Concealed vs. Exposed Fastened Metal Roofing Systems

Concealed fastened and exposed fastened are methods of attaching metal roofing panels to the roof deck with specially designed roofing fasteners (screws). In concealed fastened systems, fasteners are hidden from view because of the overlapping edges of adjacent metal panels.

Fasteners are visible when used in exposed fastened metal roofing systems, because during installation metal panels are first positioned on the roof, then “through-fastened” to the deck, thus exposing the fastener heads.

Both fastening systems are market accepted and proven. Concealed fastened systems generally have an edge over exposed fastened system for water tightness since no through holes in the metal panels exist. However, the overall metal panel roof system cost of exposed fastened roof systems is generally less than concealed fastened roof systems, mainly due to lower installation costs.