VIEWS 25
ASK THE EXPERT
James Parker speaks to Jonathan Lowy, operational marketing manager at VM Building
Solutions UK, about changing
perceptions of zinc; exploring its growing use in architecture, sustainability credentials, long- term value, and enduring misconceptions.
How has architects’ perception on using zinc evolved over recent decades, it has long been the roofi ng material of choice in France, but are we seeing it used on more UK roofs as well as facades?
The architectural perception of zinc does vary from country to country, even though it has been used as a building envelope material since the beginning of the 19th century. In the UK, zinc is probably used more for contemporary architecture and regularly for facades, whether that be using traditional systems such as standing seam or rainscreen cassettes.
There are a variety of fi nishes now available, from darker hues to copper, but which are proving popular with architects currently?
VMZINC has been offering pre-patinated zinc since 1978, but over the last 30 years the options available to designers have multiplied with over 10 standard pre-weathered fi nishes now being available but Pigmento Red does seem to be very popular.
Is availability of zinc less of an issue than some may believe? All VMZINC is produced in France, but it is stocked in both the UK and Ireland making procurement relatively straightforward.
What about perceptions of the cost of zinc – why does a long-term view need to be taken to establish its true cost, and has its durability and low maintenance been underappreciated?
Zinc does sometimes suffer from an image of being attractive and durable – but also expensive. The fi rst two points are undoubtedly true but the cost perception is often incorrect, especially when lifespan and maintenance are taken into account.
How and why is zinc a key sustainability choice, based on its recyclability alone? After a lifespan which can be in excess of 100 years, old zinc can be taken off a roof and is 100% recyclable – with the actual recycling rate being pretty close to 99%.
Is zinc being specifi ed in wider range of buildings/typologies than in recent years, and are zinc facades popular in a range of typologies?
Zinc is used on projects from small residential extensions to large HS2 infrastructure, and everything in between.
What are the accreditations and skills required to install zinc roofs and facades? For a zinc roof or facade to be attractive and durable both good design and installation are important. VMZINC work
with almost 150 specialist contractors across the UK and Ireland, of which over 65 are VMZINC@WORK partners able to offer 50 year material warranties.
What are the certifi cations for zinc that support its case for use in an increasingly ‘mainstream’ variety of settings, including for Building Safety Act compliance, and EPDs? All VMZINC fi nishes are A1 non combustible, and many build ups have Brooft4 certifi cation showing no fl ame spread or penetration. There are also a number of British Standards for zinc roofi ng and wall cladding as well as BBA certifi cates for warm roof build ups. EPDs go without saying.
Where is zinc made and stocked? VMZINC is produced in France and is stocked all around the world – obviously including the UK and Ireland.
Why should architects consider zinc accessories alongside facades and roofs? VMZINC offer a range of accessories whether it be membranes for substrates, a full range of gutters and downpipes or roof ornaments such as fi nials or even bespoke dormer windows. These accessories provide both technical and aesthetic advantages for roofs and facades.
To listen to the full podcast and hear more of what Jonathan has to say about the role of zinc in architecture, scan the QR code.
ADF JUNE 2026
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
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