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Zinc roofing is increasing in popularity across the UK and around the world. But what is it and why should you be specifying it on your projects?
Zinc is a chemical element that is a bluish-white metal, used in making other metals or for covering other metals to protect them, and can be applied to a variety of different roofs.
The use of Zinc in roofing has a number of unique advantages:
• Zinc carbonate. This naturally occurring product of Zinc roofs makes Zinc roofing membranes fungistatic, an anti-fungal agent which inhibits the growth of fungi such as mold and mildew. Zinc carbonate allows particles to be released down the surface of the roof when it rains which stops any moss growth, and kills any existing algae and funguses.
• The aesthetic. Another reason why so many architects, specifiers and homeowners are choosing Zinc roofs is for its visually impressive, appealing look. Its modern aesthetic can be complemented by a stylish Glazing Vision rooflight such as our simple Flushglaze Fixed Rooflight which was installed on this Zinc roof project in Cambridgeshire, or our Flushglaze Wall Abutted Rooflight on The Hollis Building in Sheffield.
• Long life span. The average life span of a premium shingle roof is between 20 and 30 years. Zinc roofing will last a minimum of 80 years and can last up to 100 years in some buildings. Zinc roofs’ naturally occurring patina provides outstanding protection to any corrosiveness, this is especially important with the constantly fluctuating British weather. Other roofing membranes such as aluminium or steel have an artificial patina coating applied, which inevitably runs thinner and thinner as time moves on.
• Eco-friendly. The sustainability of a product is becoming a very big factor when it comes to designing a building. Zinc roofing is an incredibly eco-friendly option in comparison to other roofing materials. Due to its very low melting point of 419.5 °C, it makes it much more environmentally friendly than other roofing types as it takes less energy to produce. The melting point of copper to form copper roof is 1,085°C, and for iron to form a steel roof is as high as 1,538°C, a staggering 3.7x more than Zinc. Zinc is also completely recyclable, so once the product reaches the end of its long life, the material can be 100% recycled.
• Low maintenance. Once a Zinc roof has been installed there is very little maintenance needed. Due to the patina continually renewing itself, there will be no need for aesthetic repairs, and so once fitted there will be no need to worry about maintaining it. Zinc is also weatherproof so there is no need to be concerned about UV damage!
Cost is always a factor whilst working on any project, and this is where Zinc roofing can fall short. On average, the price of a Zinc roof is a minimum of £100 per m², however, the size, shape and complexity of your roof will affect the cost. With the cost of building materials continuing to rise, this price is also set to increase. Read more about the increase of price on construction materials.
Contact our sales team to learn more about which of our rooflights would best suit a Zinc roof project.
Why do need this? - Additional Information
By providing this information, it allows us to forward your enquiry on to your local Technical Specification Manager and enables them to provide you with a formal quotation quicker.
