Zinc for Roofing & Facades
There are many reasons for choosing Zinc for your roofing and facade projects. Zinc is naturally resistant to corrosion, is extremely durable and does not require costly maintenance. In addition, the flexibility, malleability and versatility of zinc, combined with its pleasing appearance, make it the material of choice for imaginative building projects including commercial complexes, public buildings, civic buildings, individual building, private homes and architectural features.
ZINC is a living skin, a noble material which enhances the work of the roofer and the creativity of the architect. As a non-ferrous metal, Zinc is naturally self-protecting. With time, it forms an attractive light grey patina. It does not rust (see White rust), requires little or no maintenance, is remarkably resistant to corrosion and is perfectly watertight. Zinc offers durability and long-term cost-effectiveness, together with the potential for all types of working and shaping.
Met-Seam stock Zinc from the three main manufactures of zinc coils and sheets, Zintek, VM Zinc and Rheinzink. All three of the manufactures produce a Zinc alloy composed of 99.9% zinc with a little Copper and Titanium to improve the creep, its tensile strength and reduce the expansion coefficient.
The two main reasons for choosing one manufactures zinc over another are;
Colour and Price.
Zintek® Zinc
Zintek zinc is manufactured just outside Venice in Italy. It should not be confused with Zintec (spelt with a ‘c’ at the end) which is not related and which is a steel product with a zinc coating.
Zintek® Natural Finish
Zintek Natural Finish has a bright shinny natural zinc. It weathers over a period of time and generates a surface layer of basic zinc carbonate which is highly stable and gives it a high resistance to corrosion. When first installed it will quickly change from the bright shinny surface appearance to a mottled grey colour and depending on the weather conditions, the atmosphere and its environment it may look patchy and uneven as it forms the natural patina, however, its appearance will change over years to become a uniform grey matt finish.
Zintek® Pre-Weathered Finish
Zintek Pre-weathered Finish has a smooth fine grey grain on the surface. The Pre-Weathered finish is a factory applied treatment to give the ageing weathered patina appearance. Over time the colour and surface remain almost unchanged in order to respect the wishes and aesthetic design of the building. Zintek Pre-weathered zinc has a little sheen on the surface to protect it during installation but will soon become a matt finish.
VM Zinc
Umicore Building Products which is of Belgian origin is the world leader in zinc. They brand their roofing coils and sheets under the name VM Zinc.
Met-Seam offer the full range VM Zinc finishes in a variety of widths and thickness:
VM Quartz Zinc
VM Quartz Zinc is a uniformed mid grey colour, it has gone through a factory process to give the zinc an aged appearance of being pre-weathered or patinated.
VM Quartz Plus Zinc
Has the same appearance as VM Quartz Zinc, however, it has the added benefit of an anti-corrosive backing applied, this backing will reduce the risk of White rust* forming on the back of the zinc, caused by possible condensation. There is no requirement to have ventilation to the underside of the zinc.
VM Anthra-Zinc
VM Anthra-Zinc is a pre-weathered zinc with a charcoal colour finish which has been factory applied and is also available with a Plus backing which has the same appearance as VM Anthra Zinc, however, it has the added benefit of an anti-corrosive backing applied, this backing will reduce the risk of White rust* forming on the back of the zinc, caused by possible condensation. There is no requirement to have ventilation to the underside of the zinc.
VM Pigmento Range
VM Pigmento Range is zinc with a painted coating in Red, Blue, Green or Brown and is ideal for decorative architecture or when something different is required. The Pigmento range also is available with a Plus backing which has the same surface appearance, however, it has the added benefit of an anti-corrosive backing applied, this backing will reduce the risk of White rust* forming on the back of the zinc, caused by possible condensation. There is no requirement to have ventilation to the underside of the zinc.
* read our article on White Rust
Rheinzink Zinc
Rheinzink zinc is manufactured in Datteln Germany where they have been producing quality zinc coils and sheets for roofing and facades since 1966.
Rheinzink Blue/Grey
Has a pre-weathered silver grey appearance and is the lightest shade of grey on offer in the pre-weathered range.
Rheinzink Graphite Grey
Has a rich Charcoal green colour to the surface; it is not like any of the other dark zincs on the market and has its own very distinctive appearance.
