EN 988
Specifications for rolled zinc sheet and strip in construction. Defines composition (Z1 ≥99.995%), zinc-copper alloy, gauges 0.55-1.5 mm, mechanical properties and dimensional tolerances.
In force since 1997
European regulatory framework
Technical Standards Applied
Composition, properties, compliance and practical application in ZincArt's work.
EN 988
Rolled zinc sheet and strip in construction.
EN/DIN 1179
Chemical composition of primary zinc (grades Z1 to Z5).
EN 1172
Copper and copper alloys for roofing.
EN 612 and EN 1462
Eaves gutters, downpipes and their supports.
Why technical standards matter for metal cladding
Zinc and copper used on roofs, facades and drainage systems are construction products subject to a consolidated set of European standards. These standards secure the chemical composition of the material, its mechanical behaviour, its expected durability and its compatibility with other systems. For the end client, this means the installed material is traceable, certified and meets the performance requirements declared by the manufacturer.
ZincArt installs only materials compliant with the applicable European standards. This page summarises the main regulatory framework, the relevant technical properties and how we apply the standards in day-to-day practice.
The standards we apply
Four families of European standards
Material, chemical composition, drainage - each subsystem has its own reference standards.
EN/DIN 1179
Chemical composition of primary zinc used as raw material for sheet manufactured to EN 988. Sets grades Z1 to Z5 based on minimum zinc content and impurity limits.
Grade Z1 (≥99.995%) for construction
EN 1172
Copper and copper alloys for roofing and exterior cladding. Defines Cu-DHP composition (residual phosphorus 0.015%-0.040%), gauges 0.5-1.0 mm, mechanical properties and surface requirements.
Roofs, cornices and skylights
EN 612 + EN 1462
Eaves gutters and downpipes in metal sheet (EN 612) and gutter brackets (EN 1462). Hydraulic sizing supported by EN 12056-3, which sets the design flow rates from project rainfall intensity.
Rainwater drainage systems
Composition of the zinc-copper alloy
Modern architectural zincs are in fact a zinc alloy with small amounts of copper and titanium, formulated to optimise mechanical behaviour and long-term stability. This composition, defined by EN 988, drives some of the material's most relevant technical properties.
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Copper (0.06%-0.2%) - increases creep resistance (slow deformation under constant load).
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Titanium (0.07%-0.2%) - reduces grain size, improving mechanical strength and cold workability.
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Zinc (≥99.5% after additions) - the base of the material, responsible for forming the basic zinc carbonate patina that protects the surface for decades.
Technical table
Technical properties: zinc vs copper
Indicative values for zinc (EN 988) and copper (EN 1172). Product-specific values are stated in the manufacturer's declaration of performance.
| Property | Titanium-Zinc | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.2 kg/dm³ | 8.9 kg/dm³ |
| Melting point | 419.5 °C | 1,085 °C |
| Expansion coefficient | 0.022 mm/m/°C | 0.017 mm/m/°C |
| Recyclability | 100% | 100% |
| Service life (rural environment) | 80-100 years | 100+ years |
| European standard | EN 988 / EN/DIN 1179 | EN 1172 |
CE marking and compliance
How we apply the standards in practice
Construction products placed on the European Union market are subject to Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (CPR). For rolled zinc and copper, CE marking is provided by the manufacturers through their declarations of performance (DoP). On site we file and make available to the client, on request, the DoPs and certificates of conformity for the lots installed.
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Workshop control
Every sheet received is checked for lot compliance (gauge, finish, marking) and cross-referenced against the manufacturer's declaration of performance.
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Lot traceability
Each project is linked to an identified set of sheet lots, with reference to manufacturer, finish and certificate of conformity.
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Compliant execution
Standing-seam and cassette systems built in line with the manufacturer's recommendations (clip spacing, ventilation, expansion).
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Documentation handed over
Final dossier with declarations of performance, certificates of conformity for the lots and technical data sheets for the systems installed.
Resources
Reference documentation
Technical summaries of the main European standards applicable to zinc and copper cladding. For the full document, consult the IPQ catalogue or request from us.
EN 988
Rolled zinc in construction
Composition, gauges, mechanical properties, dimensional tolerances.
PDF · Technical summary
Request
EN/DIN 1179
Composition of primary zinc
Grades Z1 to Z5, minimum zinc content, impurity limits.
PDF · Technical summary
Request
EN 1172
Cu-DHP copper for construction
Composition, gauges 0.5-1.0 mm, surface properties.
PDF · Technical summary
Request
EN 612
Eaves gutters and downpipes
Dimensions, minimum gauges, soldered and riveted joints.
PDF · Technical summary
Request
EN 1462
Gutter brackets
Types, materials, spacings and admissible loads.
PDF · Technical summary
Request
EN 12056-3
Rainwater drainage - flow
Hydraulic sizing from rainfall intensity.
PDF · Technical summary
RequestFor architects and engineers
Specification support
Standard details, specification sheets, technical descriptions and support on coordinating with insulation, waterproofing and drainage systems. Learn more at Design and Consulting.
- Standard construction details
- Specification sheets
- Technical descriptions and DoPs
- Technical support during construction