Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about. If you don’t find the answer to your question here or want to speak to a member of our team about your project please get in touch.
What measurements do you need to provide a price estimate?
Vertix Systems will require measurements for the rafter length and the width of the roof, as well as the pitch for each elevation. We will also need to know the type of roof being constructed. e.g. mono, lean to, butterfly etc.
How do I get a price for Vertix EasySeam Roof or Wall Cladding Systems?
Complete the online price request form and we will provide a speedy response catered to your individual requirement. To complete this you will require details of the roof type and dimensions.
Alternatively, there is an option on the price request form to attach drawings and any additional specific requirements for the project and submit these to our sales team who will respond with a complete estimate price.
Is there a minimum order quantity when making a purchase from Vertix Systems?
No there is no minimum order quantity.
How do I place an order with Vertix Systems?
You can request a price using the online price enquiry form (include link to this) or by emailing drawings to sales@vertix.systems and requesting a price.
Once you are ready to place an order, please contact our sales team sales@vertix.systems or ring +44 (0) 1600 734 000 and they will take the order details and arrange payment. Once your order is placed, we will produce a full bill of materials with a cut list of the panel lengths and confirm a delivery date.
You can find your own installer or we can provide names of local installers familiar with fitting Vertix® Roof and Wall Cladding Systems.
What is the lead time on EasySeam Roof and Wall Cladding Systems?
The lead time quoted ranges from 2-8 weeks, depending on your individual colour requirement and our on-hand stock availability.
It should be noted there is high demand on roofing installers and therefore early engagement is recommended circa 6 months to avoid delays in the commencement of your project. The chosen installer will be able to manage the lead time and order placement with Vertix Systems, generally by placing a reservation order. Vertix Systems will purchase the material specified for your project to meet the required delivery time to site.
When the roof and/or wall is ready to be measured for the final order, it is typically 4 weeks from placement of order or payment to delivery to site.
How are the EasySeam Roof and Wall Cladding Systems packed and delivered to site?
The panels are sized to the length of your roof rafter plus fascia. Any trims and other fabrications such as eave flashings and soffits are supplied in 3 metre lengths.
Wall Cladding panels are packed in length and these will not necessarily be the full height of the elevation due to deflection requirements.
All panels are packed and delivered to site in a crate providing protection, and covered with polythene to minimise water ingress.
Does Vertix Systems offer an installation training course?
We can provide advice and guidance on the installation of Vertix EasySeam System to customers through a training session at our factory in Monmouth and our Vertix EasySeam Roof System Installation Guide which is available on our Downloads page.
Can Vertix EasySeam Roof and Wall Cladding Systems be installed by self-builders without services of a professional roofing contractor?
It is important to remember that you will be working on a roof that may have a steep pitch. You will need to be familiar with the height you may be working at and all of the safety procedures that will need to be followed.
Vertix EasySeam System itself is relatively simple to fit and if you can hang a door and fit an architrave then you will have the necessary skills. If you are unsure, it is always best to engage the services of a professional roofing contractor.
Can Vertix Systems supply replacement profile sheets if these are required and how quickly can these be supplied?
Yes, Vertix Systems is able to supply replacement profile sheets and we aim to turn around urgent requirements within a few working days.
What sort of guarantee is available with Vertix EasySeam Roof and Wall Cladding Systems?
The primary guarantee is provided by the material supplier.
Depending on application, Tata Steel Colorcoat® branded products (Colorcoat Prisma® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®) are available with either the Confidex® Guarantee (for industrial and commercial projects) or Confidex® Home Guarantee.
SSAB offers a performance guarantee with their pre-finished steel products.
Depending on the location and application, good quality pre-finished steel products from Tata Steel or SSAB have a 50 year life span. Steel suppliers talk about period to repaint decision, which effectively means if the steel roof is repainted at specified intervals (usually every 25 years or more) it should last forever.
A workmanship guarantee is available from the installer and Vertix Systems recommends customers asking for an insurance backed guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a latent defect insurance policy for the whole building. NHBC or Premier are providers of such insurance policies.
What is the Colour Range for Vertix EasySeam Roof and Wall Cladding Systems?
This depends on the material source.
Vertix Systems can supply Tata Steel Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® in Anthracite Matt and Colorcoat Prisma® in Anthracite, coupled with a choice of colours from the standard colour card available on request.
Vertix Systems can supply SSAB GreenCoat® Pural BT in Slate Grey Matt, Stone Grey Matt and Nordic Black. A choice of alternative colours from the standard colour card are available on request.
You can find Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® and Colorcoat Prisma® and GreenCoat® Pural colour cards on our downloads page.
Can you fit the EasySeam® Standing Seam Roof System in high wind areas?
Vertix EasySeam Roof System has a fixing specification which, if used together with Vertix Systems tested and certified fixings, should ensure the roof remains intact in normal weather conditions during its service life.
For more exposed regional conditions, Vertix EasySeam Roof System is available in a narrower (300mm width) profile which increases the fixings by 50% and in a Wide Rib profile which has a 50mm stiffening rib. Vertix Systems also recommend fixing panels to an 18mm OSB3 board where tests prove a significantly better pull-out strength when compared with 11mm OSB3 board.
You can find more information about wind loads and pull-out rates in the Vertix EasySeam Roof System Technical guide which is on our downloads page.
Is Vertix EasySeam Roof System Noisy?
Metal roofs sometimes have a reputation for being noisy during rainfall, but these tend to be single skin construction roofs. Vertix EasySeam Roof System is mounted on Oriented Strand Board (OSB) 3, with insulation to 0.15 U-value or higher and an air gap for the service void or ventilation gap. All of this ensures the noise of rain on the roof is minimised.
Where this type of roof can be noisier is in high wind areas. In such situations, tile roofs can chatter and low pitch standing seam roofs can drum. To reduce drumming, Vertix Systems recommends the use of either Vertix EasySeam Flat Standing Seam profile in 300mm width or Vertix EasySeam Wide Rib Profile which has a 50mm central stiffening rib.
You can find more information about acoustic performance in the Vertix EasySeam Roof System Technical guide which is on our downloads page.
What is the minimum pitch for a Vertix EasySeam roof?
5 degrees. This is because a slight slope is required to ensure water run-off and prevent ponding which can compromise the durability of the roof over time.
How do you start and finish Vertix EasySeam Roof or Wall Cladding Systems to ensure a neat finish?
It is important to mark the layout of the roof or wall prior to installation. The end panels are reduced to adjust the position of the standing seam. You will need to make a starter and end panel to suit the roof. The verge trim with the backing plate connects with this to give a neat finish. If there are penetrations in the roof, these will also need to be factored in when finalising the layout. For example, when using rooflights,150mm of EasySeam profile will be required each side of the roof light. For windows on a wall, 100mm of EasySeam profile will need to fall outside of the window.
Detailed instructions for laying out and calculating start and end panels are included in Vertix EasySeam Roof Installation Guide which is on our downloads page.
Can Vertix EasySeam Roof System have penetrations such as a soil pipe or Velux roof light?
Yes they can.
For a soil vent pipe or a wood burner flue, Vertix Systems recommends use of a Dektite. This is a type of roof flashing made from rubber or silicone and is designed to create a watertight seal around pipes or other penetrations on a roof.
Where a Velux rooflight is used on a roof with a pitch above 20 degrees, Velux supply an EDQ flashing kit. Below 15 degrees the can be installed as a square penetration.
For a roof light or square chimney, Vertix Systems can supply a square penetration flashing.
Detailing for these are available in the Vertix EasySeam Roof System Technical Guide or Vertix EasySeam Roof System Drawing details pack which is on our downloads page.
What is the difference between a warm roof and cold roof?
The terms “warm roof” and “cold roof” refer to different methods of insulating the space above the structural elements of a building, such as the rafters or joists. These methods have implications for energy efficiency, condensation, and the overall performance of the building.
Warm roof
In a warm roof construction, the insulation is placed above the structural deck, typically on top of the roof rafters. This means that the entire roof structure, including the rafters, is within the insulated envelope of the building. The warmth from the heated interior of the building helps to keep the roof structure above the dew point, reducing the risk of condensation. Warm roofs are generally considered more energy-efficient as they help to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the structure.
Cold roof
In a cold roof construction, insulation is placed either at the ceiling level (just above the ceiling) or between the rafters, allowing for a ventilated space between the insulation and the roof deck. This creates a “cold” or unheated attic space above the insulation. Cold roofs rely on ventilation to remove any moisture that may accumulate, preventing condensation within the roof structure. Cold roofs are simpler and may be more cost-effective to install but they are less energy efficient than warm roofs and therefore ongoing costs may be higher.
The choice between warm and cold roof designs depends on factors such as climate, building design and budget. Warm roofs are often favoured in colder climates to prevent issues with condensation, while cold roofs may be more common in milder climates where the risk of condensation is lower and ventilation is easier to achieve.
Detailed drawings showing Vertix EasySeam® Roof System build ups for warm and cold roofs are available to download in Vertix EasySeam® Roof System Build up Detail or as part of Vertix EasySeam® Roof System All Details
How does Vertix Systems do the build up for warm roofs and cold roofs?
Detailed drawings showing Vertix EasySeam Roof System build ups for warm and cold roofs are available in the Vertix EasySeam Roof System Drawing details pack which is on the downloads page.
What is the fire rating for Vertix EasySeam Roof and Wall Cladding Systems?
Vertix EasySeam Roof System complies with Broof t4 Fire Test (BS EN 13501-5) on 18mm wood Oriented Strand Board (OSB) 3.
You can download a copy of the Broof t4 Fire Test certificate on our downloads page.
Vertix EasySeam Wall Cladding System is available as an A1 non-combustible build-up when manufactured from Tata Steel Colorcoat Prisma® or SSAB Greencoat® Pural BT pre-finished steel and supported and fixed to a galvanised steel deck. This build-up would achieve a Class A1 fire performance rating.
Manufacturing the EasySeam® System from Tata Steel Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® would provide a Class C fire performance. Likewise, if the EasySeam® Roof or wall Cladding System was mounted on a timber structure would achieve a Class C fire performance.
What comes in EasySeam Roof System kit of parts Vertix Systems can supply?
A standard EasySeam® Roof System kit of parts includes:-
- EasySeam standing seam profiles
- Breather membrane
- Eave plates
- Verge detail flashings
- Ridge detail flashings with Z bars.
- Sealant
- Fixings
Vertix Systems can also supply soffits and fascias to match your roof.
What comes in the EasySeam Wall Cladding System kit of parts Vertix Systems can supply?
The EasySeam Wall Cladding System kit of parts includes:-
- EasySeam standing seam profiles
- Breather membrane if relevant to the project
- Bottom of the wall detail flashings
- Window detail flashings
- Corner of the wall and top of the wall trim flashings
- Fixings
What Rainwater goods are available from Vertix Systems?
Vertix Systems can supply metal gutters and downpipes to complement EasySeam Roof and Wall Cladding Systems. There are 3 different gutter options to choose from; external internal or hidden gutters. External gutters are standard metal gutters and are supplied with all the components including downpipes. They are available as a half round or rectangular shape. Internal and hidden gutters are made from pre-finished steel backed with a thick membrane and are supplied with the joint brackets and outlets.
You can find more information about guttering and downpipes in the Vertix EasySeam Roof System Technical guide which is on our downloads page.
Can profiles manufactured by Vertix Systems for soffits be used on walls?
Yes, the Soffit plank Vertix Systems manufactures can also be used on a wall either vertically or horizontally.
What are the Photo Voltaic (PV) options with a Vertix Easyseam Roof System?
Vertix EasySeam Roof System can accommodate PV solutions. There are three main options to consider:-
- Stick on laminate photovoltaic panels- these would have to be applied in the factory and are not a retro-fit option.
- Standard crystalline photovoltaic panels
- Crystalline photovoltaic panels integrated into the roof
When considering photovoltaics, all structures will need to be checked by a competent structural engineer to ensure they can take the added weight of the photovoltaic panels.
You can find more information about these different PV technologies in the Vertix EasySeam Roof System Technical guide which is on our downloads page.
What is a standing seam roof system?
The key characteristic of a standing seam system is that the fixings are concealed, enhancing the aesthetics and reducing the risk of leaks from potential fixing points. The seam detail and closing mechanism of a standing seam vary from system to system. Some feature a convenient click-and-lock mechanism, whilst others require manual closure or the use of specialised machinery. Vertix EasySeam uses a snap and lock system which makes it quick and easy to install.
Vertix EasySeam roof and wall cladding systems are what is termed as fully supported, typically fitted directly to a solid substrate, such as plywood or a metal deck. They have a flat section with a relatively small 25mm high seam which is where the panels are joined. The panel is nailed to the OSB Board on one side and clips over onto the next panel on the other side, snapping and locking into place.
You can read more about standing seam roof systems in our article.
What are the advantages of a metal standing seam roof?
Exceptional Durability
Metal standing seam roofs can withstand the harshest elements, including heavy wind, rain, intense sunlight, and snow. This resilience ensures a long-lasting roofing solution that can endure the test of time and various weather conditions.
Low Maintenance
Metal standing seam roofing is a “fix and forget” system, meaning once installed, it demands minimal ongoing maintenance. This not only saves time and effort but also reduces the long-term cost of roof care and upkeep.
High-End Appearance and Finish
The sleek and modern appearance of metal standing seam roofs sets them apart from traditional metal profile systems. Clean lines and smooth surfaces create a high-end finish that enhances the aesthetics of any structure.
Longevity
Metal roofs have an impressive lifespan and can last for over 50 years when properly installed and maintained.
Eco-Friendly and Recyclable
Metal standing seam roofs are environmentally friendly. At the end of their life cycle, they are fully recyclable, minimising the impact on landfills and reducing the demand for new raw materials.
Standard Form of Construction
Metal standing seam roofs are often classified as a standard form of construction. This designation has practical benefits, such as making it easier to secure standard house insurance and a mortgage on the property.
Concealed Fixings
A key design feature of metal standing seam roofs is the concealed or secret fixings. This not only enhances the overall aesthetics of the roof but also eliminates a potential source of leakage at fixing points. The result is a clean and streamlined appearance that minimises the risk of water infiltration.
Energy Efficiency
Metal standing seam roofs offer excellent energy efficiency. They naturally reflect heat back into the environment rather than allowing it to build up inside the building. This means that in the summer, the roof helps keep the interior cooler, while in the winter, it aids in maintaining warmth.
What are the benefits of a pre-finished steel standing seam roof?
Pre-finished steel standing seam roofs when fitted correctly, have a low whole life cost and minimal replacement when compared to tiles and or slate.
The efficient use of the pre-finished steel material and minimal onsite waste means it is a low carbon solution (typically between 10-15 Kg of carbon per sqm.) Steel is also 100% recyclable at the end of its life, meaning the standing seam offers a cradle to cradle solution.
Vertix EasySeam Roof System is easy to install, allowing the building to become watertight in a shorter timescale compared to traditional standing seams and other building materials, delivering a speedy transition to second fix.
