Flat lock

nounStandard termBuilding

A low-profile sheet metal seam made by folding and hooking two panel edges together.

A traditional metal roofing and cladding seam where the edge of one panel is folded back on itself and the adjacent panel is folded under, allowing them to hook together. The joint is then hammered flat and often soldered to create a watertight seal on low-slope roofs or decorative wall panels.

Heard on the job

The architect wants a copper flat lock roof on the bay window to keep a low profile.

Also heard as

  • flat seam