Zinc sheet
Zinc sheeting: strong, durable and visually appealing
Zinc sheeting is a commonly used building material that can be used in many different forms for completely different purposes. Today, when we talk about zinc sheets, we are usually referring to sheets made of titanium zinc.
Titanium zinc is characterized by its durability, among other things. Zinc sheets made from this material can easily last 40 years or more. In addition, titanium zinc is extremely robust and can score points, including an attractive appearance. These properties make zinc sheets a good choice for outdoor use.
The most important facts about zinc sheets at a glance
Zinc sheets are ideal for outdoor use due to their strength and weather resistance.
When we talk about zinc sheets, we are usually talking about titanium zinc sheets.
Zinc sheets can be used, among other things, as a roof covering as well as a part of the roof drainage system.
Zinc sheets acquire a characteristic grey patina over time, which was already artificially created in the pre-weathered sheets.
To give it a different look and additionally protect it from the weather, zinc sheet can also be painted if necessary.
Zinc sheets work very well and can, for example, also be welded without any problems.
Zinc sheets for the roof
Zinc sheets are used, among other things, as a building material for roofs. There, for example, they can be used as standing seam sheets as an alternative to tiles. But apart from that, various zinc sheets, or zinc-titanium sheets, can also be found on many tiled roofs.
In this case, the sheets then usually form part of the roof drainage or are used to seal areas where, without a suitable sheet covering, water could penetrate, which would inevitably lead to moisture damage to the building.
Sheets are also used for roof drainage.
Of the others, the following roofing sheets can be zinc sheets:
Finsheets
Eaves flashings
The high flashings
Wall flashings
Zinc flashings as valley flashing
The area where two roof slopes meet at their lowest point is called the valley. In order to reliably fill the gap that exists at this point and drain the rainwater that collects there to the gutter, the valley is usually covered with what is known as a valley flashing. As with other roofing sheets, the valley sheet can also be a zinc sheet.
Zinc sheet as an eaves flashing
The eaves flashing is attached to the edge of the roof. It ensures that water cannot seep under the roof at this point, but flows into the gutter as intended. If the gutter is zinc-titanium, it makes sense to also use zinc eave flashings.
Zinc sheets as fascia sheets
The visible part of the gable end of the roof is called the yard. It is made of wood in most houses and is known to be quite susceptible to leaks and other damage. On many buildings, it is therefore covered with an edge flashing to protect it, which can be zinc flashing, among other materials.
Wall flashings are made of zinc-titanium
The transitions between the roof slopes and vertical elements, such as dormers, are also susceptible to moisture penetration. For this reason, wall flashings are usually installed there. These can be zinc sheets or sheets of another suitable metal.
Zinc Sheet Painting
Zinc sheet is a popular exterior building material because of its weather resistance and durability. It is not only used for roofing. In addition, for example, zinc-titanium gutters and downspouts are also widely used.
In principle, it is not mandatory to paint zinc sheets to ensure a long service life. However, a gray patina develops on the material over time. While some homeowners appreciate this feature, for others it is an undesirable visual stain.
If one wants to avoid the formation of the typical patina, or simply wants a colorful accent, zinc sheets can be easily painted. To do this, the sheets are first cleaned, coated with a so-called wetting agent, thanks to which the paint adheres better when applied, and then rinsed. Once the zinc sheets are dry, the primer can be applied, and then finally the actual paint.
What is pre-weathered zinc sheet?
Zinc sheet, or zinc-titanium sheet, initially has a light gray surface with a matte sheen. Over time, however, a layer of zinc carbonate forms on their surface, giving the material its characteristic gray patina.
Some manufacturers also offer zinc sheets that are already pre-weathered. In this case, oxidation is artificially induced until the surface of the sheet has reached the desired colouration. One of the advantages of pre-weathered zinc sheeting is that the artificially created patina protects the metal. In addition, the sheet retains its color and therefore does not change its appearance after installation.
Can you weld zinc sheet?
One of the great advantages of zinc sheet is the fact that it is very easy to work with. Zinc sheet components can also be reliably welded and joined together in this way.
As only the solder is melted, the zinc sheets remain completely intact during soldering. To counteract corrosion, however, it may be advisable to treat the welded areas with a corrosion inhibitor afterwards.
Depending on this, the welding process can be carried out in various ways.
Independent of this, it is of course important to work as precisely and carefully as possible when soldering zinc sheets. But as long as this is ensured, there is nothing to prevent a clean and durable connection of the sheets.
Buy high-quality zinc sheets online
If you need suitable zinc sheets for your construction project, you are exactly with us. Because in our assortment, you will find a selection of high-quality zinc sheets in various designs, which you can order directly.
Buy zinc sheets in our shop and benefit from top product quality as well as low prices and reliable service that leaves nothing to be desired.