Zinc Roofing – Metal Roofing Savannah
Zinc roofing looks very much like copper. Zinc roofing has beautiful colors that can develop a patina over time. The majority of zinc roofing panels used today are either pre-patinated, or have not yet developed the natural protective layer that protects the zinc.
Zinc roofs are very common in Europe due to their attractiveness, but they aren’t as popular in America because of the high price.
Zinc roofing panels stand out because of their striking appearance. Zinc carbonate forms when it is exposed to carbon dioxide and moisture in the atmosphere. This process results in a beautiful blue/gray patina.
Zinc Roofing – Pros and Cons
Zinc roofs offer a long list of benefits:
Zinc is resistant to fire, insect-proof, and fungistat. This means it prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and fungus.
Zinc roofs can last between 60-100 years if they are properly installed and maintained.
Zinc roofs can resist corrosion and are self-healing, unlike many other metal roofs. Any scratches will heal on their own after a while.
Zinc is a thin building material, usually 0.7mm thick. This allows you to shape it in interesting angles and shapes while still maintaining its durability.
A zinc roof system is easy to install.
Zinc roofs are also easy to maintain. Other than ensuring that the roof is clear of leaves and other debris, very little maintenance is necessary.
Zinc roofing has a long lifespan
Zinc roofing can last more than 100 years, and zinc as a wall coating can last for even longer.
There is no other material that can compare to zinc’s long life expectancy, aside from copper roofing. Zinc is weatherproof and does not deteriorate under UV light.
Zinc can last for up to 150 years, and it requires very little maintenance because of its self-healing coating. The covering layer may get scrapes and scratches that will dissolve over time, and the entire roof can resist corrosion if the panels or shingles are properly sealed.
Zinc Roofing’s appearance from an aesthetic standpoint
Zinc roofs look great with slate roofs. They are also a great solution for many styles of buildings. For example, natural zinc has a shiny metallic surface that will develop a patina over time. Pre-patinated products have a smoother, matte surface.
You can order roller-applied textures at the fabrication stage to create attractive textured finishes such as grooves, ripples, and fish scales. You can also specify a zinc roof with pre-pigmented options. These include warm red, rust orange, and rich purple.
Zinc is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally-friendly choice
Zinc is more energy-efficient than other metal roofing options due to its lower melting point. This means that less energy is needed to transform the raw material into usable form.
What are the disadvantages of zinc roofing?
Zinc roofing panels can be the most expensive material currently on offer. Only a few suppliers are available in the United States and many import zinc from Europe.
It is difficult to find a zinc roofing installer who is experienced. Zinc roofing has its own pitfalls so only qualified installers should install it. Installer qualifications will be much lower than for other types of metal roofing materials.
Shipping costs can be higher than the roofing materials for small projects due to limited availability.
How much does Zinc roofing cost?
Zinc panels are priced between $6 and $10 per square foot. For a total cost of between $30,400 and $47,600, labor costs can be added at $12 to $18 per sq foot. Zinc is a durable and long-term affordable metal roofing option that can be used on your roof.