Zinc Standing Seam
Titanium zinc (zinc-copper-titanium alloy per EN 988) is a premium architectural roofing and cladding material supplied by manufacturers including VMZINC, RHEINZINK, elZinc, and NedZink. The alloy comprises 99.995% pure zinc with controlled additions of copper (0.08-1.0%) and titanium (0.06-0.2%) for enhanced mechanical properties. With a density of 7,180 kg/m3, thermal conductivity of 110 W/mK, and tensile strength exceeding 150 MPa, titanium zinc offers excellent workability and durability. The material develops a self-protecting zinc carbonate patina over 3-10 years that provides corrosion resistance and a distinctive matte blue-grey aesthetic. Standing seam is the most common profile, featuring 25 mm high seams in single or double-lock configurations on 0.7-0.8 mm sheet. Classified non-combustible A1 per EN 13501-1 and AS 1530.1, zinc is suitable for all NCC building classifications without restriction. With an expected lifespan of 80-100+ years for roofing and up to 200 years for walls, 100% recyclability, and published EPDs, titanium zinc is recognised as one of the most sustainable metal cladding materials available.
- Standing Seam Roofing
- Facade Cladding
- Rainscreen Systems
- Curved Roofing and Facades
- Gutters and Rainwater Systems
Zinc roofing originated in Belgium and Northern France in the early 19th century. Baron Haussmann's renovation of Paris (1853-1870) established zinc as the predominant roofing material, with over 80% of Parisian rooftops clad in zinc - many still in service 150+ years later. The development of titanium-zinc alloy in the 1960s-1970s by companies like Union Miniere (now Umicore/VMZINC) and Rheinische Zinkwalzwerke (now RHEINZINK) dramatically improved mechanical properties and workability compared to pure zinc. EN 988 standardised the alloy in Europe. In Australia, architectural zinc gained popularity from the 2000s onwards, with VMZINC establishing Australian distribution and an increasing number of projects specifying zinc for its sustainability credentials and contemporary aesthetic. Notable Australian zinc projects include cultural centres, university buildings, and award-winning residential designs.
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.