September 2019

Metal Standing Seam
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME
Gareth Holvey, Technical Manager SSR2 at Catnic, explains why he feels standing seam
metal roofing provides such a viable alternative to traditional roofing options.
Ease of Installation
For roofing contractors, ease of installation
is important to ensure projects can be
delivered efficiently and to schedule, and
that there is reduced time spent at height.
A standing seam steel roof is lightweight – in fact
seven times lighter than clay or slate tile
equivalents. This means that handling, carrying
and manoeuvring the material on site is much
easier, which is an important consideration when
working at height in order to improve overall safety.
Roofing contractors should also look for pre-finished
steel standing seam roofing systems that utilise a
simple locking design with pre-punched fixing holes
to aid installation. This will make the fixing
process much quicker and reduce the amount of
time required to deliver a project. Systems that
are not reliant on roll forming or seaming on site
can help ensure workmanship levels and product
performance both achieve a high standard.
Environmental benefits
With the government striving to achieve reductions
of carbon emissions, we have understandably
seen a drive from the construction industry to
improve the energy efficiency of UK homes and
buildings. Therefore, wherever possible, only
building materials that can demonstrate clear
environmental credentials, should be specified,
including the choice of roofing.
As such, systems with the highest BREEAM levels
possible are ideal – a Green Guide-recognised
system will deliver peace of mind when it comes to
environmental credentials. In addition, leading precoated
metal standing seam systems can easily
incorporate solar panels, further increasing the
energy efficiency of the project. A fixing bracket can
be screwed into the standing seam upstand to allow
photovoltaic panels to be installed without needing
to place holes through the roof. This can reduce
time spent installing the technology
whilst retaining roof integrity.
Guaranteed
performance
Of course, whilst ease of
installation and
environmental credentials
are a factor, these materials
also need to stand the test of time.
Consideration must be given to whether the
material can withstand British weather, as this
will affect the longevity of the product.
Proving confidence in its products, Catnic has
recently launched its free of charge Confidex
Home guarantee. Offered direct to the
homeowner, this 25-year warranty provides
complete confidence in the quality of the
advanced paint coating applied to the steel, and
is in place whether the SSR2 system is used
either as roofing or cladding, and regardless of
where the property is located – including coastal
regions. In addition, the guarantee is easily and
fully transferable in the event the property is sold
to new owners – an excellent benefit roofing
contractors can provide to their customers.
To ensure a robust specification – it is important
to ensure that the standing seam roofing choice
will meet all the relevant legislation. The SSR2
Roofing and Cladding System is manufactured
from Tata Steel’s Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra prefinished
steel, and is CE Marked in accordance
with BS EN 14783:2013. It also meets Class 0
‘low risk’ fire classification requirements of the
UK Building Regulations.
When used as part of a roof cladding system, the
system has a Class AA /B roof (t4) performance
rating according to BS 476 Part 3 / EN1187 and
meets all UK roofing application requirements.
Training and education
Of course, no matter how long
roofing contractors have
been in the business –
taking advantage of
training and education will
always remain important.
Catnic now offers a new
CPD – a 45-minute session
that explores the performance
and aesthetic considerations of prerefinished
steel, including installation solutions, as
well as building methods and regulations.
Ensuring weekly CPD obligations are easily
satisfied, it is taught face to face and can provide
roofing contractors confidence in the product and
installing it.
A beautiful and versatile aesthetic
Loved by architects and customers alike for its
range of colours (including Anthracite, Terracotta
and Green Grey) that complement both traditional
and modern finishes, the tonal matt shades
integrate seamlessly between different facades
including glass, brick, wood, stone and render
delivering effortless modern finishes.
There are a range of factors to consider when
specifying a roofing system for a residential build,
whether it is for a new build or refurbishment. By
working with and recommending a pre-finished
steel roofing system, contractors can provide end
clients with a quick-to-install solution – that can
contribute to a sustainable build with a lasting
and beautiful aesthetic.
Contact Catnic
029 2033 7900
www.catnic.com
@CatnicUK
54 TC SEPTEMBER 2019