Everything You Need to Know About Zinc Panels

Zinc panels represent a building material consisting of a mixture of zinc, copper and titanium to maximize ductility and tensile strength. But also the maximum weight that they can support. In general, the natural sustainability of zinc is one of its most important assets.

Durability

Due to their corrosion resistance, such panels have an extremely long service life. Patina is responsible for panel durability and corrosion protection. The waterproof layer is constantly removed due to environmental influences, and at the same time forms a new patina on the material. For the average European climate, 3.0 g / m2, approximately 0.4 μm per year, can be taken as the average wear rate. Recent studies suggest that it is more correct to consider this value rather high rather than low. Then the wear rate is taken into account in the context of the so-called half-value thickness (e.g. 0.3 mm for a sheet thickness of 0.6 mm), the result will be a statistical lifespan of several hundred years old.

A correctly installed roof made of zinc panels can last more than 100 years, compared with 25 years of service asphalt tiles. Zinc owes this impressive longevity to its ability to “heal” itself. Leaving a piece of iron in the rain or in contact with salt, the chemical reaction will form iron oxide or rust, which corrodes the iron. While zinc develops a protective layer called zinc hydroxycarbonate. After formation, this layer blocks moisture and chemicals from penetration and exposure to the material; Even scratches will disappear over time due to the gradual development of patina.

Low toxicity of zinc sheet material is a major environmental benefit. Annually, more than 10 million tons (9 million metric tons) of asphalt shingles ultimately end up in landfill sites. The toxic chemicals in the tiles are leached into the soil. Zinc, by contrast, is nearly 100% recyclable. In addition, rainwater that can be collected from the zinc roof does not have any chemicals. They cannot damage the soil when using such water for gardening.

Recirculation

The degree of recycling of building zinc (European data) is estimated at 96%. Recycling requires energy consumption of approximately 5% of primary energy. Since most zinc panels can be recycled, this further reduces production costs. Mining and processing of zinc accounts for a quarter of the energy needed for aluminum, and half as much as for copper. Emissions during smelting and processing are minimized through modern production equipment.

Great resources

Zinc ore is readily available and, compared to today, zinc ore reserves are estimated at 34 million tons worldwide - based on current production volumes, this will be the reserve for the next 700 years old. These time frames do not take into account recycling, thereby expanding the timing of zinc even more.

Probably the only drawback for the average consumer is the cost of this material. Zinc roofing and siding are more expensive than the average brick and mortar on the market. In the long run, zinc longevity and low maintenance can exceed the initial price difference.

It is also important to remember chemical compatibility. Zinc should not be installed in areas with a marine climate. Because salt spray in the atmosphere can have a damaging effect on unprotected zinc material.

Unprotected zinc should not be in direct contact with materials such as oak, birch or cedar. Pine, spruce and poplar have a lower acidity and less abrasive. If zinc is in contact with acidic wood, it should be protected with a special coating.