General technical recommendations - VMZinc · 2014. 4. 3. · General technical recommendations 3 Introduction to VMZINC Zinc is among the most sustainable metals used in construction

General technicalrecommendations

Uniclass

CI/SfB(41) (47)

G312:G24:G251:P45:N131

March 2014Nh7 Rh7 (D6)Mh7

2 General technical recommendations

Contents

Company profile VMZINC® manufactures a wide range ofrolled zinc products for use in construction and has almost twocenturies of experience. In addition tothe standing seam system, productsinclude rainwater systems, claddingsystems and decorative roofing productssuch as dormers, bull’s eyes, weathervanes, finials and balustrades. VMZINC ispart of the Umicore Group which hasworldwide interests in precious metalservices, recycling of non-ferrousmetals, and catalyst technologies forthe automotive industry. It alsomanufactures substrates forphotovoltaics and LEDs, materials forphotonics and lenses, and opticalassemblies for night vision applications.

3 ......... Introduction to VMZINC

5 ......... Surfaces finishes

6 ......... Areas of use

7 ......... Roof and wall build-ups

9 ........ Compatibility with other materials

10 ....... Zinc in different environments

11 ....... General recommendations

13 ....... Installing zinc

14 ....... Working with zinc

16 ....... Maintenance

18 ....... Sustainable performance

Front cover building credit: Hamiltons Architects

This general technical recommendations guide is designed to giveboth architects and contractors alike information about the use ofVMZINC, clarifying the limits of the material and thereby enablingcorrect design and installation. Following these guidelines willallow the zinc to perform as an attractive exterior buildingenvelope for many decades.

3General technical recommendations

Introduction to VMZINC

Zinc is among the most sustainable metals used in constructiontoday and has been used on the roofs of Paris for almost 200years. VMZINC roof, wall and rainwater systems are also highlycost-effective, both from an initial procurement and design lifeperspective. Whether for new build or refurbishment, the VMZINCsystems have been designed to complement a wide range ofbuilding materials and styles.

The finishes available offer exceptional colour stability. Thisensures that maintenance requirements will be minimalthroughout the system’s design life and that the material’sinstalled appearance will be retained for many years.

VMZINC can be used for warm or cold roof constructions as well asrainscreen facades. some of its many benefits are listed below.

Background

Benefits of the VMZINC

systems

� Lightweight and durable

� Low maintenance

� attractive, long lasting appearance

� a design life of 80 years

� Virtually maintenance-free

� Variety of systems for roofs, walls, flashings and rainwater systems

� Fully recyclable

� brE Green Guide certified

� bba certified

� Conforms to EN 988

� Fire performance rating ‘aa’ - bs 476: Part 3 (‘low vulnerability’class in scotland)

� available in either a natural finish or 6 pre-weathered finishesand a new engraved finish

PhysICaL ProPErTIEs oF TITaNIUM ZINC by VMZINC

Density 7.18 t/m3

Thermal expansion coefficient (parallel to the rolling direction) 0.022 mm/m/ºC

Melting point 420ºC

recrystallization point 300ºC

heat conductivity 110 W/(mK)

Electrical conductivity 17 Ms/m

Danger of sparking Non-sparking

Magnetic properties Diamagnetic

VMZINCattributes

Introduction to VMZINC


aLLoy CoMPosITIoN (To EN 988)

Zinc To EN 1179 (with shG 99.995% purity)

other elements making up the alloy are:

Copper 0.08 – 1.0%

Titanium 0.06 – 0.2%

aluminium ≤ 0.015%

Zinc reacts with water to form zinchydroxide; this then reacts with Co2 to formthe stable compound zinc hydroxycarbonate. When zinc is exposed to toomuch water and not enough Co2 the stablegrey patina will not form leaving theunstable zinc hydroxide which is commonlyreferred to as white rust. The amount oftime required for formation of the patinafrom Natural zinc will depend on theexposure of the zinc to water. a low sloperoof may only require 3 years whereas aprotected soffit may require over 10 yearsexposure.

Zinc hydroxide Natural protective zinc hydroxy carbonate layer commonly called patina

1 month to 2 years 2 to 3 years

Time scale

NATURALZINC

Formation of the

natural patina

ertified qualityIdentificationmarks

WEIGhTs oF DIFFErENT ZINC ThICKNEssEs

Thickness (mm) Weight (kg/m2)

0.7 5.026

0.8 5.744

1.0 7.180

1.5 10.770

MEChaNICaL ProPErTIEs (To EN 988)

0.2% proof strength, non-proportional extension ≥ 100 N/mm2

Tensile strength ≥ 150 N/mm2

Percentage total elongation at fracture ≥ 35%

bending test at 20ºC No cracks

refolding after bending at 20ºC No cracks

ZINC shEET ToLEraNCEs (To EN 988)

Thickness ±0.03mm

Width 0 to +2mm

Length 0 to +10mm

Flatness ≤ 2mm (see additionalof sheeting omega rule below)

Further VMZINC

attributes

Omega rule foracceptableflatness of

VMZINC sheets

The omega (ω) rule is expressed as: ω = 100 x h/Lwhere: ω = < 0.6

wave height is h = 2mm maximumwave length is L (in mm)

all weights are calculated using a density of 7.18t/m3 or 1mm = 7.18 kg/m2

Coil number

surface finishes


PIGMENTo® rED

PIGMENTo® bLUE

PIGMENTo® GrEEN

PIGMENTo® broWN

Natural VMZINC®

QUARTZ-ZINC®

ANTHRA-ZINC®

Natural VMZINC has a shiny metallic appearance when new anddevelops a patina over time. In facade applications, it may take 10 years for the matt grey patina to form.

QUarTZ-ZINC offers an appearance and texture that does not changeover time. When QUarTZ-ZINC is scratched, it will self heal. The greytones of QUarTZ-ZINC blend well with existing construction materials.QUarTZ-ZINC is produced through a phosphatation of mill finishNatural zinc. The darkness of the pre-weathered zinc is measuredelectronically using a y figure where 0 is black and 100 is white.acceptable tolerance of QUarTZ-ZINC, y = 22 to 25.

aNThra-ZINC with its visible grain matches the colour of slate.aNThra-ZINC is produced through a phosphatation of mill finishNatural zinc. acceptable tolerance of aNThra-ZINC, y = 5 to 7.aNThra-ZINC also includes a thin organic coating with a tolerance ofshininess of 6 to 10. Due to the dark colour of aNThra-ZINC it shouldbe carefully considered before using on non-rinsed surfaces such asprotected facades and soffits.

aZENGar is the new surface finish from VMZINC which is the firstengraved zinc giving a product with a matt, heterogeneous andlight aspect. aZENGar can be used in the same fashion as otherVMZINC products for both roofs and facades, however it will notbe available in PLUs in 2014.

Finishes offer a unique range of colours that enhances anybuilding. This natural product enables the texture of the QUarTZ-ZINC to still be seen whilst offering the designer thechoice of colour to complement other elements of a building’sfacade or roof. The colouration of the zinc is achieved with aspecial pigment layer that enhances the qualities of the zincwithout presenting a block colour. This product is tested toEN13523-10:2010 for UV-humidity and EN 15523:2001 for colourstability and requires minimum maintenance. PIGMENTo providesa special resilience in a marine environment and makes theremoval of salt deposits easier than on the regular surfaces ofother zinc finishes. PIGMENTo is available in four standard colours:PIGMENTo blue, green, brown, and red.

VMZINC is not a painted product and therefore colour variationsmay occur. No colour matches are guaranteed therefore zincshould be installed from the same roll/batch because of colourvariations in the manufacturing process.

PIGMENTO®

VMZINC is a non-ferrous, self-protecting metal. Natural zinc formsits own protective layer, called a patina, when it is in contact overtime with air (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and water. VMZINCoffers seven zinc surface colours in addition to the Natural zincwhich is sometimes referred to as mill finish zinc.

Natural VMZINC® QUarTZ-ZINC®

aNThra-ZINC® aZENGar®

AZENGAR®New

Please contact us for

samples

areas of use


VMZINC has been used as a roofing system for almost 200 years. Themost common system is standing seam roofing. however, forheritage projects, batten cap roofing is a popular option. a range ofzinc flashings and trim are available for zinc, tile and slate roofs. Forfurther information please refer to VMZ standing seam guidelines fordesign and specification as well as our product catalogue.

as well as standing seam wall cladding VMZINC can be installedusing the principle of a rainscreen facade. There are a number ofpanel types and sizes available. These include Interlocking Panelswhich can be installed horizontally or vertically in all finishes.alternatively for very large panels VMZ Composite is an excellentsolution. Combining the qualities, elegance and durability ofVMZINC with the rigidity and smoothness of compositetechnology, VMZ Composite offers unique architectural possibilitiesfor facades. sine Wave Panels offer an alternative design in zincas do overlapping Panels whilst remaining cost effective solutionsfor rainscreen cladding. Flat Lock Panels can be used on a facadein many formats, sizes and in all finishes of VMZINC. For furtherinformation please refer to VMZ Facades – Guidelines for designand specification.

Whether for new build or refurbishment, VMZINC rainwatersystems have been designed to complement a wide range ofbuilding materials and styles. Pre-weathered finishes offerexceptional colour stability while developing the natural, self-protecting patina for which zinc is renowned. This ensures thatmaintenance requirements will be minimal throughout thesystems’ design life and that the material’s installed appearancewill be retained for many years. For further information pleaserefer to VMZ rainwater systems – Guidelines for design and installation.

VMZINC ornaments were first made by 19th century workshops inParis. The tradition continues with VMZINC ornaments fabricatingboth standard and bespoke ornaments that are sent to all cornersof the world.

Roofing systemsand flashings

Facade systems

Rainwatersystems

Ornaments

Areas of activity VMZINC has a long history as a building envelope material. Thefour main areas of activity are:

roof and wall build-ups


Warm non-ventilated and cold ventilated roofs are two terms whichdo not always denote the same ideas to all building professionals. In order to put the warm non-ventilated roof system into context,we will refer to it as a roof where there is absolutely no ventedspace within the roof build-up and furthermore the entire roofstructure is on the warm side of the insulation. In the UK this meansthat the roof structure is entirely below the insulation.

Fundamental elements of the system:

� VMZINC PLUs must be used on all warm roof build-ups

� VMZINC Membrane must be used (breather membrane)

� The substrate must be continuous and even and the correctfixing clips must be used

� a fully supported continuous vapour barrier must be installed(bitumen-backed aluminium foil). Polythene films are notacceptable

� For humidity class 5 (swimming pools) the Compact roof withFoamglas must be used. This build-up, as with the structuralroof, carries a bba certificate

CERTIFICATE No 12/4900

Definition ofwarm roof in the UK

Basic requirements

VMZINC must not only be installed according to our recommendationsbut also designed to them as well. VMZINC can be installed on non-vented warm roof build-ups as well as on vented cold roof build-ups. For standing seam build-ups a roof would have a slope ofno more than 60º; above this slope it should be considered wallcladding. all wall cladding should be ventilated. VMZINC will only givea warranty for recommended build-ups and details. The minimumslope for zinc roofs is 3 degrees as built.

Definition ofcold roof in the UK

In order to put the cold ventilated roof system into context, wewill refer to it as a roof where there is a continuous air space of atleast 50mm between the substrate supporting the zinc and theinsulation. This air space must be a vented space with openingsgenerally at the eaves and the ridge.

hybrid roofs are not recommended by VMZINC and can result in thewhole roof including the zinc failing.

Fundamental elements of the system:

� VMZINC PLUs must be used on plywood whereas VMZINC isacceptable on open-gap softwood boards

� VMZINC Membrane can be used to protect the insulation

� The substrate must be continuous and even, and the correctfixing clips must be used

Linear air vents must be at least 10mm wide and are commonlyprotected by insect mesh. It is always good practice to include avapour control layer in the build up and this should be installed onthe warm side of the insulation. The system is covered by the Codeof Practice 143-5: 1964.

Result of using a hybrid roof

Cold Roof: Air inlets and outlets are generally linear (at least 10mm wide) but can be individual. The ventilation must correspond to BS 5250: 2002.

Warm Roof: Continuous layer of insulation covering afully supported vapour barrier.

For further information please see ourbrochures on facades and the

standing seam system


roof and wall build-ups

Fixing clips all standing seam panels must have a fixed area of at least 5 one-piece fixing clipswhich do not allow any thermal expansion or contraction. It should be noted that whenitems such as PV panels or snow retention systems are being fitted directly to the zincroof a calculation of shear load must be carried out. This will determine whether byincreasing the number of fixed clips will be sufficient or not to deal with the possibleshear loads. Maximum clip spacing is 330mm with this reducing to 200mm along theedges of the roof (at least 1100mm or 1/8 of the projected roof) and 150mm where twoedges meet.

Panel size

Noise

Facade systems

VMZINC andVMZINC PLUS

standing seam roof panels can be up to 600mm wide, with 530mm and 430mm widepanels also being standard. The maximum standard length for roofing panels is 13m. roofpanels are generally 0.7mm thick, however, for long panels or exposed sites 0.8mm thickzinc can be considered. Please consult us concerning panel sizes for facade systems.

as zinc is a relatively soft metal, impact noise is rarely an issue. however, if the buildingowner does have concerns the use of a warm roof build-up would reduce not onlyimpact noise but also possible noise created by pressure differences in a vented air spacewhich is a prerequisite of a vented roof.

a wide range of VMZINC facade systems exists. The majority follow the rainscreenprinciple where the panels are fixed to rails on a vertical wall incorporating a 38mmvented space. standing seam and flat lock panels are fixed to a continuous support andcan be considered as wall cladding for slopes above 60º. as all the systems are vented itmay be necessary to include fire breaks which can involve compartmentalising thefacade using flashings or compatible intumescent fire stops.

Zinc is a metal that has been used to clad the exterior of buildings for many years and assuch is resistant to water. however, this is only the case in the presence of carbondioxide (which is present in air). If zinc is installed on a substrate that limits the amountof air that can be in contact with its back surface it is possible that this will induce theformation of white rust. It is for this reason that VMZINC (no backside coating) can onlybe used on roofing when vented open gap softwood boarding is used as a substrate.VMZINC is also acceptable on vented rainscreen facades. For all other roof build-upsVMZINC PLUs must be used.

VMZINC PLUs consists of VMZINC (in all finishes) having a 60μm coating applied to theunderside thus allowing a more varied amount of substrates to be used and eliminating therisk of the formation of white rust on the underside of the zinc standing seam panels.VMZINC PLUs resists to an abrasion of 40 litres when tested in accordance with asTM D 968.

200

Sliding clipEaves strip

Fixed clip Fixed zone5 fixed clipsLength 1.50m maximum

200

EqualEqual

200200

200200

200200

330330

EAVES

RIDGE

Sliding piece should be central during installation

Opening

Sliding clip

Fixed clip

Clip types, location and spacing

9

Compatibility with othermaterials

General technical recommendations

Compatible contact products

Metals

Lead

aluminium (painted, anodised or bare)

Galvanised steel

stainless steel

Woods

Pine

spruce

scots pine

Poplar

Miscellaneous materials

Polyurethane

Non-acetic silicones

Ms polymer mastics

organic timber treatments

Incompatible contact products & run-off*Metals

Copper

steel (non-galvanised)

Gypsum dust/limestone dust

Woods

Larch

oak

Chestnut

red cedar

Douglas fir

White cedar

all woods with a ph < 5

Miscellaneous materials

Mortar

building paper

bituminous membranes

Fire retardant & preservative treatments

acidic cleaners (brick cleaner etc)

acetic silicones

Metal salt timber treatments* This list is not exhaustive

Importantconsiderations

When placed in contact with zinc, certain products can havedetrimental effects on the appearance and/or structural integrityof the zinc. acidic products and products that can generate agalvanic reaction must not be used with zinc. run-off from noncompatible products onto zinc also must be avoided. In general,products with a ph lower than 5 and higher than 7 are notcompatible with zinc.

There are no issues with zinc in combination with metals otherthan copper and mild steel. When zinc is in contact with copper inthe presence of an electrolyte (such as water) a galvanic reactionwill lead to corrosion of the zinc and subsequent failure of theroof or wall cladding.

run-off from a copper surface to a zinc surface must be avoidedunder all circumstances. Zinc in contact with mild (carbon) steel isnot desirable either, due to similar electron transfers between themetal that will result in zinc corrosion and deterioration.

Zinc can be installed adjacent to limestone. The run-off fromlimestone onto zinc material is acceptable. however, limestone dustand gypsum dust generated during cutting operations can reactwith zinc in the presence of water and form a superficial layer ofwhite rust. No dust should be in contact with unprotected zinc. Toprevent white rust, good construction practices should be used tolimit the amount of dust that comes in contact with the zinc.


Zinc in different environments

Zinc has been installed all around the worldand in all types of climates ranging fromcoastal scotland, the deserts of arizona,tropical singapore, the high mountains ofswitzerland and even near the cliffs of Capehorn, to name but a few locations.

hot, cold, wet, dry, windy, coastal, ruraland urban climates are all environmentswhere zinc has been installed.

as well as the almost endless variety ofenvironments where zinc can be, and hasbeen used, zinc is a material that requiresalmost no maintenance as the rinsing effectof rainwater performs this task naturally.however, when zinc is used on a non-rinsedsurface such as a protected facade or soffitit is possible that the zinc may exhibit somesuperficial stains. These stains will notaffect the integrity of the zinc itself.

It is for this reason that the very dark greyaNThra-ZINC should be carefully consideredbefore being designed on a non-rinsedfacade or soffit. In marine locations (1kmfrom the sea) the risk of superficial stainingin these areas increases.

staining on non-rinsed surfaces willdecrease further away from the sea.however, salt can still be present in the airup to 20km from the sea.

Whilst stains are possible on the PIGMENTorange the visual effect is greatly reducedand therefore these finishes may be moreappropriate for some specific locations. Itshould be noted that the PIGMENTo mustnot be left with bare edges exposed inmarine locations, and folding radii must berespected.

When QUarTZ-ZINC is installed on a roofjust prior to snowfall and the snow lies onthe zinc for several weeks it is possiblethat some superficial stains can be leftvisible following the eventual snow melt.These stains will not affect the integrity ofthe zinc and will in time fade due to therinsing effect of rainwater.

Aesthetics


General recommendations

To ensure the durability and aesthetics ofthe zinc, specific recommendations mustbe followed in the handling and storage ofzinc sheets and coils.

� avoid dropping sheet, coils and formedpieces. any blow or punch to the zinccan cause deformity in the zinc, in theform of folds or bumps. This can affectone or more of the sheets and coils.These deformities will affect theaesthetics of the zinc and may alsodamage its structural integrity, withcracks occurring over time

� Panels must be transported and storedvertically, standing on the L profile inthe containers designed for them

� When coils are shipped, they must beplaced either on their horizontal axis orvertical axis, depending on the client’srequest

� rough surfaces may scratch the zincwhich can develop into cracks eitherduring forming or after installation dueto expansion and contraction. Thereforethe dragging or sliding of sheets shouldbe avoided.

� When handling the zinc, gloves and longsleeved shirts must be worn. The acidnature of perspiration will leave visiblemarks and finger prints on the zinc thatover time will heal but can remainvisible for quite some time

� When the zinc is shipped in containers,it is essential to open the containersimmediately upon receipt and store theproducts as soon as possible in thecorrect conditions

Transport andhandling


General recommendations

The zinc sheets, coils, and formed piecesmust be stored in a well-ventilated,sheltered and dry area where temperaturevariation is kept to a minimum.

� Temperature variations can causecondensation build-up, that in turn willcause zinc hydroxide (white rust) to form.Ensure that the zinc is stored in an areawithout great temperature variations.Zinc hydroxide forms when the surface ofzinc comes into contact with humiditywithout carbon dioxide. Zinc hydroxideprovides no protection and leavesunattractive, indelible marks on the zinc.Consequently, we do not recommendinstalling any panel that has beenaffected by zinc hydroxide

� The sheets, coils and formed piecesshould be separated from the ground bypallet or similar storage device to allowsufficient ventilation of the zinc

� Pallets or similar storage device shouldallow the zinc sheet to be stored flat toreduce risk of deformation

� It is recommended that the coils bestored in their original packaging

If the coils are to be stacked due to lack ofstorage space the following recommendations must be followed:

� If coils are delivered on their horizontalaxis, the pallets must be stored in theiroriginal packaging and individually onseparating racks

� If coils are delivered on their verticalaxis the pallets must be stored on top ofone another with a maximum of 4pallets for stability reasons

� Zinc must never be stored outside

Storage


Installing zinc

Use a professional

as well as following design recommendations it is critical that VMZINCis installed in the correct manner and bytrained professionals.

VMZINC provides training for installers withexperience in metal roofing and cladding inpartnership with the Lead sheet association.This training is designed to supplementtrained professionals with specificinformation concerning VMZINC.

Please contact us for further information.

VMZINC atWORK

We would also recommend that contractorsbe members of associations such as theFederation of Traditional Metal roofingContractors. Furthermore, VMZINC offers alist of recognised contractors that adhere tospecific conditions concerning experienceand training, namely VMZINC at WorK.


Working with zinc

as zinc is a rolled metal it has a rolling direction, which is alsoindicated on the protective film. It is recommended that thisdirection is respected on a roof or wall as light will reflectdifferently on panels laid in opposite directions. The zinc mustalso be folded in a way that creates a gentle radius rather than asharp fold.

This is the case for all equipment whether it be hand tools, CNCequipment or profilers. Natural zinc, QUarTZ-ZINC and aNThra-ZINC should always have an internal folding radius of atleast 2 x the thickness of the zinc sheet ,and the metal shouldnever be folded if the temperature of the metal is less than +7ºC.

When using PIGMENTo, this radius should be increased to 3 x thethickness of the zinc sheet, and the folding should only be carriedout when the temperature of the metal is at least +10ºC. all foldingof the zinc should be carried out with the protective film in place.

Protective gloves should not only be used as a safety measurewhen working with zinc but also to avoid staining the metal. Theprotective film should be left on the zinc during panelmanufacture and installation – see page 15. Zinc roofs and wallsmust not be covered with tarpaulins during the installation as itwill cause condensation build-up resulting in possible white ruststaining.

soldering is an excellent way of joining two pieces of zinc toanother in a weather-tight fashion. It should be noted that asoldered joint will not allow for any thermal expansion andcontraction, therefore soldering should only be used to join smallpieces of zinc to one another.

before soldering, all surface treatment of oxidation on the metalmust be either chemically or physically (gentle abrasion) removed.

For more information please consult our guide to soldering.

Profiling andfolding zinc

Protecting zinc

Soldering zinc


Working with zinc

The protective film should be removed from the zinc panels uponcompletion of the facade or roof all at the same time.

The protective film should remain on the zinc no longer than 60days after the installation of the panels. Make sure that othertrades do not contaminate zinc panels after the film is removed.

The film must not be partially removed during installation for theremaining film to be removed at a later date, as this is likely toallow water to become trapped between the zinc and the partiallyremoved film resulting in staining. It should be noted that moststains are very difficult to remove.

If fully filmed sheets are being used to form panels, which maymake it difficult to remove the film after installation, the film canbe scored by using a piece of zinc (greatly reduces scratching ofthe pre-weathering). This must be done on an area of the panelwhere water cannot build up, i.e. in the reveal of a cassette paneland not on the face of a panel. The scoring must also be done soas to leave a clean well-adhered edge to the film.

once the film has been removed it must not be covered withtimber, tarpaulins, etc as these will trap water and induce staining.

Protective film


Maintenance

Minimumrequirements

andnormal

maintenance

although zinc is a metal that requires very little maintenance andthe rinsing effect of rain water is often sufficient to keep the zincin ideal condition the following precautions should be followed.The roof and or wall should be regularly inspected and any foreignmatter such as leaves, grass and other deposits should beremoved. special attention should be given to gutters, insuringthat they are clean and not blocked thus allowing the free flow ofwater (flat gutters which result in standing water are notrecommended). This maintenance shall be at the owner`sexpense after the installation work has been completed.

Normal foot traffic use implies traffic reduced to a strict minimumfor normal maintenance defined above and for other work, suchas installation and servicing of aerials, etc.

It is advisable to take all the precautions and useful provisionsnecessary so as not to cause any puncturing of the flat parts ordeformation of the joints, roll capping, roof vents, etc. Care mustalso be taken to clean footwear prior to walking on the roof.

In the case where technical equipment requiring frequentinspections (air conditioning, for example) is installed on the roof,certain adaptive arrangements such as walkways should beconsidered.

as indicated above, the rinsing effect of the rain will often meanthat no other cleaning is necessary. however, it is possible towash the zinc with warm water and a mild detergent.

The zinc must always be cleaned in the direction of the grain ofthe metal. Pressure washers are not recommended. Cleaning withdetergent can be supplemented with application of a very smallamount of mineral oil. The zinc must be completely dry prior toany application of mineral oil. It is always advisable that a smalltest area is cleaned and left for 24 hours prior to proceeding to alarger area.

Foot traffic

Cleaning


Maintenance

Scratches Due to the self healing nature of zinc we would recommend thatsmall scratches be left to heal on their own. We do notrecommend the use of touch-up paint.

In coastal areas salty water can stagnate on all surfaces includingzinc. When the water evaporates it is possible that this can leavea white stain.

on surfaces that are rinsed by rainwater the majority of thestaining will be removed. however, on non-rinsed facades andsoffits it is possible that these stains will build up and be moreprominent.

It should be noted that this staining is purely aesthetic. allprojects within 1km of salt water should be considered as ‘severecoastal’ and within 20km as ‘coastal’. see page 10 for moreinformation.

Salt


sustainable performance

Low energy used in the

manufacturingprocess

VMZINC rolled zinc products are used inconstruction industries throughout the worldfor their sustainability, distinctiveappearance, and low maintenance requirements. as with VMZINC facade andrainwater systems, manufacturing processesfor our standing seam system presents a lowenvironmental impact, particularly withregard to energy expenditure.

as the comparative energy expenditurediagram opposite shows, less energy isrequired to extract zinc from the groundthan the other principal metals, and iseven more favourable for recycled zinc.such minimal use of energy in theproduction of zinc clearly indicates itscontribution to sustainable development.

95% of old rolled zinc recovered every yearin Western Europe, currently estimated at100,000 tonnes, is reused. This representssavings in mining resources of between 1 and 2 million tonnes.

The VMZINC standing seam system benefitsfrom zinc’s self-protecting patina whichdevelops as a result of exposure to waterand carbon dioxide. over the last 50 yearsthe quantity of sulphur dioxide in theatmosphere has been greatly reduced. so2being the key agent of corrosion meansthat corrosion rates are now 1μm per year.With an initial thickness of 0.7mm, theestimated life span of rolled zinc is over ahundred years.

VMZINC undertakes Life Cycle analysis (LCa)tests on its products and publishes Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs),such as brE Environmental Profiles, availablefrom our website www.vmzinc.co.uk andwww.greenbooklive.com. These provideusers with comprehensive, reliable andtransparent information on relevant environmental characteristics. Theinformation is also used by VMZINC as thebasis for its eco-design approach.

Low corrosion,long life

Recycledmaterial

Comparative energy expenditure in manufacture

Compared with other metals, very little energy is needed to manufacture zinc metal from ore –less than half the consumption of copper and stainless steel and less than a quarter of that used foraluminium. CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions are also, therefore, proportionally less.

A naturalmaterial


sustainable performance

Environmental profiles measure theimpacts of a construction material, productor building system throughout its life, notonly during its manufacture, but also itsuse in a building over an 80-year period.This includes its extraction, processing, useand maintenance and its eventual disposal.

VMZINC has been audited and reviewed bybrE Global. The Life Cycle assessment (LCa)modelling derives a Certified EnvironmentalProfile and a Green Guide rating has beenproduced.

a wide range of zinc roofing and claddingsystems has been audited with thesystems receiving Green Guide ratings of A and A+. These profiles can then beapplied to the brEEaM (brE Environmentalassessment Method) allowing VMZINC tocontribute to schemes such as the Code forsustainable homes.

since 2009, VMZINC has been ohsas 18001certified, thus conforming to occupationalhealth and safety management systems.

VMZINC manufacturing plants haveconformed to Iso 14001 since 2004/5 soprocesses are strictly controlled to ensurethat emissions are significantly below thenational regulation threshold.

Iso 9001 is the internationally recognisedstandard for the quality management ofbusinesses and applies to allUmicore/VMZINC products and services.Certification was originally obtained in 1997and updated in November 2003 to conformto Iso 9001: 2000.

ISO 14001

ISO 9001

OHSAS 18001

BRE

SubjectThe subject of this document is intended for specifiers (building project architectsand design teams) and users (companies responsible for installation on the building site) of the designated product or system. Its purpose is to provide themain information, text and diagrams, relating to specification and installation. Anyuse or specification outside the area of use and/or specifications contained in thisbrochure requires specific consultation with the Umicore technical departments.This does not commit the latter to any responsibility with regard to the feasibilityof the design or implementation of these projects.

Countries of applicationThis document applies exclusively to the specification and installation of the designated products or systems on building sites in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Qualifications and reference documentsPlease note that the specification of all construction systems for a given buildingremains the exclusive responsibility of its design team, who must, in particular,ensure that the specified products are suitable for the purpose of the building andcompatible with the other products and techniques used. Please note that thecorrect use of this manual requires knowledge of VMZINC materials and of thezinc roofing profession. While construction is underway all standards in force mustbe respected. A video showing the installation process is available via downloadfrom www.vmzinc.co.uk or www.vmzinc.ie. Furthermore, Umicore offers trainingcourses specifically for professionals.

ResponsibilityThe specification and installation of VMZINC products manufactured by Umicoreare the sole responsibility of the architects and building professionals who mustensure these products are used in a way suited to the end purpose of the construction and that they are compatible with other products and techniquesused. The specification and installation of the products implies respecting thestandards in force and the manufacturer’s recommendations. In this regard, Umicore publishes and regularly updates specification and installation manuals forspecific geographic areas and provides training courses. All the information on thelatter can be obtained from the local VMZINC team. Unless otherwise agreed inwriting, Umicore cannot be held responsible for any damages resulting from a specification or installation that does not respect all of Umicore’s specificationsand the above standards and practices.

Umicore Marketing Services UKFour Rivers House,Fentiman Walk,Hertford, Herts, SG14 1DB

Tel 01992 822288Fax 01992 584460Web www.vmzinc.co.ukWeb www.vmzinc.ie

Documents

General technical recommendations - VMZinc · 2014. 4. 3. · General technical recommendations 3 Introduction to VMZINC Zinc is among the most sustainable metals used in construction