When zinc was being used on a wide range of buildings in the 19th century many of the reasons for its choice all that time ago are still relevant today; availability of the metal, the technical advantages of the roofing systems and the attractive aesthetic of the non-painted Zinc.
VMZINC has considerably evolved since it was first produced in 1837. Up until 1978 only mill finish natural zinc was on offer but now 10 standard pre-weathered finishes are now available including AZENGAR, an engraved zinc. Whilst the traditional batten cap roofing is still widely used, especially in Paris, standing seam roofing and cladding has become more popular and this system has been joined by a wide range of VMZINC rainscreen systems as well as an extensive choice of rain water systems.
Zinc has always been used on railway infrastructure all around the world and in October of 2025 Beaulieu Park station in Essex opened. It was the first station to be built on the Great Eastern Main line in 100 years. Fereday Pollard architects used QUARTZ-ZINC standing seam panels as a roofing material and Interlocking rainscreen panels on the façade. The same QUARTZ-ZINC material has been combined with timber cladding and a green roof by Harrington Homes on a residential project near Padstow.
The BRE give VMZINC a service life of 100 years but this does require good design and good installation and this was given pride of place at the end of 2024 when the skill of the zinc roofer and ornamentalist received cultural recognition from UNESCO. This art, which originated in the 19th century, is passed down from generation to generation through roofing training centres in Paris, across France and other countries including the UK. Across the UK and Ireland, 63 VMZINC@WORK contractors are approved to offer 50‑year material warranties, reinforcing our commitment to Covering Generations.
If you would like further information including samples or an online or office based RIBA accredited CPD please do not hesitate to contact us.
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