Metal Roofing and Cladding in London

Standing seam zinc, aluminium, copper, and single-ply installed on extensions, loft conversions, new builds, and commercial projects across London

MET-TEC Roofing works across London on residential and mixed-use projects, with strong coverage across South East and East London from our base in Bexleyheath. Most of the work here is architect-led or homeowner-driven: rear extensions, loft dormers, bay roofs, and parapets where the roofing material is part of the design as much as the build-up.

We install standing seam and flat lock systems in zinc, aluminium, copper, and single-ply across London. If you're working with an architect, already have drawings, or are at early stages and want advice before committing, get in touch and we'll give you a straight answer.

Typical projects in London

London residential work tends to involve tight geometries and adjacent structures. Common projects include:

Rear extensions, flat or low-pitched, often combined with wall cladding
Loft conversions with dormer cheeks, front dormers, and mansard returns
Bay window roofs in standing seam zinc or lead replacement
Side-return and wrap-around extensions
Contemporary cladding on new-build townhouses
Parapets and upstands on flat-roof additions

Many projects combine roofing and cladding in the same material, such as a zinc extension with matching zinc cheeks or aluminium panels wrapping a dormer. This kind of integrated detailing is something we're well-practised at and where the quality of the installation is most visible.

Materials and systems

Zinc is the most widely specified metal for London residential work. Its natural grey tone reads well against stock brick, render, and glazing. Pre-weathered finishes are available where a more settled appearance is required from installation rather than after several years of natural weathering.

Aluminium is the right choice where a specific colour is needed, whether to satisfy a planning condition, match an existing palette, or give the architect more control over the final appearance. It's lighter than zinc, available in a wide range of pre-finished RAL colours, and carries no long-term maintenance requirement.

Copper suits heritage and period projects. On Victorian properties where the existing lead is being replaced, or on high-specification buildings where the owner wants a material that becomes more distinctive over decades, copper is often the most considered choice.

Full material comparisons and system details on our materials pages.

What matters on London projects

Access is one of the most practical constraints on London work, and it shapes how every project is planned. Scaffolding over a shared access passage, obtaining a street licence, and working with no-dig restrictions in a shared garden are routine considerations for us, but they need to be factored into programme and cost from the start.

Conservation areas are common across inner London boroughs, Victorian terraces, and historic town centres. Southwark, Hackney, Islington, Lewisham, and Greenwich all have significant Article 4 direction coverage. In these areas, material choice is part of the planning conversation, not just a contractor decision. We can advise on what planning authorities in your area have accepted before, and we're used to providing technical support information for applications.

The standard of detailing expected on London jobs is high. Party walls, zero-clearance abutments, and junctions between new roofing and existing brickwork are all visible to neighbours and likely to be inspected. Getting these right is not optional.

Many clients we work with in London have already had a planning refusal or have a condition that restricts material choice. If that's your situation, it's worth talking to us early. We can often work within those constraints and occasionally help find solutions the client hadn't considered.

Clients usually contact us once they want a specialist opinion they can trust. We have more than 20 years of experience in metal roofing and cladding, work with suppliers including VMZINC, RHEINZINK, NedZink, and PREFA, and our reviews regularly mention the standard of finish, clear communication, and reliability on site.

Who we work with

Most London enquiries come from homeowners working with an architect or building designer, or directly from architects and contractors who need a specialist subcontractor. We're comfortable quoting from drawings, providing specification support, and attending site visits where the project warrants it.

For commercial work in London, we provide RAMS and can work within a principal contractor's programme and health and safety requirements.

Why clients contact us

They need a metal roofing specialist, not a general roofer who does some metal
They want accurate pricing from drawings before committing to a system
They're dealing with a planning condition that requires a specific material or finish
They've had a previous installer give an estimate that felt uninformed
They want to understand the real difference between zinc, aluminium, and single-ply before deciding

We do not carry a sales pitch for one material over another. We'll tell you what suits your project and why.

If you have a project in London, send us your drawings, postcode, or a brief outline of the job and we'll advise on material choice, likely planning considerations, and the next step towards a quotation.

Services Zinc roofing Aluminium roofing Copper roofing Planning permission guide Metal roofing for extensions Contact us

Frequently asked questions

Do you work in conservation areas in London?

Yes. We're familiar with the planning constraints that apply to metal roofing and cladding in conservation areas and Article 4 direction areas across London. We can advise on materials and finishes that are likely to be acceptable, and provide technical support information for planning applications where needed.

Can you work on tight urban sites with restricted access?

Yes. Scaffolding over shared access passages, working adjacent to neighbouring properties, and obtaining the necessary street licences are routine for us on London projects. We factor these logistics into programme and cost from the outset.

Can you quote from architect's drawings?

Yes. Many London enquiries start that way. We review the drawings, identify any questions about specification or detailing, and come back with a clear quotation. If there are aspects that aren't yet resolved, we can advise on those too.

What London boroughs do you cover?

We cover all London boroughs. Our base in Bexleyheath gives us particularly strong access to South East and East London, including Bexley, Greenwich, Bromley, Lewisham, Southwark, and surrounding areas, but we work across the city.

Do you work with architects and contractors in London?

Yes. We work directly with architects, building designers, main contractors, and private clients. For larger projects we can provide RAMS, specification schedules, and attend pre-start site meetings.

Free advice.
No obligation.

Tell us about your project and we'll advise on materials, detailing, and give you a free written quote.

Call Now Get a Free Quote