What roofing aesthetics to consider for the residential environment

Standing seam metal roofing has become an increasingly popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings, with the aesthetics, design flexibility and longevity of the finish all important factors.

With many specifiers looking to create a statement, the versatile colour palette offered by pre-finished steel roofing provides a contrast to the tones available with traditional roofing materials such as clay tiles. These, usually matt, shades integrate seamlessly with, and complement the other materials used on the building such as glass, brick, wood, stone and render. For example, the colour options available for our Catnic Urban standing seam roof and cladding were developed in conjunction with leading architects to produce a variety of shades that are both striking and sympathetic to the urban environment.

Due to the properties of metal standing seam roofing it also allows greater architectural freedom when it comes to the building’s design. Most systems can be installed on roofs with a pitch as low as 5 degrees. The low pitch capabilities can allow the overall building height to be reduced compared with a standard 40-degree pitch roof. This can help overcome planning restrictions without having to compromise on the design of the building. Additionally, a low pitch roof can help architects make the most of the internal space as it does not limit the headroom in attic rooms in the same way a steeper pitch would. A roof with a 5-degree pitch can increase headroom by as much as 44% compared with traditional roof.

Standing seam roofing also allows for a wider range of roof shapes and designs which can immediately change the overall look of the building. For example, it allows for simple modern designs such as mono-pitch and saltbox style roofs as well as more complex profiles including butterfly, clerestory and double-pitched ‘M’ shaped roofs. These non-traditional designs can give the property a distinctive character and even influence the internal layout by allowing alternative placements of the windows.

In addition, steel standing seam roofing provides a durable, low maintenance material that retains its finish throughout the life of the product. Our Catnic Urban standing seam roof and cladding, for example, have a Galvalloy coating made from 95% zinc and 5% aluminium, which protects the roof and provides advanced UV resistance to ensure it retains its colour. As a result, the product has 40 year Confidex Home guarantee for inland properties and a 25 year guarantee for buildings in coastal locations.

Catnic’s BBA approved Catnic Urban standing seam roof and cladding is the ideal solution for urban building applications with a versatility that allows architects greater choice and design freedom. It is manufactured from Tata Steel’s Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel and CE Marked in accordance with BS EN 14783:2013.