Zinc guttering - less weight, greater quality

Architects are increasingly turning to zinc as a building material, for its long-term performance and low maintenance qualities.

Architects are increasingly turning to zinc as a building material, for its long-term performance and low maintenance qualities, as well as its adaptability to diverse design styles.

In the U.K., however, it is has been slow to achieve such widespread use as in much of Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, commanding little attention in construction media.

As a raw material for rainwater goods, therefore, it is even less well known, but use as a cladding material has demonstrated the scope that zinc provides.

With increasing demand for better quality metal guttering systems, the combination of strength, UV resistance and appearance all combine in zinc's favour.

Zinc's colours and texture become richer with the ageing process, producing a natural patination, and many architects have commented how well the material blends with wood, stone and concrete, while providing an ideal contrast to the plethora of glazing finishes now available.

It is inherently corrosion resistant and in terms of practicality, easily worked and formed to achieve intricate shapes and complex detailing.

Unlike cast iron, it will not crack on impact, the quartz finish being self-healing too.

Weight is also in its favour, a 2-metre length of 125mm width half round cast iron at 8.3kg comparing with zinc at 2.75 kg.

In terms of sustainability, ore extraction and manufacturing processes require the lowest level of energy resource of any metal used in building.

Greenhouse emissions are similarly low.

Because it is a natural material, demand for recycling is high.

Figures for mainland Europe for example, already show that over 90% of old rolled zinc is recovered and re-used.

On site too, waste is minimal, section lengths of 250 mm and 333 mm being available for 75 mm and 100 mm diameter downpipes.

The Pluline guttering range from VM Zinc is manufactured using a patented pre-weathering process to produce an aged patination effect of either quartz or anthracite.

This phosphatization treatment is a highly durable chemical conversion of the metal's surface structure.

It brings about a slow change in the crystalline structure of both sides of the metal and is a long-lasting treatment rather than just a finish.

It has the added benefit of providing resistance to surface marking during installation, so quality of appearance is guaranteed.

Quartz-zinc, used primarily for refurbishments, provides the natural appearance of patinated zinc and so blends well with existing weathered building components.

Anthra-zinc, a deeper charcoal colour, has been developed for use with more contemporary architectural features.

The technology of manufacture now also enables cladding to be manufactured in colours.

The Pigmento cladding range, based on Quartz-zinc, has chromate-free mineral pigments added to provide three finishes, blue, red and green.

All preserve the naturally grained texture of pre-weathered zinc.

Similar colours are planned for the Pluline range in 2007.

Pluline 'D', specifically developed for housing, is sufficiently versatile to be used with conservatories.

Delivered in kit form, the half round gutters are neat in appearance through use of concealed brackets.

Installation is simple, with self-locking downpipe brackets, and traditional accessories such as stop ends, internal and external corners, Y-branches, hopper heads, running outlets, and rainwater diverters are all available.

For commercial use, Pluline 'P' is available in larger sizes, with box guttering and OG profile available in addition to half round.

For those undertaking work for self-builders keen to finish their building with the quality of metal and a unique appearance, zinc offers the opportunity to provide an exceptional standard of finishing.

Product strength is unaffected by UV, while expansion and creek are minimal.

Being lighter and softer than iron, zinc is also not susceptible to impact damage.

Past problems associated with corrosion caused largely by sulphur dioxide and acid rain are no longer a consideration in today's urban environment.

Already proven throughout Europe, zinc guttering is set to benefit from the continued demand for natural building products.

Products such as the Pluline range enhance overall aesthetics of primary building materials, which inappropriate use of PVC so often fails to do.

Availability of a complementary range of finials and weather vanes, up to a metre in height, can also help bring out the guttering design quality and add the final touch to a development.

Whether for a specifier or a contractor, zinc's use as a mainstream rainwater goods material seems set to follow its success in cladding.

With a guaranteed minimum 50-year life expectancy providing exceptional design life value, sections easier to handle than cast iron and minimal site skill requirements, contractors can expect specifications large and small to become a more common occurrence.

Back to top