooth, sleek, and uninterrupted. Standing seam roofs are sometimes called "forever roofs," and for good reason.
Exceptional Lifespan: With proper maintenance, a standing seam roof can last 70+ years. In some historical districts, like Lewisburg, PA, original roofs from the early 1900s are still in place and functioning perfectly.
Clean Aesthetics: The smooth, uninterrupted surface creates a modern, high-end appearance that's perfect for upscale homes or historic restorations.
Superior Durability: Using thicker 26-gauge metal and having no exposed fasteners means fewer weak points that can fail over time.
Minimal Maintenance: Without exposed screws to deteriorate, there are fewer opportunities for leaks and rust to develop. The main maintenance is for the paint. For a new roof, the paint will need to be replaced roughly every 40 years.
It's worth noting that standing seam costs can vary significantly by contractor. Companies with specialized equipment (such as on-site roll-forming machines) can offer much more competitive pricing due to reduced material and labor costs.
As this equipment is very expensive, most roof contractors don’t invest in it unless they plan to focus heavily on metal roofing projects. It would be wise for homeowners who are set on a standing seam roof to seek out roofing companies that feature metal roofs for the majority of their portfolio.
| Home Type and Size | Standing Seam |
| Small Ranch 2,200–2,900 sq ft | $25,000–$35,000 |
| Medium Cape Cod ~3,200 sq ft | $35,000–$45,000 |
| Large Complex Roof 3,600–5,000+ sq ft | $50,000+ |
While standing seam offers unmatched longevity and aesthetics, modern exposed fastener systems can deliver many of the same benefits at a much lower cost, especially when using PRO-Z fasteners and pro-appearance panels.
| Home Type and Size | Standing Seam | Exposed Fastener (with PRO-Z) |
| Small Ranch 2,200–2,900 sq ft | $25,000–$35,000 | $10,000–$13,000 (60%-62% cheaper) |
| Medium Cape Cod~3,200 sq ft | $35,000–$45,000 | $15,000–$18,000 (57%-60% cheaper) |
| Large Complex Roof 3,600–5,000+ sq ft | $50,000+ | $20,000+ (60% cheaper) |
Traditional exposed fastener metal roofs had one major weakness: visible screws that deteriorate over time due to sun and weather exposure. The rubber washers dry out, crack, and eventually fail, leading to leaks.
PRO-Z fasteners solve this problem with:
If replacement is needed after the 50-year fastener warranty has expired, expect to pay around $1,500–$5,000 to re-screw the roof, depending on size. This is far cheaper than a full roof replacement, which ranges from $12,000 to $35,000.
Consider this example: You install a $20,000 exposed fastener roof with PRO-Z fasteners. After 50 years, you spend $3,000 to have the roof re-screwed with new fasteners. Your total investment is $23,000—still significantly less than the upfront cost of a standing seam roof.
One of the biggest objections to exposed fastener roofs has always been aesthetics. Many homeowners think they look too much like barn roofing, where exposed fastener roofs have often been used. That's where pro-appearance metal panels come in.
These panels offer several advantages:
The screws blend in naturally and create a much more refined appearance while maintaining all the cost benefits of exposed fastener systems.
Both standing seam and exposed fastener roofs are excellent options for long-lasting roofs. If you’re considering both options, we recommend taking various factors into account.
This depends on the condition of your decking. So long as the wood is in good condition at the time of inspection and an underlayment is used, it can be installed successfully over existing shingles.
With proper maintenance, 70+ years is a realistic expectation. In historic areas, we still see functioning standing seam roofs from the 1800s.
Absolutely. You can typically expect $2+ back for every $1 spent on standing seam roofing in terms of resale value.
Most insurers offer discounts for metal roofing. Homeowners can also invest in an optional upgrade with reflective underlayment, which can provide modest energy savings on cooling costs.
Yes, metal roofing is actually one of the best materials for winter installation compared to other roofing options.
No. Standing Seam roofs and Exposed Fastener roofs have different metal panels and installation processes. Once you start with one, you can't switch midway through the project.
Standing seam metal roofing represents the premium end of residential roofing with unmatched longevity, aesthetics, and minimal maintenance. It's an excellent choice for homeowners in their forever homes who want to invest once and never worry about their roof again.
However, modern exposed fastener systems with PRO-Z technology and pro-appearance panels deliver many of the same benefits at roughly half the cost. For budget-conscious homeowners who still want exceptional performance, this represents an outstanding value.
The choice comes down to your priorities and maintenance preferences. Once you’ve weighed your options, explore our guide on What to Expect With a New Roof Replacement so you know exactly what happens after you sign off on your roof.
At Equity Roofing, we help you make the smartest long-term choice for your home and budget. Either way, you'll have a roof that dramatically outperforms traditional shingles while adding significant value to your property.