If you plan to use zinc roofing in your house, it would be best to gather some ideas about it and understand how it works. For example, do you think you can walk on zinc? In this post, we will provide answers since we thoroughly researched the internet to help you out!
As a comprehensive procedure, even if a film protects your zinc roof, it would be best to avoid walking on it after installation. However, where necessary, you can utilize safety footwear that works well on slippery surfaces and specialized ladders intended for this matter.
In addition to knowing if you can walk on a zinc roof, understanding its benefits and drawbacks would also be best. To do so, please keep reading. It might also answer some of your additional questions. Enjoy!
Benefits and Drawbacks Associated with Zinc
Let's quickly go through some of zinc's benefits and drawbacks.
Advantages of Zinc Roof
1. Amazing Longevity
It is one of the great benefits of zinc if you're searching for a roof that will last for a long time. A zinc panel roofing usually lasts for more than a century. Copper is the only other typical material with a similar lifespan.
2. Distinctive Patina
The fact that zinc oxidizes to form a distinctive patina is another resemblance between zinc and copper. Minor scratches on the zinc will heal themselves over time thanks to this patina coating, which also protects the metal.
3. Provides An Engaging Look
Zinc's patina's unusual and lovely appearance is another fantastic feature. The color of zinc can vary over time from a dark shade of grey to a lighter one and even acquire a more bluish hue.
4. Practically No Upkeep
You won't need to do much to your roof after installing the zinc. And you don't even need to acquire aesthetic repairs because the patina regenerates on its own. If you place it correctly the first time, zinc requires minimal to no maintenance.
5. Conserves Natural Resources
Zinc is a metal that you can recycle, and you can do it endlessly. In addition, compared to other widely used roofing materials, such as shingles, zinc consumes less energy and produces fewer carbon products.
Disadvantages Of Zinc Roofs
1. Not Budget Friendly
Cost is one of zinc's main drawbacks as a roofing material. Zinc has a higher price tag than most other roofing materials. Copper is actually the only popular roofing material that is more expensive than zinc. It could be a significant factor in why zinc hasn't taken off in American markets.
2. Patina Process Can Be Slow And Unpredictable
The patina's appearance is recognizable, but one drawback is that you can't really forecast how your actual patina would turn out. We don't recommend utilizing zinc patina if you want a particular color tone for your roofs.
Furthermore, the process of zinc patination might take you two years to wait, and in a few cases, it could take as long as 30 years.
3. Possibility of Poor Installation
Poor installation techniques can damage any roofing material, but the risks are slightly higher for metals like zinc. Moisture can get trapped inside the metal paneling if water is allowed to enter behind or beneath it. If this happens, the entire roof system may suffer severe damage as a result.
Metal Roofing Features
There are a lot of benefits to choosing a metal roof in general, even though zinc might or might not be the ideal option for your specific situation. Just a few are listed below:
Metal Roofs Are Long-lasting
A metal roof can indeed be the only roof you'll ever need if you choose high-quality materials and build them correctly.
Resistant To Wind, Lightning, and Fire
Metal roofs can withstand wind gusts of 140 mph or more. Metal gives more vital fire protection, won't burn, and is better at absorbing the shockwaves from lightning strikes than other materials.
Never Rots or Harbors Mold and Mildew
If you maintain it properly, metal won't rust and decay. Additionally, mildew and mold won't thrive on metal.
Works On Any Roof Pitch
Metal might be a suitable option for your roofing requirements, regardless of how steep or low-pitched your roof is. The application potential of the majority of other roofing materials is far less flexible.
Options For Zinc Roofing
There is an alternative if the cost of a zinc roof has discouraged you or if you are unsure whether you even like your roof to change color.
Zinc-like coated metal roofing panels are more affordable and offer the same advantages as zinc.
The Look Of Metal Panels Is Consistent
The panels are painted in hues that symbolize the different patination stages of zinc: before, during, and after. By choosing this option, you may customize the color of your roof and eliminate any concerns about the finish varying from one area to another. Note that painted panels never change color.
The Cost Of Metal Is Lower Than That of Zinc Roof Panels
The cost difference between metal and zinc panels is undeniable. The sort of metal panel you select will, however, affect the amount of savings. Instead of using zinc, you might save up to 50% by using a reasonably priced metal panel, like corrugated.
Shared Benefits of A Metal Roof and Zinc Roof
Since zinc is a kind of metal, painted panels and zinc panels have a lot in common.
Metal panels and zinc panels are:
- Durable
- Resistant to fire
- Little to no maintenance
- Environmental friendly
- Long-lasting
Although the lifespan of a metal roof is not nearly as long as that of a zinc roof (more than a century), it still offers value in terms of durability. A metal roof comes with a warranty and can last between 40 and 60 years with little upkeep.
When To Opt For A Zinc Roof Alternative
Using zinc is an excellent option if you have a higher budget and want a roofing option that you will never need to replace.
A metal roof that resembles zinc might be an excellent cost-saving option if your budget isn't as big and you don't need anything with quite the same durability as a zinc roof.
Does A Zinc Roof Require Ventilation
If you plan to use zinc on a cold roof or facade, it will require ventilation. And during the application of a warm roof or when installing over plywood, you will need to utilize a VMZ zinc plus.
What Goes Under A Zinc Roof
Construction workers typically utilize timber as the substrate for roofs with ventilation; and this is mainly offered as Class 3 OSB sheathing, WBP exterior grade plywood sheathing, or soft-wood boarding.
In addition, they use a minimum substrate thickness of around 0.87 inches for the soft-wood boarding and 0.71 inches for the plywood.
How Do You Install A Zinc Roof
Depending on your design and kind of roof, several alternative ways to install a zinc roof exist.
Basically, you can fasten the zinc to the roof using roof fasteners. Standing seam zinc roofing utilizes concealed clips screwed or hammered into the substrate beneath or tied into the seam. In addition, it would be best to always employ a roofing specialist in installing any roof, particularly a zinc roof installation.
Wrap It All Up
Your house roofs are so much of importance. Choosing the proper roofing is a bit challenging. However, it would be best always to consider what type of roof will last for a long time to get the best out of it. And with that, we highly recommend zinc roofing.
We hope you find this article enjoyable to read. If you have additional questions, please feel free to comment below. We'd love to answer you! And please watch out for more pests post coming!
