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Folded metal roofs, cladding and trims.

Standing seam roofs, façade cladding, parapet copings, fascias and bespoke flashings — formed, folded and fitted by our own crews.

Metals: Zinc · Copper · Alu
Min. pitch: 3°
Life expectancy: 60–100 years
Finish: Any RAL / patina

01Overview

Metal gives architects clean lines and a very long service life — if it's detailed correctly.

Standing seam metal is one of the few roof coverings that works equally well at 3° and vertical. Long panels run from eaves to ridge with no exposed fixings; edges are folded together into a raised seam that sheds water and allows the metal to expand and contract freely.

Each metal behaves differently. Zinc needs a ventilated or structured underlay to prevent corrosion from the underside; copper is heavy and moves more with temperature; aluminium is light and can be powder-coated to any colour. We advise on the right metal for the design, exposure and budget.

Beyond roofs, we fabricate and fit the details that define a building's edge — parapet copings, fascias, window surrounds, box gutters, chimney and dormer cladding, and lead or metal flashings.

We work from architect's drawings, produce our own setting-out where needed, and coordinate with window, cladding and structural trades so junctions are watertight and look deliberate.

02Where it's used

Typical applications

a.
Standing seam roofs
Low and pitched roofs on houses, extensions and civic buildings.
b.
Façade cladding
Vertical or horizontal seam cladding, flat-lock panels and shingles.
c.
Parapet copings
Folded copings with drips, falls and concealed jointing.
d.
Fascias & soffits
Crisp powder-coated aluminium eaves and verge trims.
e.
Dormers & chimneys
Zinc or copper cheeks and roofs on dormers and stacks.
f.
Box gutters & outlets
Lined gutters with overflow provisions and hidden outlets.

Standing seam zinc roof with crisp folded seams — a.Double-lock standing seam in pre-weathered zinc, eaves to ridge in one piece.

Lead valley between two slate roof slopes — b.Lead valley and soakers — the metalwork that keeps junctions watertight.

03Systems

Comparing roofing metals

Metal	Appearance	Weight	Typical life	Notes
Pre-weathered zinc	Matt grey, self-patinating	~7 kg/m²	80–100 yrs	Needs underside ventilation or structured underlay
Copper	Bronze, ageing to green verdigris	~6 kg/m²	100+ yrs	Run-off stains stone and glass; detail drips carefully
Aluminium	Powder-coated in any RAL	~3 kg/m²	50–60 yrs	Light, good for refurbishment and coastal sites
Coated steel	Factory-coated colours	~5 kg/m²	30–40 yrs	Cost-effective for agricultural and commercial

04Detail

How it's built

Standing seam joint

How panels lock together without any exposed fixings.

1
Double-lock seam
Panel edges are folded together twice so water can't track through.
2
Metal tray
Each panel runs eaves to ridge in one piece where possible.
3
Fixed & sliding clips
Hidden clips hold the panel and allow thermal movement.
4
Structured underlay
Separation and drainage layer, essential under zinc.
5
Timber or ply deck
Continuous substrate for the clips.
6
Insulation
Warm roof build-up beneath the deck.

Common failure points

Zinc laid directly on timber without underlay
Clips that don't allow for expansion
Pitch too low for the seam type chosen
Dissimilar metals in contact causing corrosion

05Process

From survey to handover

01
Design review
Check pitches, panel lengths, junctions and substrate against the drawings.
02
Setting out
Panel layouts and trim drawings for approval before fabrication.
03
Fabrication
Panels and trims formed to measured sizes.
04
Installation
Clips, underlay and panels fixed and seamed on site; final inspection.

06Specification

Notes for architects & QS

Minimum pitch: 3° for double-lock standing seam; 7° recommended for single-lock or angled seam.
Panel length: Limited by thermal movement — typically 10m for zinc and copper, up to 16m with sliding clips.
Substrate: Ventilated timber boarding or ply/OSB with structured separation underlay.
Copings: Minimum 5° fall to the inner face, 50mm drip, concealed joint bands.
Fixings: Stainless steel, compatible with the panel metal to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Warranty: Manufacturer material warranties available, subject to approved installation.

Guidance figures only — final details are confirmed against manufacturer literature and the project engineer's design.

07FAQ

Common questions

Can metal be used on a very low pitch?

Yes. Double-lock standing seam works down to 3° with the right underlay and detailing.

Is a metal roof noisy in the rain?

Not on a fully boarded, insulated deck. It sounds no different from any other roof inside the building.

Will zinc go white?

Pre-weathered zinc develops a protective patina. Light streaking can appear early on and evens out over time.

Can you match window frame colours?

Aluminium trims and cladding can be powder-coated in any RAL colour, including textured and metallic finishes.

Do you work from architect's details?

Yes. We review details at tender stage and can suggest changes that improve buildability without changing the design intent.

Have drawings or a roof that needs attention?

Send plans, photos or a short description. We'll review it, visit if needed, and come back with an itemised price and programme.

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