Sleek, prominent and precise. Snaplock is rapidly becoming Australia’s “it” panel. Since being showcased on The Block, Snaplock has proved it is your go-to for a contemporary twist on classic metal cladding.
“Yes, you may know me from a little show called The Block…” If Snaplock could talk, this would be its pick-up line. Snaplock is entitled to its swagger. It isn’t confined to big lavish properties though, you can find it on large commercial buildings, residential homes, and townhouse developments like The Block.
You can add a little modern flair with Snaplock’s futuristic design. Let’s walk you through the ins and outs of this panel and by the end of this article you’ll have all the information you need to get started on your designs.
What does a Snaplock panel look like?
You may do a double-take at first. Snaplock cladding panels share a striking similarity to the European classic profile, Standing Seam. To the untrained eye, there can be no difference between Snaplock and Standing Seam. Let’s dive into the nitty gritty and turn you into the cladding aficionado you were born to be!
Uninstalled, Snaplock’s profile has a flat pan and two different upright sides to the panel. One side of the panel is turned up with a small divot halfway, this is known as the “male” or “under”. The opposite side of the panel has an extra length that folds over externally and creates the locking “snap” system Snaplock is known for. This side will form the visible rib on an installed panel and is known as the “female” or “over”.
Snaplock offers the ability to have multiple rib heights. A 25mm rib is a classic look for seam panels and best replicates Standing Seam. A 38mm rib is a great option if you prefer more dramatic cladding. With Snaplock, you do you!
How are Snaplock panels made?
Our Snaplock panels are manufactured in-house using dedicated European made roll forming machines. Alike to Standing Seam, Snaplock is roll-formed specifically with recessed pans and distinguished raised seams. Metal Cladding Systems receive flat sheet metal coils, which are fed into a big and somewhat intimidating machine that has more than 20 small wheels. These wheels roll over the sheet, bending it into place. All panels are made to order, so your creativity can run free.
What materials can Snaplock be made from?
As if we haven’t given it enough praise, Snaplock has no restrictions when it comes time to choose your material. The crowd favourites are Colorbond Steel and Vestis Aluminium. If you’re completely stuck on which material to go for, don’t fear! Call our office, get your Pinterest boards ready and we can talk shop.
Metal Cladding Systems operate on project based production cycles; meaning everything is made to order as needed. This fabrication method not only reduces waste, it also allows architects, builders and homeowners the ability to select materials that best suit their design. Metal Cladding Systems’ Snaplock is currently available in:
- COLORBOND® Steel Standard
- COLORBOND® Steel Matt
- COLORBOND® Metallic
- COLORBOND® Steel Ultra
- Vestis pre-coated aluminium
- VMZINC
- Rheinzink
- Elzinc
- Zintek titanium zinc
- Galvanised steel
- Zincalume
What design freedoms does Snaplock metal cladding offer?
Project based manufacturing allows Metal Cladding Systems to offer total panel fabrication flexibility. Snaplock’s notable design freedoms include the ability to be laid horizontally, vertically and diagonally, and It can be used on roof and wall applications. Being a panel with multiple rib heights, it’s the ideal profile to execute complex to basic designs, with the guidance of an experienced installer.
Some examples of popular panel configurations are:
Cost effective pan sizes for 25 mm Snaplock:
- 225 mm
- 325 mm
- 525 mm
Cost effective pan sizes for 38mm Snaplock:
- 195 mm
- 295 mm
- 495 mm
We can customise our panels down to millimetre. If you have an upcoming project that requires random patterns, seamless roof to wall details or custom widths, get in touch with our team and we can point you in the right direction.
How are Snaplock panels installed?
Alike to Standing Seam, Snaplock requires a continuous substrate. This is generally (min) 19 mm construction grade plywood for wall and roof applications. Where non-combustibility codes such as AS1530.1 need to be met, Snaplock must be specified in conjunction with a non-combustible substrate, such as Multiboard (click for more information).
Snaplock uses fixing clips to secure each panel on to the substrate, Once fixed into the substrate, lay your second panel parallel over the ribs and snap it into place! See what we did there? When it comes to install, the advantage of Snaplock over Standing Seam is that no seam closing tools are required, making it a less technical process.
For cladding profiles to be compliant and watertight, all applications require custom flashings. Because of the bespoke nature of architectural sheet metal cladding, no job is the same and waterproofing details must be detailed by an installer. Most installers are qualified roof plumbers with knowledge around waterproofing and custom flashing details.
Metal Cladding Systems recommend panel systems always be installed by experienced and knowledgeable cladding professionals. It’s also recommended all installations use a breathable and waterproof membrane.
To get in touch with an aligned Metal Cladding Systems installer, discuss your project further, or request more information on Snaplock and other cladding solutions, contact our project team: info@metalcsystems.com.au, or on 03 9587 4554.