Zinc Metal Roofing: Pros & Cons, Applications, Installation

How is zinc used in architectural metal construction and is it a good choice for my metal roofing project?

Zinc has historically been used for standing seam, metal shingle, and plate roofing for centuries because of its incredible self-healing properties that allow it to last up to a hundred years or more. In today’s Q&A Monday, Josh Spence from MetalTech Global joins Thad Barnette to dive into the properties of zinc that make it a unique building material, reasons a home or building owner might pick a zinc roof for their project, and its special installation requirements.

Topics covered:

• What is zinc and what are its characteristics? – 0:32
• How has zinc been used for metal roofing? – 1:15
• What are the pros and cons of zinc as a metal roofing material? – 1:54
• Why would someone choose zinc over other roofing materials? – 2:48
• Is zinc used more in commercial or residential applications? – 3:35
• What are the color and finish options for zinc? – 4:09
• Does zinc patina over time? – 4:45
• What unique installation requirements does zinc have? – 5:29
• Why is venting important for zinc roofs? – 7:20
• What is the cost for a zinc roof system? – 8:07
• What are the unique features of zinc that customers should know? – 9:44

Are specialty metals worth the price vs. more common roofing materials like steel and aluminum?