EasySeam^® Metal Standing Seam Roof System

Vertix Systems recommends EasySeam Roof System is fixed to 18mm OSB3 board for a rafter spacing of 600mm. Whilst a narrower 11mm OSB3 board could be used, it has an inferior pullout strength than 18mm OSB 3 board and therefore can only be used in a limited number of applications.

18mm OSB3 board has a significantly better pull-out strength and when used with Vertix Systems tested and certified fixings and prescribed fixing specification, should ensure the roof remains intact in normal weather conditions during its service life.

As buildings become more airtight and energy efficient, natural infiltration reduces, increasing internal humidity and condensation risk. This makes compliant ventilation essential, but ventilation alone is not enough. Roof build-ups must also be designed to prevent moisture entering and condensing within the fabric. Guidance about moisture management and ventilation requirements for EasySeam Roof System, including build up details for warm and cold roofs are provided in EasySeam Roof System Technical Guide.

No, a metal roof does not attract lightning.

Lightning is attracted to the highest point in an area, which can be any part of a building or structure, depending on the surrounding environment. Metal roofs, including EasySeam Roofing System, do not increase the risk of lightning strikes.

In fact, metal roofs are non-combustible and can safely conduct electricity if struck by lightning, reducing the potential for fire hazards.

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. EasySeam Roof System uses a snap and lock system which makes it quick and easy to install.

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. 

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. 

Find out more about standing seam roofs in our article. 

It is important to mark the layout of the roof 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. 

Detailed instructions for laying out and calculating start and end panels are included in the Vertix EasySeam Roof System Installation Guide on our downloads page.

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 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.

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.