7 Common Zinc Styles for Building Structures

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Various zinc styles for metal roof and wall panels provide a timeless appeal with long-term protection for future generations. Apart from its exceptional material properties and appealing beauty, zinc is a natural material with long-term benefits.

Its cladding’s longevity and potential to withstand weathering are only a handful of the advantages boosting zinc interest in architecture.

Zinc, unlike hot-dipped galvanized steel panels, develops a natural patina when exposed to carbon dioxide-rich air. The patina protects the sheet metal from rust, salt, and other natural forces.

Zinc panels can last up to 50 years under the right conditions. They have also been known to last more than 100 years in some parts of Europe.

Depending on the manufacturer, zinc panels come in a variety of sizes, configurations, and finishes. You can bend or shape them to fit over curves or around obstacles, making them extremely flexible.

Zinc roofs and walls are propelling modern architecture forward. Here are a few of the most popular zinc panel models on the market today:

Zinc Styles for Modern Buildings

1) Interlocking

Interlocking zinc panels offer versatile installation options, allowing horizontal or vertical orientation. These panels interlock seamlessly using a self-supporting tongue and groove attachment system. Metal clips secure them to the underlying wood or metal framework.

Available in sections of 10 feet for vertical installations and 20 feet for horizontal attachments, these panels are ideal for both new building and restoration projects. Their self-supporting design makes them perfect for detached support structures, ensuring durability and ease of installation.

2) Corrugated

Corrugated zinc panels, featuring a traditional sine-wave design, are an affordable and aesthetically charming cladding option. They enhance buildings by creating alternating areas of shadow and light. Available in panel lengths of 9-½’ and widths of 27-⅜” or 37-⅜”, depending on the finish, these panels can be installed on a metal frame over masonry or steel walls. Installation can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, making them perfect for both exterior wall cladding and interior surfaces.

3) Flat Lock

Flatlock panels are low-profile elongated zinc panels that overlap to produce a virtually flat-looking surface by minimizing the reveal. The panel uses a concealed fastener and clip system that secures the panel on each of the four sides.

Mounting options are limitless in any direction, including horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
They are available in 10-foot lengths for horizontal installations or 6-foot lengths for vertical installation, both with a 16-inch width.

4) Standing Seam

A single lock or a double lock is possible for standing seam frames. They’re long, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal panels mount horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Panel heights are limited to 15 feet for vertical installations, with a 16-inch diameter. Panels are 20’x16″ for horizontal applications and require a sturdy substrate, such as a masonry wall or plywood. Standing seam panels can be used in high wind or snow loads areas. This makes them suitable for both wall cladding and roofs.

5) Cassettes

Cassette panels are pre-formed zinc panels that have either a rectangular or square shape. Panels come in 30″ x30″ or 24″ x 24″ squares and 72″ x24″ or 120″ x24″ rectangles, depending on the finish.

Cassette panels install horizontally or vertically and go directly over plywood or exterior gypsum. Straps or girts are used to hold the fasteners. They use a unique panel interlocking system that makes the installation process quick and easy.

6) Diamond

Each panel includes a sound insulation layer to reduce noise. A hidden fastener device uses clips and pre-drilled holes to secure each panel to the adjacent panel. The aim is  to install directly on top of the existing surface, allowing quick and easy.

7) Composite

Composite zinc panels feature two thin zinc panels bonded to a polyethylene core using heat activated adhesives, providing enhanced fire resistance. Composite zinc panels provide exceptional strength and easily curve or form to create unique shapes and patterns. They come in 146-inch-long, 48-inch-wide sizes and must mount on a metal framework.

Benefits of Zinc Panels

Zinc panels have many great benefits that make them perfect for any project, and here are just a few:

Corrosion Resistance:

Zinc’s natural patina protects it from rust, allowing it to survive 50+ years when exposed to the elements.

Durability:

Zinc is an extremely durable metal, however it is slightly lighter than steel. Its natural patina not only prevents rust but also heals surface scratches.

Several Available Finishes:

Natural zinc

Weathered Zinc (mimics natural aging process)

Dark Zinc: Black Weathered

Colored Pigments: Shades of red, blue, green, and brown.

Sustainability:

Zinc panels come from natural materials.

Easy to recycle:

Easy to recycle – resulting in new things such as batteries or another metal alloy component.

Energy Efficient:

Since it reflects heat and blocks heat transfer, a zinc roof is also more energy efficient than less costly asphalt shingles.

These common zinc styles have many uses in various commercial, automotive, and even residential construction projects. They easily blend with the surrounding environment in urban and rural environments or provide a striking comparison to neighboring buildings. With so many benefits, zinc panels are a great alternative to other roofing or building materials.