Most of the problems that appear in the early years of a metal roof's or facade's life come from decisions made — or omitted — at the design stage: insufficient pitches, badly sized expansion joints, finishing details defined only on site. A well-prepared zinc and copper roof design anticipates all of these questions and turns the project into a predictable process, free of expensive rework.
At ZincArt we provide specialised technical consultancy on zinc and copper cladding to architects, engineers, contractors, project managers and private clients — from the preliminary study stage through to on-site supervision.
Initial technical analysis
Each project begins with a technical analysis of the context: site visit, dimensional survey, reading of the existing plans and sections (or of the architectural intent, at study stage) and identification of the critical points. We check the structural substrate, solar orientation, exposure to wind and prevailing rain, proximity to the sea (relevant to the longevity of the material) and interaction with the other disciplines.
On restoration works, this survey is particularly important: we measure existing profiles, record historic finishes to be preserved and identify pre-existing pathologies to be treated before the new intervention.
Detailed quote within 24-48h
After the initial analysis, we deliver a detailed quote within 24 to 48 hours for standard projects, or within an agreed timeframe for projects of greater complexity. The document itemises measured areas (m² for cladding, linear metres for gutters and flashings), proposed material with brand, thickness and finish, the constructional system (standing seam, snap-lock, soldering), separate fabrication and installation costs, estimated timelines and warranty terms — ten years on watertightness and installation for standard projects. This transparency lets the client compare proposals on equal terms.
Constructional detailing
Constructional detailing is the heart of the service. We draw the execution details for the sensitive points of the cladding, at appropriate scale (1:5, 1:2 or 1:1): expansion joints, finishes against walls, transitions between planes of different pitch, junctions with chimneys and skylights, encounter with windows, integration with drainage.
The drawings include sections, plans and partial elevations, with sheet thicknesses, seam direction, fold dimensions and fixing systems. For more demanding geometry — barrel roofs, facades with irregular modulation — we produce three-dimensional models that anticipate clashes with other disciplines.
On-site technical support
Our on-site support extends through the full execution. The technical team carries out periodic visits to verify the conformity of the work, answer questions from the installation team and resolve situations that only reveal themselves on site. Each visit is documented in minutes with photographs. When installation is carried out by an external team, this supervision works as a quality guarantee — particularly relevant on copper work and on standing seam roofs, where precision is critical.
Programme and time management
Coordination with the other disciplines is what makes it possible to meet demanding deadlines. We prepare programmes that identify the critical dependencies — structure, waterproofing membrane, stonework, windows — and, for large projects, propose phasing by zones. The programme also takes into account favourable weather windows: soldering and standing seam should not be executed on wet sheet.
Compliance with standards
All the materials we install are supplied by leading European mills (VMZINC, elZinc, RHEINZINK) and comply with the European standard EN 988, which defines the chemical composition and mechanical characteristics of zinc-titanium for construction. Compliance with this standard is the technical basis that guarantees the documented longevity of the material and its compatibility with current constructional systems. Mentioning EN 988 in a specification is a simple way to ensure that the project will not receive products of variable quality; for public projects or others subject to regulated procurement, we can provide technical data sheets and declarations of conformity. Find out more about the materials we use.
For architects and engineers
For the B2B channel, the consultancy can be provided as a stand-alone service, with no obligation of subsequent award. We offer design support at the preliminary study stage, libraries of construction details in editable format, technical specification for the bill of works, budget estimates at the planning stage, joint visits to reference projects and physical material samples. The intent is to support the designer in working confidently with zinc and copper — materials that offer great visual freedom but require specific technical knowledge for durable application.
See also our services on zinc and copper roofs and zinc and copper facades.
For private clients
When the project is commissioned directly by a private owner, with no design team appointed, our service includes the support that would normally be provided by an architect: we explain the options in clear language, show comparable visual examples, help to choose between finishes based on the expected outcome at five, ten and twenty years, and indicate the necessary administrative authorisations (prior notification, council licensing, rules for historic areas). The aim is for the client to understand exactly what they are committing to, with no surprises mid-project.
Find out more about ZincArt and our team.
Examples of work
Request a quote
To start a project, request a preliminary estimate or arrange a visit, contact us by phone on 935 610 516, by email at zincart.pt@gmail.com, or via the contact page. For projects in tender or with a tight deadline, please indicate the deadline at first contact.