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Zinc Roofing: Durable and Easy to Maintain

A zinc roof can last a century with proper maintenance, thanks to its unique properties like forming a protective patina against rust. However, regular upkeep is crucial to prevent issues like drainage problems and leaks, making professional inspections and repairs essential for maximizing the roof's longevity and performance.

With proper maintenance, a zinc roof can easily last 100 years! This is because the various weather conditions make the material stronger. Over time, a zinc roof discolors due to precipitation, forming a characteristic patina. Because the zinc roof reacts to oxygen from water or the air, an oxide layer forms that completely blocks the zinc from oxygen. Because oxygen can no longer reach the zinc, rust and oxide formation are also prevented. Moreover, a zinc roof is very durable, but also comes at a higher price point.

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  • Clean the roof twice a year.
  • Never walk on the roof in high or low temperatures.
  • A zinc roof covering can last up to 100 years with normal regular maintenance.
  • Zinc is a natural material, meaning it can shrink and expand. Therefore, expansion joints are necessary when installing new zinc.
  • Check any lead strips and/or facade connections periodically for defects.

Defects, comments and other points of interest

  • Is the roof more dirty than usual? Then there's a risk that the drainage system will no longer function properly, shortening the lifespan of the material. There's also a risk of flooding during heavy rainfall. The roof must always be properly maintained; dirt, contamination, and anything that doesn't belong on a roof are best removed.
  • Solder joints are often loose or have already been repaired unprofessionally, posing a risk of water ingress and leakage. Using the right materials and pretreatment, such defects can still be repaired by a qualified professional.
    • Don't start covering seams with tape or the like; these are just 'band-aids' and will hardly have any function after less than a year.
    • Soldering zinc roofs is a specialized job; not every plumber has this expertise yet.
  • If the zinc doesn't have sufficient expansion and contraction capacity, an expansion joint might be a solution. If the material is too long, there's an increased risk of solder joints coming loose, resulting in leakage or water ingress. Zinc is a natural material, meaning it can expand and contract.
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  • If too much water remains on the roof, there's a risk that the roof surface will flood or leak. A proper slope must always be maintained! If the slope isn't functioning properly, it may be easily corrected by installing spacers under the roof surface. However, repairing such a slope problem is usually not easy, and part of the roof will have to be dismantled and properly repaired.
    • Another option might be to install an additional drain at the deepest point.
    • Have an expert and experienced plumber carry out this repair work and advise you.

Would you like to make an appointment for a building inspection?

The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!

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