Which metal is best for coastal locations?

For projects that are 20km or closer to the coast, we recommend that you use Zinc as your metal of choice. Any material with a synthetic coating such as aluminium or steel would not have great longevity in a coastal environment, however, Zinc is a metal that performs extremely well and your warranty with VMzinc will not be affected due to location.

However, Zinc can react with its external environment such as air with a high salt content because it’s a natural non-painted metal. We would not recommend using Zinc for soffits or gutters as these are unrinsed surfaces so there is a high chance of permanent staining from the salt exposure. In the past, our clients have used a timber finish for their soffits to avoid this problem.

The VMzinc Pigmento and Strat ranges are recommended for coastal locations as they are a pre-weathered Zinc that is sealed with a lacquer. For that reason, elements including salt in the air are far less likely to react with the Zinc than the standard Quartz or Anthra finish. The pigmento and strat ranges are easier to clean and have the rinsing of rain water helping to reduce future staining on building surfaces.