Clean architectural lines, concealed fixings and flexible fabrication make Snaplock a compelling choice for contemporary roofing and walling projects.
Modern architecture demands more than an attractive exterior. Building materials must also support efficient installation, accommodate project-specific requirements and deliver dependable performance over time.
Snaplock brings these qualities together in a refined architectural profile suitable for residential, commercial and architectural applications. Manufactured and supplied by Architectural Cladding Suppliers, Snaplock creates strong linear detailing across façades and roofing while providing installers with a practical alternative to traditional standing seam systems.
With its concealed-fix appearance, flexible panel configurations and extensive selection of materials and finishes, Snaplock gives architects, builders and installers greater freedom to bring distinctive design concepts to life.
A Contemporary Alternative to Standing Seam
Snaplock offers an appearance similar to traditional standing seam cladding but uses an installation method designed to simplify the process.
Rather than requiring specialist seam-closing tools, each panel locks securely into place over a concealed clip system. This can help reduce installation time and associated labour requirements while still achieving the crisp ribs and uninterrupted panel lines associated with premium architectural metalwork.
The concealed clips also allow the panels to accommodate natural expansion and contraction as temperatures change. This movement is particularly important for long metal panels and projects exposed to significant variations in weather conditions.
The result is a clean and professional architectural finish without visible mechanical fixings interrupting the surface of the cladding.
Strong Lines and a Seamless Architectural Finish
One of Snaplock’s defining qualities is its ability to create strong visual rhythm across a building.
The raised ribs form clean shadow lines that can emphasise the height, width or overall geometry of a structure. Panels can be installed vertically or horizontally depending on the design intent, allowing Snaplock to complement a wide variety of residential and commercial architectural styles.
We manufacture Snaplock in three rib heights:
- 25mm
- 38mm
- 44mm
The different rib heights allow designers and installers to select the level of depth and definition that best suits the project. The 44mm Snaplock option also incorporates clip relief within the pan of the panel.
Panel cover widths can be produced from approximately 225mm to 525mm, depending on the selected material. Customising panel widths can create more individual façade patterns while also helping installers coordinate the cladding with windows, doors, corners and other architectural elements.
Narrower cover widths may also help reduce the visual effects of oil canning, although oil canning can occur in all architectural sheet metal and is not considered a product defect.
Suitable for Roofing and Wall Cladding
Snaplock is suitable for both roofing and walling applications, giving designers the ability to continue the same profile across multiple building surfaces.
Using one profile across walls, upper-level façades, feature sections and roofing can create a cohesive architectural expression. It can also help connect different building forms through consistent material, colour and linear detailing.
For roofing applications, ACS specifies a minimum roof pitch of three degrees. Appropriate substrates, flashings, membranes, stop ends and panel hooks must also be considered as part of the complete installation.
ACS recommends the use of a breathable vapour membrane as a secondary line of defence against water ingress while allowing the building envelope to breathe. Stop ends and/or hooks to each panel are also highly recommended.
As every project has different exposure, substrate and design requirements, Snaplock should be installed by a qualified and experienced architectural cladding installer.
Extensive Material and Finish Options
The character of Snaplock can change significantly depending on the material, colour and surface finish selected.
Its crisp profile can create a bold contemporary statement in dark colours, a softer coastal appearance in light neutral finishes or a more natural, evolving façade when fabricated from metals such as zinc or copper.
Depending on project requirements and material availability, Snaplock can be manufactured from a diverse range of architectural metals, including:
- COLORBOND® steel
- GALVABOND® steel
- ZINCALUME® steel
- UniCote® and UniCote® LUX
- PREFA aluminium
- VMZINC®
- elZinc®
This extensive selection gives architects and builders greater freedom to coordinate Snaplock with surrounding materials such as brick, timber, concrete, glass and stone.
Material selection should always consider the building’s location, environmental exposure, application and maintenance requirements. The ACS project team can assist with selecting an appropriate profile configuration and material for the intended application.
Performance Supported by Product Testing
Snaplock has been tested in accordance with AS 4040.2-1992, the method for testing sheet roof and wall cladding in non-cyclonic regions. ACS advises that the product satisfies the relevant requirements of AS/NZS 1562.1:1992 for the design and installation of sheet metal roof and wall cladding.
Snaplock may also be suitable for use in fire-rated and Bushfire Attack Level applications when incorporated into an appropriate compliant wall or roof build-up designed by others.
These requirements highlight the importance of considering the cladding as one component of a complete building system. Substrates, membranes, insulation, cavities, flashings and installation details must all be specified and constructed appropriately for the project.
Custom Fabrication for Individual Projects
Every architectural project presents a different combination of dimensions, junctions, materials and design objectives.
ACS tailors its fabrication process to suit individual project specifications. Panel heights, cover widths, lengths, materials and finishes can be considered in consultation with the installer and project team.
This project-specific approach can help reduce unnecessary material waste, improve coordination and give installers greater confidence before work begins on site.
Through sister company PPC Flashings, ACS can also support projects with associated custom flashings and rainwater goods, helping installers source the components required to achieve a considered and complete architectural finish.
Bring Your Snaplock Project to Life with ACS
Snaplock combines contemporary aesthetics with a practical concealed-clip installation system, flexible panel configurations and an extensive selection of architectural materials.
Whether it is used to create a striking residential façade, a refined commercial exterior or continuous architectural roofing and walling, Snaplock provides the clean lines and design versatility required for modern construction.
The Architectural Cladding Suppliers team works closely with architects, builders and installers to manufacture Snaplock panels tailored to individual project requirements.
To discuss panel sizes, materials, finishes, technical information or fabrication requirements for your next Snaplock project, contact the ACS project team.
The information contained in this news post is provided by way of general information only and has not been prepared with your specific needs in mind. Before application in a particular situation, we recommend that you obtain expert advice confirming the suitability of the services and/or products and information in question for the application proposed.