Fully Supported Roof And Wall Cladding

Fully supported roof and wall cladding is a secret clip fix type of flat roof or wall panel, which is joined by seaming, welting or clipping and does not have any external through fixings.

Fully supported cladding is described as non-structural because it requires continuous underneath support, as distinct from self-supporting metal cladding which is structural.

Individual sheets are described as bays or panels. They are not intended to support walking loads without a structural deck of timber or rigid insulation beneath them, although some spanning support is offered by the standing seams or batten rolls. Wall details use similar detailing to roof details except that panels are positively fixed at the top.

The metals used for fully supported roof and wall cladding have historically been non-ferrous and have a reputation for providing a trouble and maintenance free roof, often for centuries. The methods used to fix this type of cladding are labour intensive and therefore expensive. However, fully supported cladding is a better option in terms of life cycle cost.

This type of cladding is termed architectural because as vertical cladding or curved roof cladding, it is a dominant feature of the architectural style of the building. Unlike modular profiled metal cladding, the width of the bays can be custom made and they can be tapered or curved.

Because the role of the architect or designer is expected to be more dominant, giving greater attention to detail than with other types of cladding, it is strongly recommended that early liaison occurs with designated or nominated roofing contractors.

Because of the skill required to install this type of roof cladding, the designer is advised to seek out a contractor that specialises in this field and whose tradesmen are capable of installing fully-supported cladding that will last for over 100 years.

It is impossible to detail every junction or option for fully supported cladding in this COP, but it does provide typical details.