Atmospheric Environments - using the best ColorCote®
pre-painted metal roofing and cladding system, for the job, will add years to the life of your roof... and save you money.
It is very important to use the correct ColorCote® pre-painted metal roofing or cladding system and normal maintenance, for the appropriate atmospheric environment. Installing a system designed for moderate environment in a very severe environment will mean a shorter product lifespan, an onerous maintenance schedule and no protection under Pacific Coilcoaters’ warranty programme.
Click here to view a PDF of this guide
It is also important to recognise that manufacturers’ environmental usage tables are only approximate guides to local climatic and geographical conditions. Salt-laden sea air does not stop where the chart says the boundaries are. Prevailing winds and regional topographical variations can amplify the true range of severe marine environments to many kilometres inland from the sea.
A simple rule of thumb is that if you can see the sea from your property an aluminium substrate (ARX™ or AR8™) should be considered.
If in doubt contact Pacific Coilcoaters for specific recommendations.
The design of your house can also dictate which system should be used. For example a house with a minimum pitch roof with parapets two kilometres from the surf should use ARX™.
The same house with a steeper pitched roof (which allows rainwater to wash off the worst of the salt residue) could use ZRX™ but the cladding should still be ARX™.
In severe marine environments care needs to be taken with cut edges and penetrations --including screw holes -- to prevent the spread of corrosion (with aluminium substrates this is not as critical).
Using the best paint system for the job and choosing between a steel or aluminium substrate (depending on the environment) will add years to the life of your roof... and save you money too!
It can be a false economy to buy a product on cost alone – particularly something like pre-painted metal roofing and cladding that is protecting your home from the elements.
Sometimes the initial installed price may be a little more up front, but over a 30 – 50 year lifespan you’ll come out way ahead.