Galvanised sheeting is a durable and reliable material that has been used for roofing for over a century. It is made of high quality hot dipped zinc coated steel, with no additional coatings added. Galvanised steel now serves as the base material for Polyester paint and PVC Plastisol coated roofing sheets.
When installed and maintained correctly, galvanised sheets can last for a number of years. However, it's important to note that the material is highly vulnerable to corrosion, particularly the steel beneath the zinc coating. For this reason, we advise against using galvanized sheets within three miles of the coast as coastal environments can significantly reduce their lifespan.
It is important to keep in mind that galvanised steel will naturally weather and dull down over time. Additionally, the finish of galvanised steel can vary, so if color consistency is a concern, we strongly advise opting for a coated finish such as PCV Plastisol.
Notes:
It's not uncommon for galvanised steel sheets to be mistaken stainless steel, but it's important understand that these are two distinct finishes.
Please note that galvanized sheets cannot be painted until they have weathered, which typically takes around six months. If you require a durable colored finish, we suggest considering polyester painted or PVC plastisol sheets.
It's important to keep in mind that galvanised steel is not a colour and its surface finish is not uniform. As the steel weathers, you may notice discoloration in certain areas, and the surface will become rougher over time. For a more consistent finish, we recommend using a coated steel finish such as polyester paint or PVC plastisol.
It's important to take proper care when storing galvanised sheets. We advise that they are stored indoors at a consistent temperature if possible. This is to prevent water ingress and minimise weathering while still stacked. Additionally, we recommend degreasing the sheets to remove any excess rolling oil, as this may cause reactions when the steel begins to weather.
Aluminium is a durable and lightweight material, making it an ideal choice for roof and wall flashing. Its properties allow for easy on-site handling and installation. With high durability and excellent resistance to corrosion and weathering, aluminium flashings offer an extremely reliable long-term weatherproofing solution for any roofing project.
Polyester paint is a cost-effective and widely accepted material for agricultural purposes. However, it usually requires maintenance and recoating every ten to fifteen years. When handling polyester painted sheets, it is important to be careful as the paint coating can be scratched very easily. As such it is always good practice to purchase touch up paint to cover any minor scratches incurred during handling and fitting. If you require a more durable coating that requires less maintenance, we would recommend using PCV Plastisol coated sheets.
Notes:
Galvanised substrate to BS EN 10346:2009 and primed undercoat offering excellent corrosion resistance
PVC Plastisol coated sheeting is a top-quality galvanized steel sheet that is coated initially with a primer paint followed by the PVC top coat, resulting in a highly durable product that is resistant to fading and scratching. PVC Plastisol coatings have been tested and classified as Class 0 in accordance with building regulations BS476 part 6 1989 and Part 7 1987.
PVC Plastisol comes with a leathergrain embossed finish, a wide range of colors, and a manufacturer's expected lifespan of up to 25 years to first maintenance, this product is an excellent choice for those looking for a long-lasting and reliable solution.
Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) coatings are a commonly used commercial and industrial coating. PVDF is a fluoropolymer resin that is highly inert and stable, providing excellent resistance from metal weathering over time. PVDF coatings are a resin-based coating system.
We can supply a range of PVDF coated flashings which can also be used to get the closest match to the Kingspan Spectrum coating range.
For further information on finish specification please click here