Standing Seam Profiles: NTM’s SSQ200, SSQ210A, SS450, and SS450SL
Standing seam metal roofs have become more popular for commercial and residential buildings due to their durability, sleek appearance, and long life. Metal manufacturers are creating new designs and colors for eager consumers looking to incorporate metal into homes and commercial structures. At New Tech Machinery (NTM), we’re seeing our customers install metal roofs and walls on restaurants, houses, resorts, apartment complexes, and rural and industrial buildings.
In a market where standing seam exists in a variety of options, understanding the nuances of standing seam profiles is important. What’s more, many in the metal roofing industry may not know the differences. In this article, you’ll learn about two variations of the 2″ mechanical seam panel profile we offer, the SSQ200 and the SSQ210A, as well as two variations of our popular 1.5″ snap lock panel profile: the SSQ450 and SSQ450SL.
When you purchase one of these roller systems for your NTM portable rollforming machine, you’re basically getting two distinct profiles for the price of one roller system. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these profiles so that you and your customers can make the right call for your project needs.
Sections:
- SSQ200 vs. SSQ210A Mechanical Lock Profiles
- SS450 vs. SS450SL Snap Lock Profiles
- Clip Types
- Materials & Installation
- Choosing the Best Profile for Your Project
SSQ200 vs. SSQ210A Mechanical Seam Profiles
While the SSQ200 2” mechanical seam and the SSQ210A 2” ARMCO mechanical seam may look similar, there are notable differences.
The SSQ200 is a standard 2″ mechanical seam profile, while the SSQ210A Armco-Style profile incorporates an extra down leg to the panel design, offering an additional strength to the profile, which can be more effective in certain commercial applications. The key differentiator is the SSQ210A’s additional down leg, intensifying the strength due to more material at the seam. Because of that extra down leg, the SSQ210A is a more popular choice in demanding areas that experience severe weather and wind.
Commercial projects often gravitate towards the SSQ210A ARMCO or 2” mechanical seam due to their strength, making them ideal for large commercial roofing jobs. On the other hand, residential projects may steer clear of these profiles—owing to the higher cost tied to material and labor without the need for extra durability. Also, residential roofs tend to have higher slopes, so the need for a 2” leg isn’t as necessary as for commercial projects. Note that both versions of this profile can double lock, as some mistakenly believe that it’s only possible with the SSQ210A.
If you run the SSQ210A profile, make sure to factor in the extra leg when calculating your material width needs. It will take another half inch or so of coverage to account for the extra down leg.
SS450 vs. SS450SL Snap Lock Profiles
Another pair of profiles that can be run with the same roller system is the SS450 and SS450SL, which is available in all three of NTM’s standing seam roof panel machines: The SSQ II, the SSH, and the SSR MultiPros. Both are snap lock panel profiles, but they differ fundamentally in their locking mechanisms and the types of clips applied.
The SS450 profile incorporates the clip to snap lock onto the adjoining panel by utilizing a flair on the clip that wraps over the male leg of the panel. This makes installation very straightforward and simple, and allows the panel to move with typical metal expansion and contraction. The SS450 profile is a very popular option for residential applications due to its attractive look and easy installation.
The SS450SL differentiates itself from the SS450 by incorporating an added “bump” on the male leg that allows the panel to snap lock onto itself (and still utilizes a clip to hold the panel down to the substrate).
The clips used for the SS450SL profile are different than the clips used for the standard SS450 profile, so please note that if you plan on using both styles of this profile you will need different clips. Industry acceptance leans towards the more widely tested SS450 profile. The clip for the SS450SL, which is different from that of the SS450, attaches over the male leg. Despite instances of misunderstanding around the SS450’s strength due to its larger flares, industry acceptance leans towards the widely tested SS450.
The basic difference is that the SS450 snap locks using the clip itself, whereas the SS450SL snap locks onto itself utilizing the male leg and the clip just holds the panel down the the roof by wrapping over the top of the male leg.
Clip Types
Fixed or Floating
Both fixed and floating clips should provide some give for panel movement. In areas with extreme temperature changes, the floating clips allow for more expansion and contraction along the seams. No matter which you use, make sure they are installed properly.
UL or non-UL
Jobs may require UL testing. If you use non-UL clips, make sure the dimensions mirror that of UL clips to ensure they are consistent with the thickness and performance of the tested clip.
Installation techniques and the chosen clip type can significantly influence the roof system’s performance. For instance, improper screw tightening may restrict panel movement, leading to oil canning or fastener failure. Correct installation ensures the panels maintain their integrity and appearance over time by allowing expansion and contraction with temperature shifts.
For more information on all NTM-recommended standing seam clips, click here.
For the Sheffield Clip & Fastener Guide, click here.
Materials & Installation
It’s important to keep in mind that both profile pairs—SSQ200/SSQ210A and SS450/SS450SL—require different material usage because their design differences can impact project costs and change material width requirements depending on specified finished panel widths. Precise calculations can ensure adequate coverage and minimal waste. Remember to factor in extra legs when calculating widths. Use our coil width calculator to determine the width you need for your project.
Profile Compatibility With NTM Machines
The SSQ200 and SSQ210A 2” mechanical seam profiles can only be run with NTM’s SSQ II™ MultiPro Roof and Wall Panel Machine.
The SS450 and SS450SL can be run through the SSR™ MultiPro Jr. or SSH™ MultiPro Roof Panel Machines or the SSQ II™ MultiPro Roof and Wall Panel Machine.
To view all NTM portable rollformers, including our specialty roof and wall panel machines, click here.
One profile tooling will create both profiles for each type listed. For example, if you have the tooling for the SSQ200 you can also use it to produce the SSQ210A by adjusting the entry guide and shear. Remember to adjust the material width if you want to maintain the same coverage. Material usage differs between the two profile types.
To change the SS450 to the SS450SL, you’ll have an extra roller station that comes standard with the profile tooling set. Again, you’ll also need to adjust it at the entry guide to accommodate the extra material. Click here to view the changeover video for the SS450 to SS450SL panel profile.
Choosing the Best Profile for Your Project
When it’s time to choose between SSQ200, SSQ210A, SS450, and SS450SL profiles, several factors come into play. Understanding project-specific requirements, such as aesthetic preferences, structural needs, and project budget, is vital. Each profile provides unique benefits, and understanding their differences enables you to make informed decisions for standing seam metal roofing systems.
For information or quotes on our SSR MultiPro Jr., SSH MultiPro, and SSQ II MultiPro Roof and Wall Panel Machine, or any NTM machine or accessories, contact us.
