Description
Lead flashings get stolen, and copper turns streaky green down a wall. Natural titanium-zinc is the metal a lot of roofers now reach for instead: it cuts and folds cleanly and settles into a soft, even grey that suits period brickwork, slate and stonework. This is the flat sheet, supplied in four thicknesses and up to 3m long, for you or your zinc worker to form into flashings, dormer cheeks, cladding and small roofs.
Read this first: these are flat, unformed sheets. They are not a pre-formed standing seam system, and folding, seaming and soldering happen on site, ideally by an installer who has worked with zinc before. Edges are sharp, so wear cut-resistant gloves whenever you handle them.
Why choose natural zinc sheet
- A practical lead alternative for flashings, soakers, abutments and dormer cheeks.
- Four thicknesses from 0.8mm for light flashings to 1.5mm for larger, more exposed panels, so you can match the gauge to the job rather than overpay.
- Natural bright finish that weathers to a protective matt blue-grey patina; the supplier states this takes around 6 to 24 months depending on exposure.
- Long sheets, fewer joints: lengths up to 3m mean fewer cross-joints on a parapet or long dormer cladding run.
- Heritage friendly: zinc is a familiar metal on conservation and listed-building work, though always confirm the specification with your conservation officer.
Where it is used
- Roof flashings, abutment and step details in place of lead
- Dormer cheeks, roofs and cladding
- Small flat and low-pitch roofs, porches and bay roofs formed with welted or standing seams
- Parapet and wall copings, cappings and cill trays
- Chimney trays and back gutters
Specification
| Material | Titanium-zinc, natural bright finish |
|---|---|
| Standard | Supplied to EN 988 (supplier-stated) |
| Thicknesses | 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm |
| Sheet sizes | 1600 x 900mm, 2000 x 1100mm, 2500 x 1100mm, 3000 x 1100mm (not every size in every thickness, see below) |
| Form | Flat sheet, unformed, not pre-profiled |
| Density | 7.2 g/cm³ |
| Origin | European (supplier-stated) |
| Finish | Natural bright, weathering to grey patina |
| Sold | Per sheet |
Sizes and options
- 0.8mm: 2000 x 1100mm and 2500 x 1100mm. The lightest gauge, best suited to flashings, cappings and light cladding. The 2000 x 1100mm size is currently in limited supply.
- 1.0mm: 1600 x 900mm, 2000 x 1100mm, 2500 x 1100mm and 3000 x 1100mm. The most versatile choice for general flashings and small roof work.
- 1.2mm: 1600 x 900mm, 2000 x 1100mm, 2500 x 1100mm and 3000 x 1100mm. A stiffer sheet for dormer roofs, wall cladding and exposed details.
- 1.5mm: 2000 x 1100mm and 3000 x 1100mm. The heaviest gauge for the most demanding, exposed or high-wear situations.
Installation and safety
- Handling: sharp edges, so gloves are essential. Store flat and dry; stacked zinc sheets that stay wet can develop white staining, so keep them ventilated.
- Build-up: zinc needs a ventilated build-up over a suitable underlay on a solid, continuous deck. Do not lay it straight onto bare timber or insulation without following your installer's or zinc-manufacturer guidance.
- Thermal movement: zinc expands and contracts noticeably. Use proper welts, seams and clips or allow for sliding fixings, and never fix rigidly across long runs.
- Jointing: seaming and soldering need practice and the right flux and tools. Use a skilled installer if you have not formed zinc before.
- Keep separate from copper: do not let water run from copper or lead onto zinc, and avoid direct contact with copper.
- Keep separate from acidic or treated timber: oak, cedar and pressure-treated timber can attack zinc. Use a suitable separation layer or membrane between them.
Compatibility and companion products
For a traditional metal rainwater look, pair it with our natural zinc half round and box guttering, which uses the same soldered, lap-jointed approach. Zinc sheets need a breathable underlay in a ventilated build-up, and our 125gsm breathable roofing membrane is one option for the underlay layer; check the choice and detailing against your zinc worker's specification, as some zinc build-ups call for a specific structured separation layer. We do not currently list a zinc-specific solder, flux or clips, so source those with your installer.
Ordering guidance
Measure the developed (unfolded) width of each flashing or panel, including upstands, laps and folds, before choosing a sheet. Round up to whole sheets and allow for seam allowances and cutting waste. Sheets are sold individually, so for a long run choose the longest size that your access allows. Stock on individual sizes can vary; if you need a size that shows as unavailable, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Which thickness should I choose for flashings? 0.8mm and 1.0mm are the usual choices for flashings and cappings, with 1.0mm the safer all-rounder. Go to 1.2mm or 1.5mm for larger panels, exposed areas, or where a stiffer, more forgiving sheet is easier to form.
Can it replace lead? For flashings, cheeks and small roof details, zinc is widely used as a substitute. It is harder and less malleable than lead, so it is formed with folds and seams rather than dressed into shape, and it is not a like-for-like swap on every detail. Check the specification with your roofer or building control.
Will it look silver forever? No. The bright mill finish gradually turns matt grey as a protective patina develops. The supplier quotes 6 to 24 months depending on exposure.
Can I use it next to copper or lead? Not without care. Water running from copper can damage zinc, and lead run-off should also be kept away. Keep them separate, or detail so that water does not flow from one onto the other.
Do I need a specialist to install it? For anything beyond a simple flashing, yes. Forming welts and seams and soldering joints are skilled jobs, and a bad seam is where zinc roofs leak.
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