Zinc roofing is quietly becoming a popular choice for homeowners, architects, roofers and construction firms across the UK. Once mainly seen on European landmarks or heritage buildings, zinc is now being used on many types of new building developments from new homes to barn conversions. This is due to the combination of its neat appearance and increasing focus on sustainable building practices, putting it ahead of more traditional materials such as slate or lead.
On top of that, Zinc offers long term self maintenance as the natural protective patina prevents scratches and resists corrosion. Add to that the offering of custom design flexibility, you begin to see why the use of Zinc in roofing is growing fast.
The stylish and modern appearance of zinc roofing
A big reason people are choosing zinc roofing is the unmistakable appearance. Zinc gives buildings a refined look thanks to its ultra sleep and modern aesthetics. No matter if the building in question is a minimalist new build or a renovation, zinc adapts to many different architectural styles.
Standing seam zinc roofing in particular is used due to the long and smooth panels adding clean lines and depth to a building design. The versatility often results in zinc being ideal where a mix of materials have been used, it’ll work great alongside timber cladding, large glass windows or natural stone.
The durability and longevity of zinc roofing
Whilst the appearance will catch the attention first, it can be zinc roofing’s impressive lifespan that makes it the go to material.
A professionally installed zinc roof should last at least 60 years, which is significantly longer than most traditional roofing materials. A great option for those who don’t want to be regularly troubled by worries around maintenance and repairs.
What gives zinc the excellent longevity is its natural ability to protect itself. Once installed it will begin to form a thin top layer called a patina. This acts as a natural barrier against outside elements such as moisture, pollution and corrosion. If the surface experiences light scratches, the patina re-forms to seal the mark and maintain the roof’s integrity.
This is especially beneficial in the unpredictable British climate. It’s resistant to wind, rain and wide temperature fluctuations. Once manufactured and fitted it should do its job for decades.
The sustainable and eco-friendly properties of zinc roofing
Zinc is one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials available. As a material it is 100% recyclable which is crucial to the growing trend of using sustainable building practices. The metal can be reused without any loss of quality. In fact, a large amount of zinc currently being used in the construction industry already comes from recycled sources.
The production process of zinc panels is also relatively energy efficient. Zinc as a lower melting point compared to aluminium or copper, which results in the manufacturing needing less energy.
Beyond the recyclability of zinc itself, the material can also support broader sustainability goals of any building. Standing seam systems can easily accommodate energy saving features such as solar panels and layers of insulation, The reflective surface also assists with regulating the internal temperatures of the building, especially when it comes to keeping interiors cooler on warm Summer days.
Create complex roof designs with zinc roofing
Unlike rigid roofing materials such as slate, zinc can be shaped, curved or folded to fit almost any space or form. This makes it a fantastic option for complex roof designs where traditional materials will struggle to deliver the right appearance.
Standing seam zinc roofs in particular are engineered to be precise. The interlocking seams not only create an ultra neat appearance they also allow the metal to naturally expand and contract with changing temperatures, with no cracking or warping. The flexibility gives architects the freedom to experiment with bold shapes whilst still maintaining the integrity of the roof itself.
If you’re planning a new build or renovation, and want a roof that looks stunning while standing up to decades of British weather, zinc could be exactly what you’re looking for. Give us a call and we’d be delighted to discuss your options.