If you're considering installing a metal roof, then add zinc to your shortlist. Zinc roofs are a good investment and have a range of useful benefits. What are they?

1. Longevity

Like any metal roofing material, zinc should last for many years. However, it has some benefits over other roofing metals such as steel.

Steel roofs typically have to be coated to give them effective longevity. These coatings protect them from corrosion and rust. Often, these coatings contain some zinc because of its extra resilience. Even so, you might have to recoat your roof over time to restore any lost protection.

Unlike steel, zinc doesn't corrode, so you won't have to worry about your roof developing rust damage. You don't have to buy coated zinc panels, so you won't have to worry about the costs of recoating your roof every few years to restore its protection.

2. Patina

Some people install zinc roofs because of the way they develop a patina as they age. This metal looks relatively dark to start with. However, it changes color over the years. It develops a natural patina that lightens its color and changes its tone. This adds a distinctive visual appeal to the roof.

However, patina isn't just a cosmetic benefit. It also helps protect your roof by giving it self-healing properties you won't get from other roofing materials.

For example, if a steel roof gets scratched, then the scratch might remove some of the steel's protective coating. If water gets in the scratch, then the steel will oxidize and rust. You will have to repair or replace part of your roof if this happens.

If a zinc roof is scratched, then you don't have to do anything. The metal will fix itself. The patination process will eventually work its way over the scratch and fill it in. So, you'll have much less maintenance work to do with this kind of roof.

3. Resistance

If you want a roof to last for years without needing a lot of maintenance, then you have to find a material that has resistance to potential environmental damage. Not all roofs can protect themselves from these factors.

For example, some materials have problems with mold, mildew, and plant growth. Some might be affected by UV light, and some might not be as fire-resistant as you'd like.

Zinc roofing scores strongly here. It doesn't encourage growth on its surface. It won't suffer from UV damage, and it is fire resistant.

To find out more about zinc roofs, contact your residential roofing contractor.