Phone: 770-486-8825

Why Do Architects Prefer Zinc for Roofing and Cladding?

zinc

As any architect can tell you, choosing the right construction materials is one of the earliest and most critical steps in any construction project. And, naturally enough, as the years pass, different materials will come in and out of popular favor. Recent years have seen zinc increasingly used in more and more construction projects around the world, and when one thinks about it, it’s hardly surprising why. 

Zinc offers a wide array of benefits as a building material that make it an attractive choice, offering many of the same benefits as much more expensive metals like copper while still holding strict and distinct advantages over cheaper metals like stainless steel. This article will explore the principal reasons why zinc has taken off so much in recent years by examining its unique benefits. 

Zinc Is Eco-Friendly

Zinc has several “Green” advantages over many of the other commercial metals used in construction. First of all, it’s an incredibly common element, ranking the 24th most commonly found in the Earth’s crust, which means that it can be found and mined in abundance. 

Zinc also has several eco advantages in the smelting and manufacturing process as well. It has a lower melting point than aluminum or copper, which means that it requires less energy to melt down and refine. Additionally, zinc is close to 100% recyclable, which means that at the end of its service life (or just after a building has been demolished), old zinc sheets can be melted down and reforged into a new zinc sheet of almost the same size. This, in combination with its long service life, means that less zinc overall needs to be extracted from the Earth.

Zinc Has a Long Service Life

As we just mentioned, zinc has a long service life – due to the protective patina that zinc roofing and cladding will naturally form, it’s weatherproof, resistant to corrosion, antimicrobial, and resistant to UV radiation. All of this means that a zinc roof, if well maintained, can easily last for 100 years without needing to be replaced. 

A zinc roof won’t need major repairs or anything more than very basic maintenance due to its patina. This protective outer layer makes the metal self-healing since, even when receiving minor scratches or damage over time, a fresh layer of patina will readily form over the damaged area. While there are other metals that offer the same benefit, zinc is generally a fraction of the price of more premium metals like copper.

Zinc Is Weatherproof

Similar to the last point, zinc is resistant to many corrosive weather elements. While a zinc roof in an environment rich with salt water won’t last as long as one in a drier climate, it still clearly outperforms stainless steel (its cheaper alternative) by a long shot. Zinc roofing and cladding also do well in heavily snowy environments. 

Zinc is Flexible

One of its main advantages is that zinc is flexible both literally and figuratively. While zinc roofing is highly popular, it’s hardly the only use for this amazing metal. Zinc works well at any pitch between 5 and 90 degrees and, when rolled thin (around 0.7mm), it can be molded into a vast range of flowing curves, angles, and shapes. All of this means that zinc is an ideal metal not only for roofing but for cladding the entire outer envelope of a building.

In recent years, architects around the world have been taking advantage of this fact to create all sorts of imaginative, beautiful, and unconventional projects, able to be used on any project be it thoroughly modern, totally traditional, or anything in between. With a zinc structure, the architect’s imagination is their only limit!

Zinc is Beautiful

Last of all, it should not be left merely implied that zinc is simply an aesthetically pleasing metal. The clean, crisp, lines of a metal roof work just as beautifully in a modern aesthetic as they did in the earliest zinc roofs built in Europe in the 19th century.

From the natural black of the metal, to the subtle bluish color of its patina, to the vibrant range of colors that it can be given through painting and treatment, zinc can be used to create any kind of aesthetic, from traditional, to straight-laced modern, to bright and playful. 

Taking Advantage of the Best

Indeed, the ever-increasing popularity and presence of zinc in the modern architecture landscape is hardly surprising. At MetalTech Global, we know from experience just how incredible this metal is, and with our state-of-the-art facilities, we are the most experienced in the country with manufacturing, designing, and engineering of zinc building enveloping systems.

As the premier manufacturer and distributor of zinc in North America, we are equipped with all the resources and know-how necessary to provide you with the finest possible zinc sheets and coils to complete your next building project.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you bring your next project to life with zinc.

/by

The Revival of Zinc

zinc

Although it is much less famous and widely known than some of its counterparts such as copper or stainless steel, zinc has a long-standing history of usage in architecture. It was first used several hundred years ago during the 19th century in Europe, and is now once again on the rise in popularity in architectural projects around the world. 

But what first attracted builders to this metal in the past, and why is interest in it increasing once again? There are a lot of reasons why zinc is increasingly used in roofs and cladding, both in the past and currently, and this article will explore those reasons in detail. 

Basic Zinc Facts

Zinc is a particularly abundant and common element – specifically the 24th most common to be found in Earth’s crust. Indeed, it can be found in the Earth, water, and even air all around us, and plays a critical role in regulating the metabolic functions of living things from plants, to animals, to humans. You can even buy zinc supplements over the counter in your local pharmacy’s vitamins and supplements section.

As a construction material scientifically considered a heavy metal, it seems strange that zinc would be desirable (let alone safe) to ingest. Strange as it is however, zinc’s non-toxic qualities are well known, and actually make it an ideal metal for structures that interact with water and runoff, such as gutters. 

A Short History of Zinc

Humans have been aware of zinc for a long time – even the ancient Romans made use of it (although not as an architectural metal). That said, it wasn’t until the 19th century that people began to be fully aware of zinc’s potential when the first major center for extracting, processing, and smelting zinc was built to create the first lightweight, rolled sheets of the metal.

Some of the earliest innovations with zinc were made in Germany and Austria as the metal was used in a hollow casting process to create a huge range of decorative elements from lampposts, to statuary, to flowing filigree on doors and balconies. And of course it didn’t take long for people to discover the primary use of zinc – as a roofing and cladding material. 

When Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann was tasked by Napoleon with carrying out a massive urban renewal plan in Paris, his extensive use of zinc roofing had an enduring effect on the city. Both in terms of the literal long service life of those original rooves, but also because the visual style that he established is still defining what people think of as the Parisian look today. 

Durability

Before engineering and metallurgical science had provided the wide range of modern alloys and materials that modern construction depends upon, zinc was the lightweight, durable material of choice for architects in the harsh environments of northern Europe. 

Lightweight, resistant to corrosion and even to physical damage, given the right combination of geographic position and local conditions, a well-maintained zinc roof can last for a century, or even potentially longer! What’s more, this durability refers not just to zinc’s longevity, but the ease and low cost associated with maintaining it. The natural patina formed by the metal makes it anti-microbial, and will naturally continually reform, allowing a zinc roof to “self-heal” minor scratches. 

Eco Advantages

Connected to its incredible longevity, zinc offers several ecological advantages. The primary perk of course, is that a long-lasting zinc roof will not need to be replaced for a long time, and thus will not require the extraction or production of new metal. Compare this “one time” installation to asphalt shingles for example – every year the US generates around 11 million tons of asphalt waste associated with re-roofing buildings. 

There’s also the question of recyclability. An asphalt shingle might last for around 15 to 17 years before it must go straight into a landfill. Zinc on the other hand is 100% recyclable, which means that even after a 90 year service life, a zinc roof can be removed, melted down and reshaped into a fresh piece of metal that can be used all over again in an entirely different building. 

Even producing fresh zinc sheets is a comparatively eco-friendly option since it has a lower melting point than other similar architectural metals. This means that processing zinc requires only one quarter of the raw amount of energy necessary to process aluminum, and only a third of the energy required for stainless steel or copper.

Zinc on the Rise

Zinc, once associated specifically with roofing in a few European countries, is becoming more and more common in a range of uses and a variety of projects around the world. It has many of the same desirable qualities as high-end metals like copper while being cheaper, while still offering superior durability and recyclability than cheaper metals like stainless steel. 

That’s why you should contact MetalTech Global today – we are the nation’s premier zinc manufacturer and distributor, and our state of the art facilities allow us to produce zinc sheets and coils to your specifications. Find out how we can bring your next project to life!

/by

A Guide to Maintaining Zinc

maintaining zinc

It’s hardly a secret that one of the main benefits of a metal roof over traditional shingling is the increased durability and longevity that metal offers. What’s more, a metal roof will require much less maintenance than a shingle roof in order to outlast it by an order of decades. From protective patinas that guard against scratches and physical damage, to its antimicrobial nature that reduces or eliminates mold and algae, zinc is unquestionably the easiest to maintain roofing option available. 

However, “easiest to maintain” is distinctly not the same thing as “requiring no maintenance” – a zinc roof does require some upkeep and care from the homeowner in order for it to last its full natural service life of 80 years or longer. This article will walk through the necessary steps that should be taken by anyone and everyone who owns a building with a zinc roof. 

Basic Maintenance

No matter what, there are some basic steps that you should regularly follow to keep a zinc roof in good shape. The first and probably most regular step is to make sure that the roof is clear of organic matter – specifically taking the time to remove any leaves or grass that may be blown onto the roof, or any moss that may start to grow there. Keeping plant matter off your roof before it rots will help keep the roof unstained and in good shape. 

Beyond removing plant matter, it’s necessary to keep a regular eye on the structural integrity of several key elements of the roof:

  • Rainwater drains and gutters should be kept clear. Even if zinc doesn’t rust, avoiding a buildup of standing water is best practice for maintaining the integrity of the roof (for this reason flat gutters that encourage standing water should be avoided). 
  • Maintaining ventilation or air conditioning units that may be on the roof, ensuring that they’re in good working condition. Naturally, mechanical problems with any such units located on a roof can have negative side effects on the roof itself. 
  • Ensuring the integrity of all elements related to keeping the roof watertight, including fascia, drips, filets, junctions, etc. Naturally, keeping moisture on the outside of the zinc roof and not inside the building is a necessary step to prevent mildew and mold from forming in the space between the roof and the rest of the house. 

Cleaning 

Because of its low-maintenance nature, regular exposure to simple rainwater will do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping a zinc roof clean. However, even with regular rainfall it’s certainly possible to clean a zinc roof by hand, and is worth doing every once in a while. Hand-cleaning is obviously even more important if you live in an area with very little rainfall. 

Dirt and dust accumulation can be cleaned off with nothing more than a cotton rag and warm water. If a stronger or more thorough cleaning is needed however, the warm water can be replaced with soda water, alcohol, or a diluted solution of either dish soap or white vinegar with warm water. Generally speaking you should start with the mildest detergent possible, and slowly work your way up in intensity until the desired cleanliness is achieved. 

Important Considerations

Anytime you clean zinc it’s vital to always rub the metal in the direction of the grain. Additionally, to protect the zinc’s patina, you should never use a pressure washer, and should never use any cleaner containing ammonia, chlorine, or muriatic acid, which can have an adverse reaction when in contact with zinc. Lastly, you should always clean zinc with a cloth and never with a broom or vacuum to avoid damaging the finish.

Other Important Steps

Scratches

If you notice a scratch on a zinc roof, the best course of action is to simply leave it alone. Zinc’s patina will naturally self-healing light surface damage over time. 

Using Adequate Gear

It must be noted that zinc will display fingerprints if it comes in contact with the oil naturally found in human skin. It’s advisable therefore to always wear gloves and long pants and sleeves when working on a zinc roof. 

Be Cautious and Careful!

The final thing to remember – until you’re experienced in cleaning zinc, it’s best to be cautious and be very sure of any steps you take before committing to any course of cleaning. For example, it’s smart to clean a small, out of sight area and leave it for 24 hours to observe how it affects the metal before performing the same cleaning on the rest of the roof. 

Of course, the safest option is to consult with zinc experts before committing to any course of action, such as the experts at MetalTech Global. As the nation’s largest distributor and fabricator of architectural zinc, there’s no name more reliable in the industry. With our own warehouses and manufacturing facilities we’re capable of producing custom zinc rolls and sheets, and shipping quickly and efficiently. If you are thinking of installing zinc roofing or paneling, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

/by

Zinc: The Choice for Architects

Choice For Architects

From centuries-old roofs and decorative features in Europe, to ultra-modernist construction projects around the world, zinc has long held a reputation as a top-caliber architectural metal. Although its popularity has only begun to fully take off in the last few decades, zinc’s presence in global architecture is on the rise, and will only continue to trend upwards.

This increasing popularity is hardly surprising given all the attractive traits that zinc possesses. In order to fully explore why zinc is indeed the top choice for architects, this article will examine the metal’s most important benefits, as well as highlighting several case studies of already successful projects that have utilized zinc.

Why Choose Zinc?

Durability

Due to the patina that zinc naturally forms, the metal is extremely durable, able to last up to a century without needing to be replaced. Some of the earliest uses of architectural zinc can be found in roofs, statues, and decorative elements of buildings in European countries that were originally installed in the 18th century, and some modern roofs in these countries are more than 100 years old.

In addition, zinc requires very little maintenance. Its protective patina will “self-heal” minor scratches and damage by itself. The patina is also antimicrobial, rendering the metal resistant to mold and fungus. All in all, this makes zinc ideal for a vast array of different climates.

Sustainability

Zinc is one of the more ecologically friendly metal options – it’s the 24th most common metal found on Earth, is nearly infinitely recyclable, and requires less energy to smelt and process than aluminum, copper, or steel.

Flexibility

Lastly, zinc is flexible, both figuratively and literally. In roofing, it can be pitched anywhere between 5 and 90 degrees, and the low thickness of zinc sheet allows it to be curved or bent at nearly any angle, allowing zinc to be molded into almost any shape.

This means that zinc can not only be used for elaborate and ultra-modern roofs, it can also be used to envelop the entire outer structure of a building, able to accommodate complex, flowing designs and even able to display images via carefully perforated zinc sheets.

Noteworthy Architectural Zinc

Rather than further discuss zinc’s virtues in the abstract, we want to take the time to see specific examples of how zinc has specifically been leveraged in the real world to create designs that are both beautiful and highly practical.

Ga on Jai – Gwangmyeong, Korea

The zinc roof on the Ga on Jai house is a perfect demonstration of zinc’s flexibility – physically flexible as demonstrated by the flowing, cantilevered slopes of the roof’s structure, and aesthetically flexible as traditional design and modern sensibilities are united into a single, attractive structure. 

Here zinc is used to create a roof that creates an intimate, privacy-minded home that is also highly resistant to the rough weather that can occur in the area. 

Municipal Technical Centre – Rixheim, France

This municipal theater in France meets local architectural styles while still striking a unique and imposing profile in a rural area. It was constructed with sustainability in mind, the architect ultimately chose a single building rather than several close-by units in order to maximize efficiency. Unifying the whole structure under the distinctive zig-zag zinc roof allowed it to not only save on initial construction costs, but will continue to offer green benefits with much lower heating and maintenance costs. 

Godson Street – London, United Kingdom

The goal of the development at Godson Street was to create a mixed-use building able to hold both residential and commercial spaces while maintaining a unique visual identity to express stakeholder’s individuality. 

The outer zinc envelope comes in varying colors, presenting a face that is at once unique and eye-catching while still maintaining a refined, classy, modern look. The possibilities of the zinc envelope have been taken advantage of to create windows and lightwells in unusual, nontraditional shapes. 

Concert Hall – Ostrava, Czech Republic

Our final stop is an upcoming project still not completed – this incredible concert hall. Once again a thoroughly unique design is presented in the completely rounded edges of the outer structure – merged with large glass windows at either end, the building will offer both a unique social experience in its modern lobbies and a unique acoustic experience in its rounded concert hall. 

Making the Most of Zinc

As we’ve seen here, the possibilities for zinc in modern construction are already being deeply explored around the world, and there can be no doubt that this trend will only continue and increase as time goes on. However, none of these projects could have been realized without reliable, top-quality production and manufacturing of zinc sheet. 

Every architect knows that trusting in inferior products and services is ultimately a road to disaster, and that finding the most reliable providers is a key step to completing any project. That’s where MetalTech Global comes in. We are the nation’s largest stocking center of architectural zinc, and can offer our clients not only custom zinc fabrication, but years of experience and a host of satisfied past clients and projects. Contact us today to find out how we can bring your next project to life.

/by