Sheet Metal Roofs

Long lasting, durable, environmentally friendly, a sheet metal roof is perfect for important public buildings or luxury residences alike.

Standing Seam

Often found adorning cupolas and domes, a standing seam metal roof is constructed of interlocking metal panels that run from the ridge of the roof to the eave, with a flat appearance in the center and vertical ribs at the panel edges. Seams are joined where the metal roofing sheets meet, and the seam stands above the surface of the panel level. It’s the most weather-tight metal roofing system because it’s attached with concealed fasteners. Standing seams can be used as architectural elements to highlight roof aesthetics and accent a building’s architecture or add structural characteristics to the metal roof. A standing seam metal roof is an excellent choice if you are looking for a roof that is easily modified, has fewer seams, and a more uniform look. H &L will help you determine the correct profile and approach for your project.

Flat Seam

A historic flat seam roof is typically made of copper sheets or galvanized steel with interlocking seams hammered flat. You’ll see flat seam roofing on small church steeples or ventilation dormers on large older buildings. Curved surfaces are a familiar recipient of flat seamed roofing because small sheets can be varied in shape and size to fit curvature and pattern. Flat seam metal roofing generally has soldered joints.

Batten Seam

Batten seams make use of an underlying framework where metal panels are mounted between a raised batten strip and a cap is used to cover the seam. Originally, batten strips were made of wood, however today we may install them with an all-metal solution. Batten seams are more useful when you need an underlying support structure, superior water drainage capacity, wind resistance, or need to install a roof on a building with an unusual layout.

Toronto Old City Hall

The restoration of this prominent fixture in the Toronto skyline involved the reproduction of all the decorative sheet metal elements in 20-ounce copper sheets. This project granted us multiple awards including the Project of the Year award from Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, and a North American Copper in Architecture Award (NACIA).

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Canadian Parliament Buildings, Ottawa, ON

This primarily Gothic Revival complex contains some of the country’s most recognizable structures. Heather & Little has worked on these building for decades in a constant process of restoration. As one job is completed, repairs or revisions are required in another location. H&L is proud to be named Historic Metal Conservators for the Parliament Buildings, tasked establishing the time, ways and means that new work should be approached.

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Sheet Metal Roofing can present complexities and installation demands

Heather & Little have the specialized skills to expertly fabricate sheet metal roofing in copper, steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, tin, zinc or corrugated iron. And we have the experience to replicate historic practices when appropriate, as well as understand new best practices and viable material substitutions.

Preservation Consulting

And if you are looking for a second opinion on your project or have a particularly complex issue that needs a fresh eye, we’re here for that too. Tackling tricky challenges is our specialty and we welcome the opportunity to provide consulting advice, with the same exacting attention to detail we bring to all our commissions.
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