Standing Seam Metals

No — while some steel systems are described as “standing seam panels,” there are differences in both material and installation. Steel systems such as Greencoat PLX are colour-coated, galvanised steel products, designed to provide durable and consistent finishes. In contrast, zinc, aluminium, and copper are solid metals that naturally age over time, developing a patina unique to each material. Traditional standing seam systems in zinc, aluminium, or copper are formed and mechanically seamed on-site, creating continuous joints with concealed fixings. This allows for greater flexibility, refined detailing, and a more architectural finish.

Architectural metals such as zinc, aluminium, and copper offer longer lifespans (50–70+ years), lower maintenance, and sharper design flexibility compared to slate, tile, or felt.

No — when installed with the correct underlay and insulation, metal roofs are no noisier than slate or tile.

Yes. Zinc, aluminium, and copper are 100% recyclable, produced with relatively low embodied energy, and often used in green building projects.

Absolutely. Standing seam systems allow for curves, tapers, and bespoke detailing that other materials cannot achieve.

Very little. Unlike painted or coated products, premium architectural metals develop protective surfaces that resist corrosion, moss, and algae naturally.

Standing seam systems are formed from coils of zinc, aluminium, or copper, with panels profiled either on-site or in-house. The panels are fixed to a ventilated substrate using concealed clips, allowing the metal to expand and contract naturally. The raised seams are then mechanically folded together, creating a continuous, watertight joint with no visible fixings. This method delivers precision, durability, and a clean architectural finish.

Standing seam systems in zinc, aluminium, or copper are formed from coils and profiled to the required lengths either on-site or in-house. The panels are then seamed together using concealed fixings to create a continuous, watertight finish. Other metal roofing systems, such as snap-lock panels or colour-coated steel profiles, are typically manufactured as pre-formed panels and installed as complete units. In contrast, site-formed standing seam allows for greater flexibility, precise detailing, and a more refined architectural finish.