Seam roofing is usually understood as a roof covering that is made of sheet metal and connected to each other using latches in the form of gutters. In this material we will talk about how to make a seam roof and what materials are used for this.
The concept of “seam roofing”
The method of joining sheet metal to cover roofs, invented by the Germans, has been popular in our country for a long time. And if quite recently the folds were connected manually, now it is possible a large number of mechanical and electric tools for rolling them up. So making a seam roof has become much more convenient and accessible for non-professionals.
Among the advantages of this coating are:
- Low weight, allowing you to do without a reinforced rafter frame.
- Tightness, reliable protection against leaks. Due to the absence of through holes, the metal does not corrode for a very long time.
- In the presence of necessary tools You can assemble a seam roof yourself.
- The design is equally suitable for simple roofs with a slight slope, and on roofs of complex configuration.
- The material goes well with all types of building materials.
- The service life of such a roof is more than 20 years. Since all joints are reliably sealed and the seams are hidden, water does not leak under it, and snow rolls freely from the roof surface.
Minuses
To be fair, it is worth pointing out the disadvantages of a seam roof, which arise mainly as a result of incorrect installation:
- Since the covering is metal, rain falling on a seam roof creates quite a lot of noise. To avoid this effect, it is recommended to use perfectly even bars for the sheathing, to which they will fit tightly metal sheets.
- The seams on the roof must be periodically checked and, if necessary, repaired.
- If snow retention devices were not provided during the installation of the roof, the snow will fall off it very quickly and intensively.
- Seam roofing is not available in a wide variety of colors and textures. However this best option for those who are adherents of minimalism and do not want to stand out.
Design elements
First of all, it’s worth defining some terms.
So, roofing pictures are called rectangular sheets of metal with seams. Such sheets are assembled into a seam roof.
The term “rebate” is usually understood as a kind of seam that is formed as a result of joining individual sheets of material. Such a connection does not require additional sealing with glue or sealants. In addition, such seams serve as stiffeners.
Clamps are special fasteners that are fixed to the base of the roof. They can be simple, that is, repeating the shape of the fold, and also movable - compensates thermal expansion metal
Types of materials for paintings
In most cases, modern seam roofing is made from materials such as:
- Steel. There are products that are not galvanized, zinc coated, or with an additional polymer layer. Such materials are characterized by durability, resistance to oxidation and low price. However, during operation, such a roof gradually loses its shine, so in order to maintain a presentable appearance, it is worth choosing materials with a colored coating. In addition, it is important to ensure that the products are covered with a film to protect them from scratches and damage.
- Copper. What material is used to make very beautiful roofs that literally shine under the sun? Moss or any other plants do not grow on it. Since copper paintings are quite flexible, they can be used to make roofs of any configuration, from simple to the most complex.
However, this material is quite soft, so it should be handled very carefully. In addition, the cost of copper is quite high.
After some time, a layer of oxides forms on the copper, creating a dark brown film. For this reason, copper roofing cannot be combined with any other material.
- Zinc. Zinc paintings are additionally coated with another protective layer of zinc carbonate. During operation, this coating becomes silver-gray. However, the service life of such a seam roof is not very long (up to 50 years), so in European countries such materials are practically not used.
- Aluminum. This metal is resistant to oxidation, so a seam roof made of aluminum usually lasts about 100 years. In addition, it has a very beautiful silver color. However, when installing a seam roof made of aluminum, it is worth remembering that it is very susceptible to thermal expansion.
- Zinc-titanium. Original solution connecting 2 metals together made it possible to obtain a material that is reliable, ductile, and resistant to oxidation. Over time, the alloy develops a layer of patina, which is highly valued by modern designers.
- Aluminum zinc. An alloy of zinc and aluminum, which covers steel paintings, protects the material from corrosion in places of mechanical damage, and is also characterized by the ability to self-heal.
- Copper, zinc and titanium alloy. The additional inclusion of copper in a concentration of 0.005% makes it possible to achieve the plasticity of the material, which is so necessary for its profiling.
Coverage type
In order to protect the roof from harmful effects environment, but they apply a special protective covering. In particular, for regions with very hot and humid climates, where acid rain is frequent and the intensity of ultraviolet radiation is high, folded paintings coated with pural are optimal.
How is seam roofing made?
Pictures for seam roofing can be in the form of individual sheets (cast) or rolls. In our country, it is the cast construction that has gained the greatest popularity. Such sheets are very convenient to connect even without special tools, and the result is a seamless, seamless coating.
As for rolled seam roofs, they appeared quite recently. This material is a strip equal to the length of the slope, which already has prepared edges. When connected, a double lock of a seam roof is obtained.
There are several designs of paintings for standing seam roofing:
- With two stiffening ribs and double rebate. It is used primarily for industrial construction, for covering warehouse buildings and workshops with various roof slopes. The standard width is 5.57 m, of which the usable area is 5.45 m.
- For residential construction, paintings with a double seam and two stiffeners are also used, but their total width is 3.52 m, and their working width is 3.4 m.
- There are paintings with double folds, but without stiffeners. They vary in width - 5.57 m and 3.52 m. They are used in housing construction.
In addition, there are starting, row, parallel and trapezoidal folded panels.
Famous manufacturers
The most reputable manufacturer of seam roofs is the Finnish company Ruukki. In Russia, the Insi plant produces such material. Their products are more affordable, and they offer a fairly wide range of products.
Method of laying a seam roof
The technology for installing a roof made of seam panels includes several successive stages.
How to make a roof base
Seam paintings can be mounted on a solid or open sheathing. For it you can use wooden slats or metal profiles. It is noteworthy that the distance between the rafters should not exceed 2.5 meters so that the sheets do not sag during operation and the folds do not separate.
Stacking pictures
The selected material, be it cast panels or rolled steel, must be raised to a height, placed on top of the sheathing along the eaves and fixation must begin from the center.
Manufacturing of auxiliary elements
To arrange the conic, cornices, valleys, as well as joints with a chimney or window opening, special additional elements will be required. They must either be purchased ready-made, or made from rolled steel yourself.
Making folds
The folds can be single, double, lying (horizontal) or standing (vertical).
Double folding means double folding of the edges. Such a connection is advisable in places where snow and rain accumulate - in valleys, valleys, joints and other structural elements. This seam is considered the most reliable.
Recessed seams are made if it is necessary to mask the seams between individual panels. In addition, the horizontal connection is also made using lying folds, with maximum girth. Please note that if the grip of the steel strip cannot reach the depth of the rebate, the seam will weaken over time.
On roofs with a slope of more than 25º, an angular standing seam or an L-shaped one is used. Making such an element is even easier than a regular one - you just need to correctly bend the top edge of the seam.
As for the height of the seam, it should be such that standing melt water does not penetrate into the joint. Rainfall is not a problem for folds, but standing snow can cause considerable harm. Consequently, in regions with a large amount of snow precipitation, the folds are made quite high. In addition, when laying the paintings, sealing gaskets are placed in the folds. These elements withstand the thermal expansion of the metal and the forces during seam rolling.
It is also worth paying attention to the fastening elements - you can only use components with an anti-corrosion coating, otherwise rusty spots will soon form on the roof.
To connect the fingers, a hammer and wooden blocks, as well as manual or electromechanical machines, are used. First, the picture is attached to the base with a narrow strip, fixing its position. Then the recumbent fold is folded in front and behind, and vertical half-folds are folded on the right and left.
Fastening the folds is carried out mainly with clamps. They are put on by 2.5 cm, after which the panels are nailed on the right side. The clamp is made of galvanized steel with a thickness of 0.5-0.7 mm and a length of 80-120 cm. These elements are placed along the edges of the panels in increments of 60 cm and screwed with 4.8 × 28 mm self-tapping screws.
Therefore, the installation looks like this:
- the panel is placed on the sheathing;
- fix it with clamps;
- cover with another panel on top;
- then the three layers of metal are bent in one direction, the folds are folded until they stop and pressed.
Thus, a reliable connection is achieved that protects against cold and water leakage.
The final stage
At the final stage, it is necessary to bend the cutouts and install additional elements - valleys, aprons, pediments, cornices and rebate strips.
The difference between professional and amateur editing
With certain skills and experience, an amateur can install simple roof structural elements using scissors, a mallet and a pipe bender. At the same time, professional builders have in their arsenal whole line special tools - scissors, frames, pliers and other devices. Often such tools are much more expensive than a folding machine.
It is worth noting that semi-automatic tools are currently used for bending folds, which have a number of advantages:
- ensure connection reliability;
- the work is done very quickly;
- it is possible to operate with material of any thickness;
- The polymer protective layer is not damaged during operation.
Currently, panels are available on the building materials market in which the folds are equipped with special locks. That is, a simple click is enough to connect.
Seams are special seams connecting two metal sheets into a single sheet. In this way, not only roofing coverings, seam seams are used in the manufacture of metal buckets, drainage systems, pipes, gutters and many other types of metal products. These seams are also found on decorative elements, costume jewelry.
The name comes from the German fold (Falz) - translated as groove. In a broader sense, it is used to name the place where the seam is bent, connecting two metal sheets. Folds can be made on factory bending machines or manually. The first method guarantees smooth surfaces and significantly speeds up the process of re-roofing. Manual molding of seams is considered the most difficult roofing work and is not performed by all craftsmen.
Depending on the spatial position and number of bends, seam joints are divided into several types.
| Seam connection type | Brief description of manufacturing technology and performance characteristics |
|---|---|
| The simplest and most used type of roof lock. Reminds me of a tongue/groove joint. The edge of one sheet is bent at an angle of 90°, the edge of the second is made with two folds - the first at a right angle, the second at an angle of 180°. Such a connection can be prepared on the ground; on the roof, the sheets are inserted into each other and finally folded to create a tight seal. |
| More complex connection. Provides increased tightness performance. It is rarely used on roofs; it is more often used during the manufacture of various metal containers or jewelry. The end of one sheet is bent twice, the first time at a right angle, the second time at an angle of 180°. The end of the second sheet is folded three times. The first time at a right angle and twice at an angle of 180°. |
| Simple connection, used as a technological seam various products for bulk materials. Advantages - ease of execution, the ability to bend folded sheets across the seam in an arc or at different angles. All standing seams do not allow such bends. |
| Sealed seam, used during the manufacture of containers for storing liquids. The number of bends is the same as with a double standing one, the difference is that it is not positioned vertically, but is pressed against the sheets. |
Standing seams have high bending strength, recumbent joints cannot withstand vertical loads. All hems of double seams are done on two sheets at the same time. The roofer must first calculate the width of the roof strips and install the sheets with the required offset.
The steel sheet is fixed to the sheathing with a clamp. This metal strip, made from the same material as the roof. The clamp is screwed to the sheathing, then bent at an angle of 90°, goes around the fold and bent again, but at an angle of 180°. This technology makes it possible to attach sheets to the sheathing without making holes in the roof; it is not used on industrially manufactured folded sheets.
For seam roofing, the industry produces specially rolled metal with a given profile, which greatly speeds up and simplifies the process of covering the roof. In addition, factory profiles have perfectly smooth surfaces and same sizes, which significantly improves the appearance of the coating. Ready-made industrial sheets are called paintings or folded sheets.
There are two types of paintings.
- Starters. Installed first on each side of the roof slope, they have only two spikes.
- Privates. Used for the main covering, connected to each other in a tongue/groove pattern.
Used for rolling folds hand tool or mechanical seamers. Manual seaming makes it possible to connect not only straight folds, but also elements of complex configurations. Seaming machine gives great view and connection quality, but can only be used on straight sections of the roof.
The width of the panels is standardized, the length is selected by the customer, taking into account architectural features rafter system and roof sizes.
Operational parameters of seam roofing
Seam roofs are not widely used among developers; they are most often found on exclusive buildings or homestead extensions. The fold makes it possible to connect sheets together without the use of traditional hardware, which eliminates the formation of holes on the surface. It is in these places that metal corrosion occurs most quickly, especially if the rubber gaskets have lost their original sealing properties.
An important quality of a seam roof is the absence of fastening elements on the surface (in particular, transverse connections when creating a roofing sheet of any length), which eliminates leaks
Only professionals who have extensive experience in making various seams and full set special tools and devices. The advantages of a seam roof include the following parameters.
Like all architectural elements, standing seam roofs also have their disadvantages.
As for other common problems (noise, high thermal conductivity, accumulation of static charge), they are exactly the same as with metal tiles or profiled roofing sheets.
What metals can seam roofs be made from?
The main requirement for metals is that they should bend easily without the formation of microcracks. It is known that microcracks gradually expand, the reason for this phenomenon is metal fatigue. An increase in the size of microcracks can cause leaks. Based on their physical characteristics, the following metals are suitable for standing seam roofing.
Copper
The most expensive seam roofing material is used only on exclusive houses, during the reconstruction of historical buildings and the construction of religious buildings. Over time, the copper surface oxidizes and becomes covered with a thin protective film original color scheme– patina. This gives the roofs special prestige and perfection.
Aluminum
The service life is practically unlimited. The surface of aluminum is also coated with a thin layer of oxide, which prevents further aging. The metal bends and stretches easily, which makes it possible to use it on roofs with very complex geometries.
Zinc-titanium
The alloy, specially adapted for construction needs, is characterized by high corrosion resistance and beautiful appearance. It has unique property self-healing - all small scratches are healed. The metal can be stretched without deteriorating its original physical properties.
Cink Steel
Structural steel is used for its manufacture, and the zinc coating is done using the hot method. This manufacturing technology increases the service life of the roof. For additional anti-corrosion protection and improved design appearance, surfaces can be coated with polymer paints.
Installation of click seam roofing
The click-seam connection differs from the ordinary one in that it can be sealed tightly without the use of special equipment and tools. The factory provides unique profile bends, which make it possible to speed up the process of laying roofing material.
Depending on the type of roofing, a roofing pie is made. For insulated roofs this is a rather complex and expensive structure; installing cold roofs is much faster and easier.
Roof slope insulation thickness
When building a house, it is important to remember that it should be attractive, comfortable and cozy not only inside, but also outside. In order to transform the appearance of a home, various techniques and materials are used. However, many do not think about how important the roof covering is and how it can affect the exterior of the building and its visual perception.
In order to modern roof was not only beautiful, but also reliable protection, you need to decide on the type of coating, analyze all its pros and cons, compare several options and choose the optimal one.
Seam roofing is one of the best options that the modern construction market offers, because it is unique in its kind. This material has a stunning appearance and reliable waterproofing, since metal sheets are tightly fastened with reliable systems. If you make a mistake, the roof will leak and will most likely have to be repaired, so you need to entrust the job to professionals who guarantee quality.
When installing a seam roof, no nails are used, which means there are simply no holes. The sheets are connected using special bends and locks, which will allow for quick and reliable installation of the coating, which is gradually gaining popularity in Russia.
History of seam roofing
For the first time, this coating was made from copper, since it is quite plastic, but at the same time resistant to the influences of nature. Thanks to the flexibility of the material, it was easy to make the necessary bends and give the sheets the required thickness.
With the development of technology there has appeared Alternative option– steel. Thanks to metalworking, the use of both ordinary and galvanized steel has become available. It was this change that gave impetus to the development of seam roofing; it began to be used more and more often, due to its low cost (steel is several times cheaper than copper). However, copper has not disappeared without a trace; some people still allow themselves to use it, since it is more reliable and presentable.
Thanks to modern technologies, a unique seam roof with a self-latching mechanism was born. Installation of such a roof does not require special skills or tools; even the homeowner can carry out the installation. It should be noted that this type of seam roofing is a little more expensive, but if you take into account the fact that you don’t need to hire workers or rent equipment, then it’s worth it.
Subsequently, with the development of technologies, not only the material of the seam covering, but also the methods of its installation received modifications. Steel is a metal that can corrode and must be painted. Over time, the paint dried out, cracked, the cracks let moisture through, as a result of which corrosion could not be avoided, the only way out was to paint the roof every year.
Now there is a more practical solution - galvanized iron. Thus, the roof has become stronger and more reliable, but this also affected the price. Polymer coating is the most reliable and proven option, which only improves the wear resistance of the roofing material.
Technical specifications
Seam roofing consists of small sheets - pictures, connected using seam locks. When joining sheets, a seam of one of these types appears at the point of contact: standing, lying, single or double.
Longitudinal ribs are closed using a standing seam, horizontal sides with precision and vice versa - a lying seam. If the roofing material does not have a self-latching device, then the joints must be rolled up.
An option proven over the years, which is the best solution– the use of a double standing seam, which guarantees tightness and complete moisture insulation.
It is worth noting that the seam roof is very attractive in appearance; with its help you can create not only reliable protection for the roof of the house, but also to make the building original. The material goes well with any style, so its use does not cause negative feedback.
Advantages
Seam roofing has a number of advantages, among which it is necessary to highlight:
- Reliability and long service life thanks to the rebated snap-on system, which does not require the use of nails. The absence of holes will extend the service life of the material for many years.
- Moisture resistance, which is explained by the same reason - structural integrity. The seam roof will reliably protect a private house and its inhabitants even on the rainiest day.
- Most roofing materials require a strong rafter system; it is often necessary to strengthen the roof frame. In the case of rebated roofing, this problem does not exist, since it is light in weight.
- Versatility. Seam roofing is perfect for any type of roof, because it can be used to decorate both flat, pitched and multi-gable roofs.
- Fire safety. Metal provides reliable protection against fire.
- Snow and rain will not linger on the roof, since the seam roof has a smooth surface on which precipitation will slide.
- No corrosion due to a unique fastening system.
- Easy to maintain and repair.
Flaws
We have considered and studied all the advantages of using a seam roof, but what about its shortcomings, does it have them and how serious are they?
Whatever it is, perfect coverage does not exist, which means that an excellent seam roof has its disadvantages, which include:
- If the use of self-locking sheets of seam roofing is impossible and it is necessary to use another type of this roof, then you will have to spend a lot of money to attract a team of professionals who can install the covering.
- High thermal conductivity. In this regard, you will have to spend more money on high-quality thermal insulation. It is necessary to carefully consider the structure and thickness of the roofing pie to avoid all possible unpleasant consequences.
- Poor sound insulation. The metal covering makes a lot of noise during precipitation; there is a risk that all these sounds will penetrate the house, and not everyone likes this. Based on this, you need to take care of high-quality sound insulation, and this also affects costs.
- It is necessary to create lightning protection, install special equipment and grounding, since metal coating can accumulate a static charge, thereby attracting a lightning strike.
- Installation of snow guards. Due to the fact that the roof is slippery, there is a risk that a large mass of snow could fall from it, which could cause injury to the occupants of the house.
There are many types different coatings roofs We invite you to discuss what a self-latching metal seam roof is, its design, installation, and how to make it yourself.
What is seam roofing
Modern seam roofing is a type of roof in which roofing materials They are not cut through with nails; they are fastened using special bends of the edges. This type of structure has become widespread in Europe, but at the same time it is still quite rarely used in the CIS countries. The fact is that in case of strong winds or precipitation pressure, the seam may not hold up and begin to leak at certain points. Its production is carried out in almost the same way as profile flooring, with the exception of cutting and rolling.
In addition, the price of work, for example, to repair a seam roof, is quite high compared to other roof structures. Such roofing systems, as a rule, are used on roofs that have a slight angle of inclination. They are also used for covering a house, constructing domes (“checkers”), or decorating utility rooms: garage, bathhouse, veranda, hangars.
Photo: beautiful checker-shaped seam roof Design
For a regular seam roof, the minimum slope is very important; it generally varies from 10 degrees to 30. The design of such a roof mainly depends on the seam used. According to SNIP, there are the following types of folds:
- Standing double and single;
- Recumbent double and single.
Lying seams are very convenient for organizing water drainage from the roof. They are connected parallel to the eaves and are suitable for use in regions with high average annual rainfall. Vertical or standing seam seams are characterized by a connection parallel to the rafters. To make a seam roof connection, it is convenient to use a special sheet bending machine, but in most cases the technology is manual, i.e. No special equipment is needed for roofing work.
Photo: vertical folds It is most convenient to build a roof with a single standing seam; this type of construction is called snap-on or lock-on. But at the same time, the most reliable and durable is considered to be a flexible double-seam roof, which is characterized by high levels of tightness of the units.
Seam roofing is galvanized rolled or sheet steel, pre-bent at the edges. Sometimes aluminum is used, but it is too soft and easily deformed, which makes such a surface not durable enough. Metal tiles are used a little less frequently. The steel ready for installation on the roof is called a picture.
Rolls are much more convenient to install; they are simply spread over the roof surface. This material ensures the most airtight connection, thanks to which there is no need to create horizontal folds. Finnish roll tiles with a polymer layer are often used for this.
Seam roofing is also characterized by frequent pitches. Average step frame beams should not exceed 25 centimeters; it is best to work with wood material. At first glance, the result will be a rather heavy rafter system, but the large weight of the beams is compensated by the lightness of the roof itself.
Installation
The right way to start manufacturing a seam roof is to develop drawings. They are useful for calculating sheets and surface size. As you may have noticed from the description of the roof, flashings and gutters are installed after installation, so they do not need to be included in the project. After completing the design work, you need to cut the paintings or measure the length of the rolls.
After this, you need to install the paintings on the folded crate standard roof. This must be done using special profile elements, which are also called clamps. They are attached to the edges of curved paintings. Such a rectangular clamp is inserted with one part under the steel surface, and the other is bent over it. As a result, a strong and reliable seam is formed, which is very cheap compared to installation with screws. The whole process is carried out by a tool for standing seam roofing, whose operating principle is reminiscent of a manual sheet bending machine. It also bends the ridge and other roof elements if necessary (possible).
It can be purchased from a manufacturer of paintings and folding materials, or rented. Renting will cost several hundred rubles depending on its type and capabilities.
The main advantages of this installation is that the roof is obtained without a hole, i.e. is considered more durable - corrosion will not be able to penetrate solid metal. After roofing work is completed, the painting, like metal siding, simple siding, corrugated sheeting, etc., is coated with a special compound that extends its shelf life.
Photo: snow guards on a seam roof If you need to install funnels for water drainage, a ventilation façade, snow retainers or other additional elements, then you need to make holes in the required ones along the seam roof, after which the work is done. Finally, you will need to cut out the apron to create a hermetically sealed hole.
Despite the materials used and the high tightness of the coating, waterproofing is very important. It must be made from hygroscopic products; polystyrene foam is often used, a little less often mineral wool. The roofing pie of a seam roof generally looks like this:
Scheme: seam roof roofing pie Traditionally, it includes vapor barrier, waterproofing and insulation. It is most convenient to use a film coating as a vapor barrier material, while the insulation should be dense, for example, mineral wool. If you can afford it, you can use penoizol; it will do an excellent job with both of these functions.
Price overview
To buy a seam roof, you need to contact directly the store of the manufacturer of roofing coverings of this type (Ruukki Rannila or Ruukki Classic D Pural, Grand Line, Kalzip and others). In addition, sometimes such coatings are sold on construction markets. There you can find products of such brands as Acrytec, Insi, OMZ (UkrKava plant).
Let's consider what the cost of seam roofing is in various cities of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine:
At the time of purchase, you can choose any roof color. Be sure to check with the manufacturer all the characteristics (GOST material GOST R 52246-2004, width, length, thickness) and guarantees. But in any case, if you want to create a stylish vintage roof or a completely sealed roof, then a seam roof is the most the best option fencing the surface of the house.
No matter how much ultra-modern roofing coverings are praised, the centuries-tested metal never goes out of fashion. And when you see amazing beautiful roof, shining in the sun so much that it is impossible to look at, then know that this is a seam roof, which we will talk about today.
Seam roofing: description and properties
Seam roofs have symbolized prestige and wealth for many centuries. The most famous buildings of bygone times are topped with seam roofs. Cologne Cathedral and Catherine's Palace, the romantic Neuschwanstein Castle, shown in many historical films, the Palace of Westminster and the Hermitage are only a small part of European architecture using rebated systems.
Seam roofs have long been popular both in Europe and in Russian Empire, therefore, now when reconstructing buildings to recreate the former beauty and convey historical authenticity, this type of roofing system is often used
Of course, over many centuries the metal itself and the methods of its fastening have undergone great changes. The metal sheets received a protective coating and became much thinner, thanks to which they turned into rolled materials convenient for covering roofs of any configuration. And after the double seam was invented, metal roofing became widely in demand among developers as an economical, outstanding, aesthetically pleasing and high-tech roofing decking.
Seam panels allow you to cover simple and complex roofs any area, any relief and shape - straight, oblique, protruding far beyond the walls, curved
Seam roofing is a covering made of copper, zinc alloy, aluminum and galvanization based on individual panels (patterns) made of sheet or rolled products. It is called folded due to the special connection of metal fragments - folding, which makes such roofing systems optimal in terms of cost, durability, ease of installation and beauty.
Seam roofing does not go out of fashion, so more and more often you can see buildings with a stylish seam roof, the advantages of which are appreciated by the owners
Video: the best roofs - seam
Materials for seam roofing
The question of the cost of seam roofing worries many. If we take into account that folding is a technology, not a material, then the price range can be significant depending on the raw materials used for the production of paintings (fragments). Today, the following types of metals are used for seam panels.
- Galvanized steel (GOST 14918) with a polymer layer is perhaps the most common material for seam coating, which is based on a cold-rolled steel sheet up to 0.55 mm thick, hot-dip galvanized on both sides. As a result, roofing steel is not afraid of corrosion and adheres well to subsequent layers. That is, it is quite durable, will not peel off, and therefore will retain its respectable appearance throughout its entire service life. The top of the galvanization is coated with colored polymer coating - polyester, matte pural, plastisol, puretane or purex.
Galvanized steel is suitable for almost any type of roof with any disadvantages, since it itself is quite elastic, light and easy to use
- Roofing aluminum (GOST 21631) is an equally popular material for making seam paintings - lightweight, durable, ductile, functional and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum roofs Prefa and Kalzip, which are distinguished by their rich color palette and an unusual composition developed specifically for folding, which makes it easy to mount panels on arches, domes, attics, and even cladding facades of complex geometric shapes.
Lightweight, strong and durable roofing aluminum is laid using a time-tested method - folding
- Copper roofing grade M 1 (GOST 859) is the most beautiful coating with century-long durability and complete anti-corrosion. Chameleon roofing is what professionals call it for its unique ability to change color over the years. At first it acquires a brown tint, after 2-3 years it becomes a dark chocolate color, then matte black, and after 10-15 years it is completely covered with a malachite-green patina. To speed up this process, roofing copper is subjected to patination - artificial aging.
The peak of beauty of a seam copper roof is considered green tint which she acquires over time
- Titanium-zinc coating Ts-2 (GOST 3640) - an alloy of zinc (99.71%) with copper (0.12%) and titanium (0.17%), which absorbs the most best properties these metals. It is distinguished by its nobility, solidity, high ductility and a hundred-year service life, but requires a professional approach during installation.
Roofing made of titanium-zinc alloy gives buildings a special charm and provides electromagnetic protection
In a word, there is plenty to choose from - from budget galvanized steel at a price of 400 rubles/m² to elite zinc and copper rolled products costing 2500–3500 rubles/m². The price varies depending on the properties and thickness of the metal, the density of galvanizing, as well as the established service life.
Seam paintings are made from rolled and sheet galvanized steel with or without polymer-based coating
However, one should not only be guided by benefits when choosing a material, but also take into account:
- local weather conditions;
- purpose of the building;
- wind and snow load in the region;
- indicators of humidity and temperature changes.
Although seam systems are lightweight and allow you to save on rafter frame, i.e. use cheaper lumber of smaller cross-section, this should not go against regulations- SP 17.13330.2011, SNiP II-26–76*, SNiP 3.03.01–87 and 12–01–2004, which must be observed when constructing metal roofs.
Seam panels differ in manufacturing techniques. Roofing made from sheet metal is considered traditional. However, such canvases are limited by the size of the raw materials, so it is advisable to use metal sheets to create short paintings.
Each type of seam panels is designed for installation in specific conditions, so sometimes preference is given to short products made from sheet metal
Another thing is the production of panels from roll material. Pictures can be of any length, which allows you to avoid lying folds as much as possible, which are the main sources of leaks. In addition, roll technology is much simpler and does not require high qualifications. Thanks to this, you can reduce financial costs by independently producing paintings, as well as additional and formative elements from metal scraps - ridges, parapets, slopes and ebbs, cornices and pediments, chimneys, gutters, valleys, etc., the purchase of which will cost at least 20–30 % of the cost of all materials. And solid sheets on the slopes make the roof much more interesting.
Roll technology allows you to produce folded pictures of any length directly on the construction site
Video: making additional elements on a homemade sheet bender
Types of connections
A fold is a seam obtained by joining two elements. Simply put, if you take two sheets, press them with their edges, and then bend both in one direction and press the edge, you will get a seam connection. The appearance of the roof and its performance characteristics depend on the technique of bending such a lock.
By appearance they are distinguished:
According to the degree of compaction, seam seams are:
Video: click fold or double standing
The seam connection is complemented by clamps - narrow steel strips designed for hidden fastening, which are placed inside the seams with one end and fixed to the sheathing with the other. Clamps can be rigid or floating. Rigid ones can be used to firmly fix short panels to prevent them from moving relative to the base. Floating (sliding) clamps are used for fastening long paintings, due to the possible thermal expansion of the coating.
The use of clamps allows you to hide fastening and connecting parts from the surface of the covering material; moreover, after closing the seam, the clamps firmly hold the seam sheets, ensuring high reliability fastenings
There is another type of seam connection, which goes back to the distant past - a rack seam, based on the use of a wooden block laid between the panels and fixed to the sheathing. Seam roofs using timber are more textured and durable, since even the widespread double seam is inferior to slatted roofs in terms of reliability.
Systems for connecting panels using a slatted seam are distinguished by the presence of a wooden block, to which the folded side parts of the paintings are adjacent, resulting in a very relief coating.
Video: rack fold, review
But now we come to the most interesting moment. Few people talk about it, and certainly not “friendly” sellers and hired contractors, since their goals and those of the developer are different. By and large, only future owners are concerned about the quality and reliability of the roof.
Remember - installing a seam roof without using a viscous one-component polyurethane sealant is unacceptable.
No type of connection, no technology for making paintings will help to install the roof hermetically, if you do not put a high-quality, ultraviolet-resistant sealant inside the seams.
After hardening, it becomes ordinary rubber, tightly gluing metal surfaces.
This is due to the thermal expansion of the metal, as a result of which voids appear inside the folds in the spring sun. At this time, melt water rushes into gutters, which at the beginning of spring are filled with debris, icicles and snow. This obstacle forces water flows to look for other ways, which become voids in the folds. At night, when the temperature drops, the water in the folds turns into ice, which also expands the space in the folds. Two or three of these spring-autumn period and not even a hint of the roof’s original tightness will remain.
Advantages and disadvantages of seam roofing
Since seam roofing is a rolled metal product, it is not surprising that it has its strengths and weaknesses.
The advantages of seam systems are expressed in the following indicators.
- Durability. Of course, this is a controversial issue, but thanks to galvanizing and other measures to protect against corrosion, it was possible to significantly increase the service life of the metal, which itself is quite susceptible to oxidation.
- The hidden fixation system is an additional guarantee against leaks.
- The low weight of the coating does not require reinforcement of supporting structures.
- The flexibility of raw materials, ease of processing and several installation options allow the use of metal panels on complex roofing structures.
- Easy to repair and good anti-corrosion.
- A variety of textures and colors, as well as the smoothness and beauty of the coating.
This is probably where the advantages end. Let's look at the disadvantages, including:
- poor sound insulation, which, however, can be corrected by laying soundproof seals;
- the ability to accumulate electricity, which is why it is necessary to provide lightning protection during installation, although in this matter you need expert advice so as not to unknowingly aggravate the damaging factors;
- low resistance to mechanical damage;
- and also that simple galvanization does not look very presentable, and copper and zinc coatings are expensive.
Video: advantages and disadvantages of seam roofing
The noise of a seam roof is the main reason for refusing to use it. Although any metal coating makes noise from the wind and there are many reasons for this. They need to be dealt with on a case by case basis. To eliminate or significantly reduce the noise of metal panels, experts recommend making several important modifications.
- Eliminate the possibility of transmission of vibration from outside to inside the house through the elements of the rafter system. To do this, you need to lay soundproofing material with good acoustic properties under each batten (beam) of the counter-battens and sheathings in order to tightly connect them to the supporting frame.
- To fix the counter-battens, sheathing and front boards, use only self-tapping screws, which do not loosen the fastening when the wood dries out.
- Apply insulating seals in the end, cornice and ridge assemblies, as well as along the central axis of the panels on the reverse side, to reduce the strength of the noise wave when passing through the center of the sagging metal.
- Lay high-quality insulation with high sound-proofing properties and correctly calculate its thickness according to the characteristics of regional temperatures.
Video: what should be the thickness of the insulation
Leading manufacturers of seam roofing
Roll technology for creating seam roofs, as well as the tightness and reliability of the seam connection itself, explain the growing popularity of these structures both for residential and administrative city buildings, and for private housing construction. Currently, products from Russian and foreign manufacturers are widely represented on the domestic market, among which the following companies rightfully occupy leading positions.
- Grand Line plant (St. Petersburg) - specializes in the production of seam roofing with double-seam and auto-seam stitching, as well as the presence of a nail shelf for quick and convenient fixation of metal fragments to the sheathing. Grand Line products are designed for a wide range of consumers - from Profi panels with additional stiffening ribs that significantly increase the sound insulation properties of metal, which is very important for long panels, to Mini click-seam roofing with a reduced panel width, designed for small architectural forms. The price ranges from 350–800 rubles/m².
Grand Line produces seam roofing with additional stiffening ribs, which give long roofing panels strength, increase their service life, and also eliminate possible deformations and glare
- Ruukki roofing appeared on the market in 2004. This brand produces products from the oldest world-famous company Rannila Steel Oy (Finland), which has won recognition from developers for the reliability and impeccable quality of its products. The difference between Ruukki roofing is the galvanizing thickness - 275 g/m², which guarantees the durability of the coating - 40 years for steel and 25 years for the polymer layer. But this also dictates the price - from 900 RUR/m² for the Classic C series with polyester layering to 1800 RUR/m² for Classic Silence with a Pural Matt 50 micron coating.
Ruukki seam roofing looks stylish, modern and compatible with any architectural delights, and the classic appearance of seam paintings allows them to be successfully used in restoration work
- The Insi company (Russia) has been engaged in seam roofing since 1994. Its products are designed to cover roofs with different slopes - from 3º for the Standart series to 25º for models such as Classica, Elegant, Pragmatic. A special feature of “Insi” is its attractive pricing policy - 400–600 rubles/m² and many color shades according to the RAL system.
Unlike other manufacturers of seam roofs, the Insi company has its own painting line, which allows it to produce panels of any exclusive colors
- The Kalzip brand, a division of Tata Steel Europe, has been producing aluminum roofing and facade systems. Kalzip products - new ideas in architecture with an unlimited variety of shapes, as well as excellent acoustic and thermal performance indicators. It is possible to install Kalzip panels on cold and warm roofs with a slope of 1.5º. Roofing systems with built-in photocells for generating energy from the sun's rays are highly valued on the world market. Prices for original Kalzip products are not advertised, so there is no information on this issue. But we must assume that with such capabilities, installing a seam roof will not be cheap.
Thanks to the wide design possibilities, the ability of aluminum profiled sheets to accept various configurations and attractive design, Kalzip roofing systems allow architects to realize the most ambitious plans
- Noteworthy are the products of the Imada Production Association (Belarus), which produces seam paintings from rolled products of famous steel giants - ArselorMittal (Belgium) and ThyssenKrupp (Germany), as well as RetroLine seam roofing (Pruszynski company).
RetroLine seam roofing made of galvanized metal from the Polish manufacturer Blachy Pruszynski is available in the latest technologies taking into account historical traditions
Video: new Ruukki Silence - silent seam roof
Seam roof installation
Despite its lightness, a seam roof is made up of a large number of components:
What you need to pay attention to when installing a seam roof:
- according to rules 17.13330.2011, panels around protruding structures should be fixed only with rigid clamps;
- the number of clamps required for fastening paintings on the main planes must be calculated taking into account the regional wind load (SNiP 2.01.07), taking into account the design force for pulling out the fastening element of 500 N, as well as doubling the number of clamps in the cornice and ridge units;
- when the gutter length is over 8 m, the paintings must be joined using a double folded seam using sealing gaskets;
- with a low roof slope, seams need to be sealed along the entire length;
- metal roofing parts and fastening elements must be made of materials compatible in properties (Appendix R SP 17.13330.2011).
Table: metal compatibility for standing seam roofing
| Name of material | Copper | Stainless steel | Cink Steel | Titanium-zinc | Aluminum |
| Copper | + | + | - | - | - |
| Stainless steel | + | + | + | + | + |
| Cink Steel | - | + | + | + | + |
| Titanium-zinc | - | + | + | + | + |
| Aluminum | - | + | + | + | + |
| Lead | + | + | + | + | + |
Installation of seam roofing
At self-production paintings with subsequent installation must comply with the manufacturers' instructions, all current GOSTs and SNiPs, as well as industry rules and regulations.
Tools for work:
- square, tracing cord, ruler and tape measure;
- collet hand clamps and overhang edging clamps;
- metal shears and roofing pliers;
- drill with speed controller or screwdriver;
- electric nibblers and rubber mallet.
Before starting work, all tools must be checked and adjusted.
Video: tools for installing seam roofing
The work is performed in the following order.
Video: installation of seam roofing
Seam roof repair
The seam system is considered durable and reliable. But it also needs periodic inspection and updating, as well as repairs, often even for reasons independent of operating conditions. For example, a fallen tree during a strong wind damaged the canvas. Any defect in the roof can lead to leaks that are detrimental to the roof structure. Therefore, you need to know as much as possible about repairing seam coating in order to quickly and inexpensively repair the damage yourself.
If the roof begins to leak, and no visible coating defects are found, you need to check the tightness of the seams, and if there is a leak, open the seam and reseal it.
To eliminate leaks in a metal roof, it is better to use a sealant that adheres well to the metal and is not destroyed by ultraviolet radiation, or aluminum tape, rolled with a roller and then painted in the desired color
Video: sealing Runotex folded seams
At the same time, it is advisable to check the sealing of junctions and roof outlets. Around small pipes, cracks can be sealed with mastic or a sealant can be installed. Large passages are sealed according to their purpose - a multi-layer seam is formed near the attic windows, and a waterproofing apron is installed around the chimneys or a silicone nozzle is used, after first cleaning the working surface.
The main enemy of a seam roof is corrosion, which occurs in the most vulnerable places, so in order to protect the coating in the future, you need to clean off the rust with a stiff brush, and then treat the surface with a special compound - a rust converter or “Anticor”
Video: seam roofing, pipe bypass
As such, routine repairs of a seam roof are rarely required, provided that it is strictly installed and the operating rules are followed. Such work should be taken seriously and consult with experienced specialists, as local or complete dismantling of the roof may be required. But any owner can remove minor damage on his own, namely:
To reduce the risk of roof damage to a minimum, you need to:
- inspect the roof twice a year;
- handle seams carefully and do not use aggressive roofing agents detergents, paints and varnishes;
- any scratch, even a tiny one, should be repaired immediately, rather than waiting for it to turn into a rusty hole;
- periodically treat seam seams with anti-corrosion compounds;
- Initially, when installing a seam roof, follow the manufacturers’ advice and regulatory requirements.
