MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Zinc Standing Seam

Non-Ferrous Metals
mineral › Metallic › Non-Ferrous Metals
mineralmetalliczincroofingstanding-seamnon-ferrousfacade-claddingpatinanon-combustiblerecyclableVMZINCRHEINZINKelZincsustainabilitypremiumEN-988
ATLAS CODE
MIN-MET-NF-003
Zinc Standing Seam
Category mineral
Material Family Metallic
Regulatory Status Non-combustible (A1/A2)
Density
7180 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
1.0-3.9 kg CO2-eq/kg
Fire Class
Non-combustible (A1/A2)
Lifespan
80-200 years
Description

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.

Typical Uses
  • Standing Seam Roofing
  • Facade Cladding
  • Rainscreen Systems
  • Curved Roofing and Facades
  • Gutters and Rainwater Systems
40012000mm
Standard Widths [400-1000] mm
Standard Lengths [up to 12000] mm
Recycled Content 30-50
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 1.0-3.9 kg CO2-eq/kg
Embodied Energy 17.4-56.4 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Self-protecting zinc carbonate patina - no painting or coating maintenance requiredLong lifespan: 80-100+ years roofing, up to 200 years walls100% recyclable without quality loss - strong circular economy credentialsNon-combustible (A1) - suitable for all NCC building classificationsExcellent formability - can be shaped to complex curves and geometriesLow maintenance cost over building lifetimePublished EPDs and strong environmental certifications (ILFI Declare Label)Self-healing patina repairs scratches and surface damage over time
Cautions
High thermal expansion coefficient (0.022 mm/m/degC) requires careful detailing for movementTemperature-sensitive workability - cannot be cold-bent below 7-10 degC without risk of crackingSusceptible to underside corrosion if ventilation is inadequate (white rust)Galvanic corrosion risk with dissimilar metals (especially copper and steel)Relatively soft material - susceptible to denting from hail and foot traffic damagePremium cost compared to steel roofing (Colorbond) and aluminiumPatina runoff can stain adjacent porous materials
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-MET-NF-003
Density (Dry) 7180 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 7.18
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 2.5 Mohs
Surface Roughness 0.2-8.0 um
UV Resistance excellent
Chemical Resistance moderate
pH Tolerance 6-12.5 pH
Available Colors
Natural Zinc (bright silver, develops blue-grey patina)VMZINC QUARTZ-ZINC (pre-weathered light grey)VMZINC ANTHRA-ZINC (pre-weathered dark grey/black)VMZINC Azengar (engraved surface texture)VMZINC PIGMENTO Red (autumn red)VMZINC PIGMENTO Blue (ash blue)VMZINC PIGMENTO Green (lichen green)VMZINC PIGMENTO Brown (chocolate brown)RHEINZINK prePATINA blue-greyRHEINZINK prePATINA graphite-greyelZinc Natural / Slate / Graphite / Rainbow / Crystal
Surface Finishes
Natural (mill finish - bright metallic silver)Pre-weathered light grey (QUARTZ-ZINC / prePATINA blue-grey)Pre-weathered dark grey/black (ANTHRA-ZINC / prePATINA graphite-grey)PIGMENTO colour coating (organic coating over zinc)VMZ PLUS (coated with additional colour options)Azengar (acid-engraved unique texture)Living finish (natural patina develops 3-10+ years)
Texture Options
Mill finish (smooth, bright metallic)Pre-weathered matte (QUARTZ-ZINC, ANTHRA-ZINC)Engraved/embossed (VMZINC Azengar)Brushed finishNatural patina development (matte blue-grey, develops over 3-10 years)
Pattern Options
Standing seam (vertical or horizontal, single/double lock, 25 mm seam height)Flat-lock/diamond patternShingle/scale patternInterlocking panel systemsCassette panels (flush or recessed joint)Corrugated profileSnap-lock standing seamAngled standing seam (RHEINZINK proprietary)
Compressive Strength 100-140 MPa
Tensile Strength 150-180 MPa
Flexural Strength 100-140 MPa
Shear Strength 90-105 MPa
Elastic Modulus 132 GPa
Yield Strength 100-140 MPa
Impact Resistance moderate J
Bearing Capacity N/A kPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.25
Creep Resistance good
Abrasion Resistance low-moderate
Thermal Conductivity 110 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.000006 m2K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 390 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 0.022 mm/m/degC
Melting Point 420 degC
Ignition Temperature N/A - does not ignite degC
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 20-24 STC
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.01-0.03
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 10-65 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 10-35
Emissivity 0.02-0.30
Electrical
Electrical Conductivity 17 MS/m

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.

SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-MET-NF-003
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible (A1/A2)
Ignition Temperature N/A - does not ignite degC
Fire Resistance Rating N/A - cladding element minutes
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m2
Toxicity of Combustion low
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 1.0-3.9 kg CO2-eq/kg
Embodied Energy 17.4-56.4 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 5-60 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 100%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2-4 points
Circular Economy Score 9.0 /10
VOC Emissions 0 ug/m3
Asbestos Content none
Skill Level specialist
Crew Size 2-4 persons
Installation Time 0.2-1.0 hours/m2
Curing Time N/A hours
Setting Time N/A hours
Temperature Range 7-45 degC
Humidity Range 0-100 %RH
Required Tools
Standing seam roll-forming/closing machine (hand-operated or electric)Zinc-specific hand seamers and folding bars (non-ferrous tools)Hand bending brake for panel foldingTin snips (aviation snips) or electric nibblerSoldering equipment (propane torch with zinc-compatible solder and flux)Hot air gun (for pre-heating in cold weather)Drill with stainless steel fixings and neoprene-sealed clips
Certifications Required
Trade qualification in roof plumbing or sheet metal work (Certificate III minimum)VMZINC Recommended Contractor accreditation (preferred)RHEINZINK Certified Installer training (for RHEINZINK projects)Working at Heights certificationZinc soldering competency
Weather Limitations
Cannot cold-bend below 7-10 degC without pre-heating (risk of cracking)Avoid soldering in rain or on wet surfacesProtect stored zinc from moisture (white rust prevention)High winds (>40 km/h) limit safe handling of large sheets at height
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-MET-NF-003
Material Cost 50-130 AUD/m2
Installation Cost 80-180 AUD/m2
Annual Maintenance 0.50-1.50 AUD/m2/year
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 200-400 AUD/m2
Market Availability good
Lead Time 5-98 days
Supply & Logistics
Shelf Life Indefinite when properly stored dry. White rust can develop within hours on unprotected zinc exposed to moisture without air circulation. Once patina establishes, no storage concerns. months
Design Life 80-200 years
Warranty Period 20-50 years
Maintenance Interval 1825-3650 days
Service Temp Range -40 to +200 degC
Freeze/Thaw Resistance unlimited cycles
Dimensional Stability 0.022 mm/m
Certifications Held
ISO 9001 quality management (VMZINC/Umicore, RHEINZINK)ISO 14001 environmental management (VMZINC/Umicore, RHEINZINK)CE marking (European manufactured products)Third-party tested to EN 988VMZINC EPDs: BRE Environmental Profiles, French FDES, German IBU CertifikatILFI Declare Label - Red List Free (VMZINC)Green Star eligible materialCradle to Cradle certification potentialLEED v4.1 compliant for MR creditsILFI Declare Label - Red List Free (VMZINC - one of the most stringent green labels in Australia)No hazardous substance classification under Australian WHS
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 - Non-combustible (VMZINC Natural, QUARTZ, ANTHRA tested)AS 1530.3 - Tested for ignitability, flame propagation, heat release, smoke releaseNCC 2022 Section C - Suitable for Type A and Type B constructionAS 5113 - Classification of external walls: non-combustible material groupEuroclass A1 (uncoated) or A2 (coated) per EN 13501-1
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Volume One - Compliant for all building classifications (A1 non-combustible)NCC 2022 Volume Two - Compliant for Class 1 and 10 buildingsAS 1562.1 - Design and installation of sheet metal roofingNo restrictions under state combustible cladding regulationsASTM B69 - Standard Specification for Rolled ZincISO 9223 - Corrosion of metals - Corrosivity of atmospheresISO 14025 - Environmental Product Declarations (Type III)ISO 14040/14044 - Life Cycle Assessment methodologyEN 988:1996 - Zinc and zinc alloys - Specification for rolled flat products for buildingEN 501:1994 - Roofing products of metal sheet - Fully supported products of zinc sheetEN 506:2008 - Self-supporting products of metal sheet for roofingEN 1179 - Zinc and zinc alloys - Primary zinc (SHG 99.995%)EN 13501-1 - Fire classification: A1 (Natural, QUARTZ, ANTHRA, Azengar) or A2 (PIGMENTO, PLUS)

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.

ID: MIN-MET-NF-003 Schema: v3.0