The properties of zinc allow it to be installed in any climate regardless of temperature extremes. Therefore, its durability, corrosion resistance and aesthetic opportunities make zinc a suitable building material for hot climates.

In southern European and regions with a continental climate, zinc roofs regularly reach 80°C or 90°C during the summer without any detrimental effect for the material. In fact, designers and installers are better advised to consider the performance of other components of the roofing package in high temperatures, so careful selection of the underlay as well as other materials is more important in hot summer climates.

Of course, in tropical regions it may be necessary to design the building envelope differently to take into account the very different temperature and humidity conditions (consult your local distributor or elZinc® directly for more information).

Ventilated roofs and facades help to keep the interior of buildings cool by providing an air gap above the insulation that helps to protect it from the hot metal cladding above.

The use of reflective coatings can also help to reduce climate control loads inside buildings in hot climates, as well as helping to keep inner cities cooler by reducing the ‘Heat Island’ effect. elZinc® has Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) data for all its finishes. elZinc Rainbow Gold and Natural Zinc, for example, have an SRI suitable for these types of climates.

In summary, zinc facades and roofs in hot climates provide the same guarantee of durability as in temperate climates, and can help to increase the energy efficiency of the building by taking into account the following factors:

• The ventilated roof and façade design contributes to keeping the building interior cool.
• The use of elZinc finishes with high solar reflectance indexes (SRI).