Installing zinc strips on a roof is an important step in the process of adding protection to your home’s exterior.
This article will explain how to install zinc strips on a roof, and also offer some tips for ensuring that they are installed correctly.
What is Zinc Strips?
Zinc strips are long thin plates of zinc that have been rolled into a cylinder shape. They can be used to prevent corrosion on metal roofs, gutters and flashing.
Zinc is the only thing that protects against rust in metal roofs .
Metal roofs require an annual maintenance called “whitewashing” which consists of applying a zinc paste over the entire roof surface.
It helps to resist rusting which can begin within a matter of months.
Importance of zinc strips on a roof
Zinc strips help maintain the life of a roof. Its main purpose is to protect the felt from the elements. In order to lengthen the elastomer, zinc strips are used on flat roofs, and rolled membrane roofs.
Although the need for zinc strips has decreased due to new roofing materials, it will always be necessary on very old roofs.
Zinc strips are typically made of 90% pure zinc with 2-3 % silicon and 6 % aluminum. Only pure zinc is used because impurities can cause damage to the metal when exposed to UV light.
There are other types of zinc plates, such as alloys and galvanized steel. The alloy is the most common. It should be noted that these other materials do not meet the standards for installation.
Steps on how to install zinc strips on a roof:
1) First of all, determine the length and number of zinc strips that you will need to install.
This can be done by measuring the width and length of your roof. You can then plan out how many pieces are needed for both sides.
2) The next step is to gather all your materials together.
You will need a ladder, nails, hammer, zinc strips and any other specialized tools that might help you with this project.
3) Once all the materials have been gathered together it’s time to go ahead and start installing your zinc strips.
The first step is deciding where on the roof you want them to be placed. It is best to keep the zinc strips away from any ridge caps or other roofing materials that might interfere with them.
4) Place your first zinc strip in place according to your roof measurements.
Make sure that the top of it is just below the edge of the roof surface. You can then attach it using nails and a hammer.
It would be helpful to have another person or two for this part of the job. This will make it much easier to keep the zinc strip in place while you nail it down.
5) Once all your zinc strips are attached, take a step back and look at them.
Make sure that they are placed evenly around your roof and that there aren’t any areas where they are overlapping.
6) If all the zinc strips seem to be in place then it’s time to move onto sealing them into position.
You can use a caulk or even silicon sealant for this. Just make sure that you don’t apply too much as you do not want any of it spilling over onto your roof.
7) Now that all your zinc strips are in place and sealed down, it’s time to cover them with a layer of tar.
This will offer the best protection for your zinc strips and also help prevent any further damage from occurring to them.
You might want to hire a professional for this part since they would have the proper equipment to apply the tar properly.
8) Make sure all the sealant has dried before you go ahead and try any heavy winds or rainstorms on your roof.
You might also want to consider adding another coat of sealant over the top of the tar if you live in an area where there is a lot of rain. This will help protect your roof for years to come.
What other benefits will installing zinc strips have for my home?
Installing zinc strips on the roof of your home is not only good for water resistance, but it can also increase the value of your home.
Zinc strips are a great low-cost way to protect against leaks and other damage caused by water damage. They can even protect and prevent ice dams and icicles from forming on the roof.
Are there any disadvantages of installing zinc strips on your roof?
One disadvantage of installing zinc strips on a roof is that they may need to be reapplied every five years or so.
There are also health concerns about breathing the vapors emitted from solder. Some roofing materials that are currently used for this process may also be considered dangerous to install.
How much does it cost to install zinc strips on a roof?
The cost of installing zinc strips on a roof will vary depending on the size of your roof and how many you want to insulate (you can do more than one section at once), but it’s generally between $550 and $950.
One thing that might help is if you have someone else install zinc strips too – then maybe they can talk to your friends and you can all get a discount.
Conclusion
It would be much easier if you could find someone to do this for you – probably even at a lower price since they may be able to use their other employees who are experienced in working on roofs.
If you are determined to install zinc strips yourself, please make sure that your hands are protected from the elements otherwise you may get frostbite.
All in all installing zinc strips on a roof is not the most difficult project, but it does take some time and effort.
However, homeowners would agree that they are well worth the money spent when you consider how much protection against water damage they offer your home.
