Confidence Inspiring Metal Tests We Perform So You Don’t Have To Worry.

Learn the detail behind Steelscape’s quality, durability, and consistency painted metal testing

 

 

Article Summary

Poor quality and high-quality metal can often look the same when new. Performance only differs over time, after the product has already been installed. How can you ensure you select a quality product? Source your metal roofing or siding material from a reputable supplier with a stringent quality program.

 

Did you know that Steelscape undertakes a series of stringent tests on all our products to ensure they are stunning and durable?

 

The quality regiment Steelscape undertakes for its pre-painted metal products includes testing for:

• Color correctness
• Consistent and suitable paint thickness
• Appropriate curing
• Correct paint hardness and impact resistance
• Consistent color vibrancy including appropriate gloss
• The paints’ ability to withstand forming into roofing or siding
• The paints adhesion to the base metal

Our paint systems must also pass stringent corrosion, humidity, and UV tests before being released to the market. These tests are performed using specialized tools and to established ASTM standards.  With this extensive product quality program, Steelscape painted products deliver ultimate peace of mind to metal user and designers.

 

Learn more about the Steelscape quality difference by seeing what we do, explore our commitment to quality, and how this enables us to produce innovative products.

 

Quality at every corner

Most people are aware of the longevity and strength offered by metal roofing and metal siding. Many homeowners select metal as their preferred material of choice due to its ability to outlast other material types by two or three times.

So what sets metal apart? A key difference that contributes to the longevity of a metal roof is the way its finish is applied and the stringent testing requirements it undertakes to ensure it will withstand the harshest conditions for years to come.

Reputable metal painters (called coil coaters) do not rely on the consistency of the process alone and employ a series of standardized tests to ensure the painted metal is fit for purpose. This article explores these tests and why each is important.

To avoid long-term disappointment, always check that the material used in your metal roofing or siding project is sourced from a reputable organization that practices these test protocols.  Organizations that belong to industry bodies, such as the National Coil Coating Association (NCCA), will follow these test protocols as part of their commitment to quality standards.

 

 

What testing does genuine Steelscape painted metal undertake?

What do we check for at Steelscape to ensure the product is fit for purpose?

1. Is it the right color? Color is assessed on a standardized scale called the LAB scale, which plots the coordinate of color based on its lightness or darkness and magnitude of color.
2. Is the paint the correct thickness? Steelscape uses a specialty device, called a stereoscope to assess if the paint is the right thickness
3. Has the paint cured properly? In this test the metal will be rubbed repeatedly with a solvent. The paint passes this test if there are no observable signs of paint loss or damage.
4. Is the paint too brittle? A beryl pencil is run against the surface at a 45-degree angle. The material will pass this test if this pencil mark does not cut or scratch the painted surface.
5. Is the painted finish as vibrant as promised? Testers observe multiple points of the painted surface with a gloss meter to confirm that the gloss reading is within a prescribed range.
6. Can it be formed into tight shapes without issues? The ‘T bend’ test simulates extreme radius turns in which a sample piece of metal is bent per test protocols, and the painted surface inspected for cracks.
7. Is the paint adhering to the base metal properly? A round-ended weight is dropped onto the metal from a predetermined height. The deformed surface is examined for cracks or breaks in the coating

 

All these tests are performed in accordance with prescriptive ASTM standards. Read More to learn about the product testing program in detail

 

 

The paints that Steelscape uses are also extensively tested prior to being sold in metal roofing and siding markets. This testing ensures that these paint systems will meet long term performance benchmarks. Key paint system tests include:

1. The salt spray test. This test evaluates the long-term corrosion performance of the paint system. The test exposes the product to constant spray from a saline solution in a temperature-controlled chamber
2. The humidity test. This test creates prolonged condensation to form on the test metal samples. The paint finish passes this test if it can withstand extended exposure without any impact on the paint system such as blistering.
3. The UV test. This test simulates if the finish will blister, chip, or crack due to extended exposure to the sun. Invisible to the naked eye, UVA and UVB rays can induce chemical reactions that create surface damage.

Read More to learn more about these important paint tests.

 

 

So why are these tests important?

A key advantage of metal is that it is designed to last for decades once installed. But unlike other products, quality is often difficult to assess when new. Poorly applied paint systems may initially appear acceptable but deteriorate rapidly. Additionally, metal products often do not have any prominent branding or marking, and inferior products may sometimes be passed off as quality-tested systems.

Sourcing from a reputable supplier that has a stringent quality program will ensure the roof lasts its intended lifespan and does not need to be prematurely replaced. Replacement is often at a significant expense as in most scenarios the entire metal surface will need to be replaced to avoid color-matching issues. Additionally, reputable suppliers that follow quality programs will often offer longer product warranties and superior technical support.

 

Summary

Steelscape products undertake rigorous testing processes to help achieve a high-quality finish.  Detailed testing in addition to a controlled production process guarantee that Steelscape’s painted metal finishes will stand the test of time.

However, a high-quality painted finish is only a piece of the puzzle; the paint system, application, the quality of the installation, and the environment all influence the longevity of pre-painted metal.

To learn more about how genuine Steelscape steel is used in roofing and siding applications, and the considerations needed, visit our Learning Center.

 

Other useful links for more information

Steelscape Technical Resources – The Steelscape Green Book

Other Technical Resources – Documentation Library

Industry body of coil coaters – National Coil Coaters Association

Technical question – Ask Steelscape

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