The Ultimate Guide To Zinc Roofing
Zinc as a roofing material has become a popular choice in recent years owing to its contemporary aesthetics, ability to perform at a low pitch, outstanding durability, and endless opportunities to provide customised details.
At GNR, we strive to offer the very finest zinc roof coverings, not to be the largest zinc roofing contractor.
We operate a small team of highly skilled zinc roof specialist who can curate details to exacting standards across a range of sectors.
Highly trained and skilled zinc roofers
When installing a zinc roof, there are two types of substrate requirements to consider.
- Cold roof construction, a fully vented substrate with free air movement above the insulation layer, usually from eaves to apex. Importantly, the formation of substrates is similar to those used for lead roofing applicaitons.
- Warm roof construction, comprising sub deck, vapour control layer, insulation and then a top deck onto which the zinc can be installed. In the alternative, a SIPS panel could be used to create this build up which mitigates the need for a vapour control layer. However, this requires careful planning and execution as it is in part off site construction.
Installing zinc roof coverings is a specialist undertaking which requires considerable expertise, skill, experience and care. Further, fitting a zinc roof also requires specialist equipment comprising, but not limited to:
De-coiler, Tray forming machine, Bending machine, Soldering equipment and solder sticks, a range of specialist hand tools and equipment.
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Vertical cladding using standing seam zinc.
The versatility of zinc as a material allows for the creation of vertical cladding details.
Zinc panels
Panels can be installed to form a weatherproof covering to any facade.
Details are critical to the success of a zinc roof project.
Custom detailing is often used to form outlet and interface details in zinc.
Integrating Solar PV
In roof solar PV systems can be integrated into a zinc roof covering with careful consideration and detailing.
The zinc roofing process
01.
Feasibility inspection
Zinc roof coverings can be installed to most roof areas. However, it is important to consider the feasibility in relation to the context of your project and whether zinc is the most appropriate material for the roof area.
02.
Detailing of substrates
Substrate design is critical. Premature Zinc failures can occur owing to an inappropriate build up beneath the metal covering. Formation of a substrate should be carefully considered and devised before the roof is installed.
03.
Specification and costings
A clearly defined specification and costs need to be presented in advance of any project being undertaken to ensure sufficient resource is allocated for the execution of a zinc roof. Accounting for all elements of work is crucial.
Zinc roofing overview
All of the work featured on this page is our own, we are proud of our craft and are pleased to showcase our work in zinc of all colours.
Zinc finishes
Zinc can be provided in a range of surface finishes. Natural zinc differs from colours zinc and making the right choice based upon your aesthetic requirements is an important part of any zinc roofing project.
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For larger orders of zinc, please e mail us with your requirements and we will revert with a price within 7 working days.
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“Zinc, when installed correctly, by appropriately skilled trades people, and onto of a suitable substrate, can provide an extremely durable and aesthetically pleasing roof covering “
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Error validating access token: The session has been invalidated because the user changed their password or Facebook has changed the session for security reasons.Types of zinc roofing
There are several types of zinc roofing systems, each designed to cater to different architectural needs and aesthetic preferences:
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Standing Seam Zinc Roofing: This method is one of the most common in the UK, featuring long, narrow panels joined by raised seams. It’s ideal for steeply pitched roofs and curved designs.
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Flat Lock and Shingle Zinc Roofing: Flat panels are interlocked, providing a clean, smooth appearance. This system is suitable for facades as well as roofs with lower slopes.
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Zinc Shingles: Pre-formed zinc shingles offer a more traditional, tile-like appearance, often used in both residential and historical restoration projects.
Detailing in Zinc: A range of details can be formed using zinc, form outlet, spitters and interfaces. Zinc can be cut, bent and soldered to provide a solution for intricate areas that require a bespoke interface.
Rainwater goods: Zinc guttering and fall pipes are available in complimentary or contrasting colours. Zinc rainwater goods offer an aesthetically pleasing and durable solution to traditional guttering and fall pipe arrays.
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Wam versus vented substrates
Substrate plays a critical role in the successful installation and performance of zinc roofing. Depending on the project, you can opt for either a warm roof (insulated) or vented roof (cold) system. Here’s a breakdown of both:
Warm Roof System
In a warm roof system, the insulation is placed directly beneath the zinc panels, creating a continuous layer of insulation that protects the building from heat loss.
Advantages:
- Reduced risk of condensation.
- Higher thermal efficiency.
- Suitable for modern building standards that prioritize energy efficiency
Considerations:
- Proper installation is essential to prevent thermal bridging and moisture buildup.
- Requires a vapor barrier to prevent warm, moist air from reaching cold areas and condensing.
Vented Roof System
In a vented (cold) roof system, there is an air gap between the insulation and the zinc panels, allowing for airflow that prevents condensation.
Advantages:
- Suitable for older buildings or historical restorations where breathable roofing systems are required.
- Allows natural air circulation, which helps preserve wooden roofing structures.
Considerations:
- Lower thermal efficiency compared to warm roofs.
- Requires adequate ventilation to prevent condensation buildup.
Zinc Roofing Standards
In the UK, the installation of metal roofing systems, including zinc, must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure safety, durability, and performance. These guidelines are outlined in several British Standards (BS):
Critically, there is no specific standard that relates to only zinc as a metal, but the following standards should be referenced along with the UK Guide to Good Practice pubi=lished by The F.T.M.R.C.
- BS 476-3: This standard covers the fire performance of roofs, ensuring that roofing systems meet essential safety regulations.
- BS EN 508-2:2011: Focused specifically on metal roofing, this standard ensures the correct installation and performance of fully supported roof systems.
- BS 6229:2018: This document provides guidance for flat roof systems, which can also apply to zinc roofing when integrated into certain types of buildings.
- BS6915:2001+A1:2014: This standard relates to rolled lead sheet, however, similarities can be drawn between lead and xinc in that it is a fully supported metal covering. This standard should not be overlooked when fitting zinc roof details.
Zinc Roofing Cost
The costs associated with zinc roofing depend on a range of factors. At GNR, we provide project costs in context. Zinc roof sheets and zinc roof details, and the requirements to form very speficic substrates, can make zinc roofing expensive versus other materials. However, based upon the longevity of the material, when correctly installed, zinc as a roofing material will provide excellent value over the medium to longer term.
Importantly, the more details are involved in a given project, the more expensive that project will become. When considering the cost of zinc roofing, you will need to factor in the cost of the raw material, a contingent for waste, the machinery required to form the material, and a range of extremely specialist plant and equipment for on or off site manufacture of panels and details.
Critically, htere is no one price suits all aproach to zinc rooofing applications, and each project must be understood and costed in context.
