Redefining Aesthetics with Modern Construction Trends

Embracing metal panels as your exterior building materials represents a strategic choice in alignment with modern construction trends. Renowned for their unwavering durability, metal panels offer a versatile array of profiles, materials, and finishes, creating distinctive and expressive facades that resonate with contemporary architectural styles. Furthermore, these panels frequently feature high recycled content and boast impressive lifespans, contributing to LEED certification. They align seamlessly with the sustainability emphasis prevalent in today’s construction landscape. Within this diverse array of metal options, zinc panels emerge as a desirable and eco-conscious choice for roofing and wall systems, with lifespans exceeding 80-100 years while demanding minimal maintenance, epitomizing the essence of modern construction trends.

It is A Natural Material

Zinc has been used in buildings throughout Europe for more than 200 years. It is natural element which has many similarities with copper, such as developing a protective patina as the material ages. With its long life and low-maintenance, zinc is quickly becoming one of the most popular materials used in the built environment. Zinc is highly resistant to corrosion and wear which also makes it an excellent protective coating for other sheet metals.

Clean Water Runoff

Unlike other coatings that gradually wash away and can contaminate ground water, zinc runoff becomes non-bioavailable as it makes contact with soil. This means that any runoff that penetrates surrounding soil or natural water reserves is nontoxic to the environment. Additionally, runoff from zinc will not stain other materials like concrete or masonry below, as copper and weathering steel are known to do.

Low Maintenance

Over time, zinc develops a natural protective patina. When the zinc surface first comes into contact with rainwater or condensation from humidity, it will begin to develop a layer of zinc hydroxide. As it reacts with carbon dioxide, the zinc hydroxy carbonate or patina layer forms.

This layer will weather lightly with age and develop a unique finish, so there will be no need treat the panels. Without a coating to be damaged, property owners won’t have to worry about peeling, chipping, fading, or other unsightly damage. There is no need to repaint the panels, and any scratches tend to vanish into the patina as time passes.

A Beautiful Patina

While the patina serves an important purpose protecting the material against the elements, it is also an attractive element of the panels. The patina grows richer with time, and the shade will vary depending on the local climate and pollution levels. The color can start to grow richer and has a matte grey-blue hue.

Natural zinc comes out of the rolling mill shiny at first and will undergo a dramatic process as the patina layer forms and matures, typically within 2-5 years in average conditions.

There are pre-weathered varieties of zinc available as well, that allow a more subtle evolution of the patina layer. Pre-weathered zinc is available from NedZink.

Zinc with Color

For a zinc roof or wall with a touch of color, explore NedZink’s color series. These colors are created by blending unique pigments with a thin organic clear coating applied to pre-weathered zinc surfaces. Designers can choose from Pigmento colors including Blue, Red, Green and Brown. By combining different color aspects, designers can create beautiful combinations of pattern and color.

Fully Recyclable

A naturally occurring element, zinc is fully recyclable. When a building reaches the end of its useful life or if panels become damaged, the zinc panels can be sent to the recycling center to be melted down and re-used. Also during panel production and construction, zinc scrap is easily recycled, also contributing to LEED points.

Malleability for Greater Versatility

Zinc is easily worked with and can be formed into many different profiles as well as curves. Used throughout Europe to form gutters and downspouts, zinc is also used for building accessories and decorative touches. It can be worked into various shapes to accommodate curved walls and other moving lines.

There are many benefits to using zinc panels, and it is one of the most aesthetic materials in use today. Zinc, prized by design and construction teams seeking uniqueness, is fully recyclable and exceptionally durable. Its natural patina acts as a protective layer, while its remarkable malleability renders it one of the most versatile materials for wall panels, roofing, gutters, and accessories.