Zinc Roofing

Zinc is light, long lasting and needs very little maintenance. As it weathers it forms its own protective patina, which slows corrosion and heals minor surface scratches. It can be folded into tight details and curves, and it is fully recyclable at the end of its life.

Natural (bright) zinc starts shiny and dulls to a soft blue-grey over time. Pre-weathered zinc comes in lighter blue-grey and darker graphite tones, so the roof looks settled from day one. Pigmented zinc adds subtle colours, which can also be mixed, as on the multi-tone zinc shingle roofs we have installed.

Standing seam uses long trays joined by raised, folded seams and suits most roofs and walls. Flat-lock panels and shingles are smaller pieces with folded edges that lie flat, giving a tiled or scaled look that works well on cladding, lanterns and decorative roofs.

Standing seam zinc is held with concealed clips folded into the seams, so no fixings go through the sheet. A mix of fixed and sliding clips lets each tray expand and contract with temperature without stressing the joints.

Both work with zinc as long as the underside of the metal is kept dry. A ventilated cold roof or a warm roof with the right structured underlay and vapour control are the usual approaches. We look at your drawings and the use of the space below before recommending one.

Care is needed. Water running off copper will stain and attack zinc, and acidic timbers such as oak and western red cedar should not drain onto it or sit against it without separation. We plan the details so these materials do not come into contact.

Yes. We fold bespoke flashings, cappings, verges, drips and gutter linings in the same material and finish as the roof, so every edge and junction matches.

Send us your drawings, photos or a short description through the contact form, or give us a call. We will talk through the job, suggest a suitable system and finish, and arrange a visit if one is needed.