Zinc Roofing Sydney
Are you thinking of installing zinc roofing and/or zinc cladding on your Sydney home? Well, the experienced roofers and craftsmen at First Class Slate are here to help. But first, let’s talk about the material itself and why it’s such a great choice.
Across Australia, zinc might not always be the first material people think about when it comes to their roof. And we don’t blame them. After all, the traditional materials used for Aussie roofs include things like asphalt shingles, clay tiles, corrugated steel, copper, and (another of our specialties) slate.
Yet zinc has actually been a go-to roofing material in Europe for centuries. Among other attributes, it’s durable, attractive, and environmentally friendly. These qualities have made zinc a firm favourite among roofers in places like Belgium, Germany, and France. If you visit some of these places, it’s rare to find a roof without it.
Hire the expert roofers at First Class Slate to install a zinc roof on your property and it won’t be long before you reap the rewards as well. For those of you who remain undecided, though, here’s some further information on the benefits involved, alongside a few key insights for homeowners who already have a zinc roof.
The Benefits of Zinc Roofing
One of the most compelling reasons to install a zinc roof in Sydney is that it’s such a versatile material. It’s ductile and malleable (meaning it can take any desired shape), suitable for any roof with a pitch greater than 3 to 5 degrees, and available in a wide range of colours. In combination with zinc’s unique, modern appearance, these advantages make it easier to find a style that suits your home’s overall aesthetic.
Yet looks aren’t everything, which is why you’ll be pleased to hear that zinc’s an incredibly durable and low-maintenance material too. That’s a winning combination as far as roofing goes, which is thanks in part to a natural oxidation process that occurs on its surface. Over time, zinc develops what’s called a “patina”, which helps protect it from various environmental influences, such as precipitation.
Assuming your zinc roof sheeting is high-quality and installed by professionals like us, you’ll enjoy a roof that’s corrosion, rust, and moisture-resistant for years to come.
Lastly, unlike some other roofing and cladding materials, zinc doesn’t lose any of its physical or chemical properties when you recycle it. So, not only is it hard wearing and long-lasting, but it also doesn’t need to go to landfill when it does eventually need replacing.
You can repurpose the material for a range of other products – indefinitely. Some companies will even pay you for the “scrap”. On top of that, the material’s melting point is lower than other metals, making it much easier to recycle in the first place.
Signs Your Zinc Roofing Needs Repairing
Although zinc roofing is highly durable and has an impressive lifespan, there will always come a time when it needs to be repaired or replaced. Regular maintenance is the key to preventing damage and prolonging the roof’s functional life, but it still pays (literally!) to know when a problem’s starting to show. Catch the problem early and you’ll save yourself a world of stress, hassle, and cash.
With that in mind, homeowners with a zinc roof in Sydney should be vigilant for leaks, punctures in the material (e.g. from storm damage), and/or evidence of sagging. If you notice any of these issues, contact First Class Slate today and our team of professional roofers will happily resolve the problem for you.
Yet to install a zinc roof? Well, considering the benefits involved, we encourage you to consider this material if or when your current roof eventually starts to show signs of age, wear, or tear. Common signs that a standard roof requires maintenance work include:
- Leaks in the attic or from the ceiling of upstairs rooms
- Patches (or the smell) of damp in your attic/li>
- Evidence of mould or algae growth
- Tiles or shingles that have started to curl or crack
- Tiles that are loose
- Tiles or shingles that are missing entirely
- Gutters that have been blocked by loose roof material
- Bowing or sagging of roof beams
- Flashing that’s been damaged or become loose
- Old age (e.g. 15+ years or older)
Zinc Roofing FAQs
Understandably, many homeowners have lots of questions about installing zinc roofing and cladding for the first time. Feel free to get in touch with the team at First Class Slate if you’re the same. In the meantime, the following FAQs may help.
How Long Does a Zinc Roof Last?
Zinc is a durable roofing material that’s renowned for its longevity. However, the answer to this question depends largely on a) the production quality of the zinc sheets/cladding and b) the experience and skill level of the person installing the roof.
If the design is sound, the material quality’s good, and the roofer is skilled, experienced, and conscientious, then a zinc roof could last in excess of 100 years.
Why is Zinc Used for Roofing?
Zinc’s versatility, aesthetic appeal, and durability are a few primary reasons it continues to be such a popular roofing material around the world. Of course, given the growing emphasis on environmental issues and the need for sustainable building practices, the material’s eco-friendly nature is another huge plus-point too.
Another advantage of using zinc roofing that we haven’t discussed so far is that it’s nice and lightweight. This makes it easier to transport and install.
Why Should You Choose Zinc Roofing?
Choosing to install a zinc roof and/or zinc cladding is a big decision. Nevertheless, for the many reasons we’ve discussed on this page, you won’t regret it. If you’re hoping to install a modern, eye-catching, and functional roof that requires minimal maintenance and will stay in good shape for decades to come, then you can’t go wrong with zinc.
If you’re based in Sydney and want to learn more, get the process started, or talk about repairing your current zinc roof, then we’d love to hear from you. As Sydney’s preferred roof installer for 20 years, we have all the skills and experience required for the task. Get a free quote today.