Why choose a zinc roof?

A zinc roof is made of zinc sheets or strips that are installed using various systems, such as standing seam, batten roll or tiles.

Malleable, sustainable and extremely resistant, zinc is used in both roof renovation and new build projects.

• Geometry
  It is possible to clad surfaces pitched from 3º to vertical or even inverted faces to wrap the entire building with the same material and system, giving, if desired, complete visual continuity over the entire building envelope. .
  Taking advantage of the high malleability of zinc, the joints can be adapted to cover curved geometries (both convex and concave), spherical and amorphous volumes.

• Systems
  There are many different zinc roofing systems that offer a wide range of technical and aesthetic possibilities, ranging from the most traditional to the most contemporary architectural styles.

• Aging
  Zinc is a natural material that ages naturally. The patina that gradually develops over its surface protects it throughout its life while also giving zinc its attractive aesthetics. Its colour makes the metal a perfect match for many building materials such as wood, glass or brick.

• Colours
  elZinc® offers a wide range of pre-patinated finishes and very attractive and durable colours that allow the architect to design with more cheerful tones, widening its field of application.

• Durability
  Due to the natural formation of an adherent and durable patina on the surface of the zinc, the material offers a long life of more than 80 years depending on its environment.

• Proven systems
  Tried and tested fixing techniques (some, such as the standing seam, have been used for centuries).

• Lightweight
  It forms a lightweight roofing system, suitable for buildings roofed with large spans such as sports halls, shopping centres, train/bus stations etc.

• Compatibility
  Zinc is compatible with metals commonly used in construction – steel, aluminium, stainless steel.

• Fire safety
  elZinc® offers excellent fire behaviour: all finishes are classified as A1 Reaction to Fire.

• It is one of the few building materials that is 100% recyclable and reusable virtually indefinitely, with no loss of mechanical or technical properties.
• It is an abundant resource.
• The elZinc® zinc production process requires less energy per kilo of finished product than other metals (such as copper or aluminium). Therefore, CO2 emissions are also lower.
• It is non-toxic to plants, animals and humans. Indeed, it is essential to all life.

• Zinc distinguishes your building from others, protecting it for decades and making it age very gracefully.
• The cost of a zinc roof is low if we take into account its long lifespan.
• Maintenance is minimal – rainwater washing is sufficient, or in sheltered areas, periodic washing.
• At the end of its life, the zinc is recovered and recycled, giving back a significant proportion of its initial cost.

• Its purchasing cost is modest compared to copper, making it considerably easier to finance.
• Easy to work with – it can be cut, folded, bent, shaped, curved and embossed. It is also easy to solder.
• It is a lightweight material .
• Profiled sheets are quick to install.
• It does not suffer from theft like copper, brass or bronze.
• It has good availability

This is the most commonly used installation technique. The standing seam roofing system consists of profiled trays that are mechanically seamed. The trays are fixed to the substrate by means of fixed or sliding stainless steel clips.

Relatively easy and quick to install, this technique guarantees maximum weathertightness and an elegant appearance.

Considered the oldest system, it consists of zinc trays that have a wooden batten between them to which the trays are fixed and a capping piece installed. Its appearance is heavily structured and causes effects of light and shade created by its larger joints.

Zinc can also be used to make small elements of different designs (we offer 5 different tile models) which are fixed to a wooden support. They each offer striking patterns and textures as well as excellent resistance to corrosion.

The installation of a zinc roof requires experience. For optimal results, especially in terms of weather proofing and durability, it is necessary to contract the services of a specialised roofing contractor.

The installer will take the following factors into account during installation:

• Ventilated or non-ventilated roof: Zinc roofs are usually ventilated. The zinc is installed on a wooden substrate and the air cavity under the substrate and above the insulation allows the evacuation of humid air from inside the building, preventing interstitial condensation within the roof
  Construction without ventilation is also possible. In this case, a high-performance vapour barrier is installed under the insulation, which prevents the migration of warm, moist air from inside the building to the cold layers of the roof.
• Insulation: thermal insulation must of course be taken into account, but specific acoustic insulation to attenuate rain drumming on zinc sheets is normally not necessary.
• Expansion joints: Titanium zinc constantly expands and contracts in response to temperature changes, so if the dimensions of the trays are large enough, it is essential to install expansion joints.

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