Roofing

Zinc is an excellent roofing and cladding material which will give long and almost maintenance-free service if installed properly. Proper installation means not only the correct fixing of the zinc itself, but also the correct design and installation of the supporting structure.

In traditional roofing and cladding this structure provides a continuous support for the zinc, whereas in engineered façades, metal railing and point fixing systems are employed. The information provided in this section can be used as a guide to the basics of zinc roof construction. Any relevant national norms and codes of practice in your country or region should be consulted and adhered to.

Traditional systems are fully supported metal coverings that employ tried and tested hard metal seaming techniques which have been used for centuries.

The double lock standing seam, batten roll, angle seam and flat lock cladding fall into this category. The complete elZinc® range of finishes can be installed using these systems. They have several characteristics in common.

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Common characteristics

Light, timeless, artisan appearance

These systems are installed by specialist hard metal roofing contractors giving a hand crafted, made-to-measure feel. The subtle quilting that can become apparent naturally under different light conditions introduces a bit of visual ‘vibration’ and ‘energy’ to the building

Adaptable and architecturally flexible

Making use of the malleability of elZinc®, the panels can be curved, tapered, formed and folded to conform to almost any geometric design. Intelligent use of the joints can convey interesting effects.

Proven durability

Zinc standing seam roofs have been known to last for well over half a century, and traditional zinc cladding lasts even longer.

Economical

The thin gauge of elZinc® used coupled with modern bending and profiling technology keeps costs more affordable.

Installation

They should be installed by experienced fully supported metal roofing specialists. Contact elZinc® for a list of reputable firms for your project.

Technically, they share the following features

Use of thin gauge zinc.

Zinc between 0.65 and 0.8mm is normally used since these systems require ease of hand forming on site to execute the joints and details. In countries new to this type of cladding, there is a temptation on occasion to use heavier gauge material to eliminate oil canning, but this should only be done after consultation – many traditional joint details cannot be executed in material thicker than 0,8mm.

Folded and welted joints to connect panels

These joints create protruding seams or small steps between the panels. They are either simply interconnected or welted together on site. The seams are not watertight, and their weathertightness varys, so each type of joint has its own pitch-related limits. Optically, these joints interact with the light generating intesting effects which can influence our perception of the façade at different times of the day and year.

Fully supporting substrate

Due to the thin gauge of the zinc used, they require a fully supporting substrate (or partially supporting substrate for façades). This can either be of a vented or unventilated design, and helps reduce rain drumming especially if combined with structural underlays.

Indirect fixing using stainless steel clips

These fixings are hidden by being overlapped by the next panel in the sequential installation of the covering. They hold the cladding down to the substrate whilst ensuring it can expand and contract freely as it warms up or cools down.

Governed by national norms and codes of practice

These systems should be installed according to national standards and codes of practice. Independent system certification should not be required since they employ tried and tested techniques and methods.

The most noteworthy systems

Double lock standing seam

Proven, versatile system for roofing flat, curved and ‘free-form’ roofs

Batten roll

One of most traditional roofing systems and is popular on traditional buildings

Tiles

Easy to install – can be cut, edged and folded as required

Designing with elZinc

Zinc is an excellent roofing material which will give long and almost maintenance-free service if installed properly.