ROOFLIGHTS
ROOFLIGHTS AND ZINC ROOFING Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight offers some advice on the use of rooflights in zinc roofs.
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espite being used for over 200 years, zinc roofs have hit their prime. Versatile, robust and with multiple colours and styling options, they are an architect’s dream. What’s more, with a growing focus on sustainability in design, zinc is a 100% recyclable material that is also energy efficient to produce. With so many benefits, zinc roofing is an attractive proposition for properties. However, often architects will talk about the trade-off you may have to make with a zinc roof. For example, many architects may steer away from zinc if you are planning to add rooflights. Similarly, architects might focus on other natural light options if a zinc roof is the right choice for your property. However, does there always have to be a trade-off? Here, we uncover the myths around rooflights and zinc roofs and offer some top tips to ensure you can achieve the best of both worlds.
Why is zinc roofing so popular? With its contemporary styling, it’s hard to believe that zinc has been used in roofing for centuries. However, it’s the contemporary appearance that is really
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allowing zinc to grow in popularity. Whereas some roofing material will mean compromising your building materials, zinc offers a huge variety of colours and finishes so that it can work in harmony with almost any structure. This versatility makes zinc ideal for a range of roofing projects. For example, agricultural projects, converted barns as well as listed or protected buildings, such as those in conservation areas. Zinc colours can blend or contrast with the building, while different textures, such as ripples, grooves and scales, can help enhance the aesthetic.
Ready for weather and the next 100 years As well as the design and aesthetics, a zinc roof offers longevity. It has excellent weatherproof properties and is UV resistant. This ability to withstand harsh conditions adds to the lifespan of a zinc roof, as does the ability to resist corrosion. In fact, some describe zinc as self-healing as it has an unusual ability to repair itself over time when it comes to surface scratches. All of this combined means that zinc roofing can have a long-term serviceable
life. In some cases, zinc roofing can last for up to 100 years. What’s more, during such a long lifespan, the maintenance requirement is minimal. The most important maintenance is to clear debris, such as fallen leaves, and ensure the zinc is treated where necessary.
Can you install rooflights in a zinc roof? There are several concerns when it comes to installing rooflights on a zinc roof. One is the fact that rooflights can tend to look bulky on a zinc roof. This is especially apparent as a zinc roof can have an ultrathin profile. The fact that many rooflights can have a bulkier frame can deter architects and property owners. When there is an overlap or large seam, there is also a potential problem with heavy rainfall. A thicker rooflight profile can increase the risk of water ingress. This can also be exacerbated when the roof pitch is low. Without a high angle to promote water runoff, there is a risk that water will pool at the top of the rooflight. This may be fine in the short term but may cause long-term issues, especially if the water finds a way into the roof.
