Zinc is by far one of the most durable and versatile metals Nature has bestowed on us. Its longevity and flexibility are incomparable to that of other roofing materials, including aluminium, asphalt, and clay tiles.
And it’s no surprise that zinc is currently a highly popular metal that many architects specify for roofing and cladding. In fact, a vast number of buildings in Europe boast zinc roofing.
Here’s why:
- It has a long lifespan
Most metal roofs have a life expectancy of 50 plus years. Zinc roofing can, under the right circumstances last over 100 years in good conditions.
This metal is famous for its “self-healing properties”. Namely, it is capable of forming a protective patina over time, thus becoming waterproof, resistant to corrosion, and thoroughly unaffected by UV light.
Basically, zinc roofing and cladding are weatherproof and earthquake-resistant.
- It is cost-effective
Unlike stainless steel, lead, or copper, purchasing zinc bears a very low risk of breaking the bank. Seeing as it is cost-effective, it is also highly unlikely that zinc roofing and cladding will fall victim to metal thieves.
Furthermore, its cost-effectiveness is also obvious from its overall durability. Namely, seeing as it forms a protective patina over time, zinc roofing requires virtually no maintenance.
Finally, although it may come as a surprise, zinc is 100% recyclable. In addition to that, its production process requires half the energy it takes to produce steel and copper from ore, and about a quarter of the energy it takes to produce aluminium.
- It is beautiful
In all honesty, it goes without saying that a metal roof is simply a thing of beauty and Zinc roofing is without a doubt one of the more spectacular-looking ones on the market.
In addition to its stunning natural appearance, zinc allows for painting. Therefore, it can be found in a variety of colours, or even with a classy matte finish.
- It can be specified as a building envelope material
Over the years, zinc has become known as the material that made “climate-responsive design and construction practices” possible. The brilliance of contemporary architectural concepts never fails to amaze, and zinc has played an important role in nearly every design that pushed the boundaries.
One of the main reasons why zinc is useful as a building envelope material is its superb flexibility. Namely, zinc roofing and cladding performs exceptionally well at any pitch between 5 and 90 degrees. That means it can cover virtually any surface anywhere on a building.
Moreover, its low thickness allows it to follow any curve or bend at any angle. As such, it is a supreme cladding material for more unusual forms.
