Zinc roofing is one of the most durable and eco-friendly materials you can use to build a roof. But how much can you expect to pay?
This article will cover how much you can expect to pay for zinc roofing and the factors that affect the cost of zinc roofs.
Zinc Roofing Prices Per m²
We worked with a qualified quantity surveyor to build out the rates for a zinc roof. The rates below are for South East/Outer London regions given in m².
| Item | Labour cost / m² | Materials cost / m² | Cost per / m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasterboard ceiling - 12.5 thick on battens | £40 | £12 | £52 |
| Plywood - 18 thick | £16 | £17 | £33 |
| Structural - 150 x 50 timber joists @ 400 centres, wall plates, other supporting timbers etc | £23 | £23 | £46 |
| Slab Insulation - 120 thick Celotex | £6 | £22 | £28 |
| Tyvek Breather membrane | £3 | £3 | £6 |
| Vapour Barrier | £4 | £2 | £6 |
| Timber battens / slats to support zinc | £16 | £10 | £26 |
| Standing seam zinc | £100 | £66 | £166 |
| Total | £208 | £155 | £363 |
There may then be additional items that increase the cost. These are as follows:
| Item | Cost per / m |
|---|---|
| Steel Gutters | £35 |
| Zinc Box Gutter | £95 |
| Steel Downpipes | £55 |
| Flashings | £25 - 40 (dependent on width) |
Factors Affecting Costs
Size of Roof
This affects the amount of zinc needed. The above rates would apply to a small domestic roof of 10m2 or less; however, if you were to have a 100 m2 zinc roof these rates would reduce.
Zinc Price Fluctuations
Because zinc is a commodity, it is prone to price changes on a regular basis. Generally, it is affected by both US and Chinese demand, Chinese supply and the price of oil, gas and electric.
Quality of Zinc
The quality of zinc used affects the price. High-quality zinc costs can be upwards of £200/m2
Structure or Design of Project
The above material costs are all fairly standard, but architects and contractors could all design a zinc roof slightly differently, with some designs cheaper than others.
Flat Roof vs Pitched Roof
Flat roofs tend to be significantly cheaper than pitched roofs to install.
Sloped roofs are more dangerous than flat roofs. Furthermore, larger homes may have complex roofs, with sections sloped and sections flat.
Installing a zinc roof on top of a sloped structure costs more than a flat roof installation.
Location
The rates below are for the South East/Outer London Area. You can use the following adjustments depending on where the roofing needs to be done. These are based on the BCIS and Spon indices.
| Region | % Adjustment |
|---|---|
| South East (Southampton, Oxford, Kent, Outer London) | 0 |
| Inner London | +4% |
| South West (Bristol, Exeter) | -4% |
| West Midlands (Birmingham) | -10% |
| East Midlands (Northampton, Nottingham, Leicester) | -10% |
| East Anglia (Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich) | -5% |
| North West (Liverpool, Manchester) | -12% |
| Yorkshire and Humberside (Leeds, Sheffield) | -11% |
| North East (Newcastle, Sunderland) | -10% |
| Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow) | -6% |
| Wales (Cardiff, Swansea) | -9% |
| Northern Ireland (Belfast) | -12% |
Benefits
Low Maintenance
If you install zinc roofing then you can almost forget about any maintenance costs. Zinc is highly durable and is able to resist continuous corrosion.
When exposed to moisture or carbon dioxide in the air, it forms a protective coating. Even if it is scratched, it can recover given enough time. This isn’t the case for steel. If its coating layer is scratched, the base material rusts over time unless a protective layer is applied.
Even in harsh climates with lots of exposure to rain and wind, you won’t need to worry about ongoing maintenance.
Eco-Friendly
The melting point for zinc is around 420°C. This might sound like a lot, but it’s far lower than steel (1370°C), copper (1085°C) and aluminium (630°C). This means it uses far less energy for production.
It’s also 100% recyclable and roughly 30% of all zinc produced is from recycled sources – and this number is only going to get higher.
Zinc roofs can easily be produced from zinc derived from re-roofed or demolished builds.
Long Lifespan
Zinc is naturally resistant to corrosion, meaning it can withstand all weather extremes including extreme heat, wind and rain. It also has a much longer lifespan expectancy than a standing seam steel roof.
Properly installed zinc can last over 100 years compared to just 25 to 50 for steel roofs.
Zinc roofs will not rot, split, warp, or leak, unlike many other common roofing materials and aren’t susceptible to pest infestation.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Be sure to do your research when hiring a roofing contractor. Some of the questions you can ask include:
- Look at their website and check photos or recent case studies
- Ask for testimonials or recommendations from people you trust
- Check their professional credentials: these include SPRA or NFRC
- Ask whether rubbish removal is included. If not, you’ll need to arrange this yourself, or pay a contractor to sort it out.
- Check that the roofing contractor has insurance, including public liability. This will protect you if someone claims for an injury that occurred during the installation.
- Get a written quote and ensure everything is included within.
Get Prices on Zinc Roofing Near You
Zinc roofing is still pretty new in the UK market. This means finding professional roofers specialising in zinc roofing can be difficult.
We work with all the best zinc roofers ready to price your job. Get free, no-obligation quotes in your local area and compare prices using the form below.
- Compare Multiple Quotes & Save Up to 40%
- Certified & Vetted Roofers
- Free & No Obligation
- Local Zinc Roofers Near You
About the Author
Alex Johnson is a qualified quantity surveyor and writer with a passion for conducting original research and uncovering the true cost of jobs. His cost data has been referenced by EDF Energy and the Scottish Government.
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