Introduced to the market in 2013, Architectural Metalformers’ Lockseam profile has been utilised in various high-end residential projects. The attractiveness of this profile stems from the build-up of the system and its appearance. While maintaining the aesthetics of Standing Seam cladding, Lockseam significantly reduces the overall cost by eliminating the need for a plywood substrate, its relative fixings, and the associated installation labour.

Setting itself apart from other tray-based profiles currently available within the market, Lockseam can be installed up to 502mm widths while requiring no nail strips or swages for stiffening. The combination of these attributes results in the profile commonly misidentified as Standing Seam itself.

Typically installed over 45mm structural cavities in residential applications, Lockseam also has the additional ability to be installed over a non-combustible aluminium rail. This provides a unique commercial opportunity to install Architectural Metalformers’ tray-based profiles on buildings over 10 metres, complying with the New Zealand Building Code Clause C3.5: Limiting vertical fire spread. Additionally, this alternative system build-up can be used on any building where there are increased fire hazards.

The size of the extruded rail can be altered due to the requirements of the cladding system, its joinery location and positions, or its abutment to other cladding types. Typical installation of Lockseam on commercial projects comprises fixing the panels to a top hat extruded rail. This extruded rail is fastened into MaxClad’s 6mm VaproShims, which are adhered to a non-combustible building line, providing a 6mm free-draining cavity behind the cladding profile.

Like the rest of Architectural Metalformers’ profiles, Lockseam is installed using European-style hidden clip fastening and fixings, proven to stand the test of time. This provides a pivotal point of difference from other profiles on the market, which take an approach closer to long-run roofing methods.

Upon successful completion of a project, Architectural Metalformers provides an official producer statement document (PS3).