Repainting Factory Prefinished Metal Panels

Cherchez-vous l'information en Français? Cliquez ici pour le trouver.

Introduction
Prefinished sheet steel is used on many building products from wall cladding, to architectural roofing to interior panels. Prefinished sheet steel has been used in Canada for over 30 years and there may be sites were the paint surface is in need of repainting.

Due to the diversity of factory applied prefinished systems, and the diversity of potential field applied repaint systems, it is impossible to offer one comprehensive repaint procedure for all possible situations. However, it is possible to offer a set of guidelines to be considered in every potential situation.

LET COMMON SENSE PREVAIL!

Before You Begin
CONSULT a local, respected professional painter, experienced and equipped to do the job correctly. They can often recommend a coating system for your application that has been proven by experience. Since local environmental conditions can be unique, local experience is valuable.

CONSULT with the original panel fabricator/supplier who can enlist the expertise of the prefinished sheet suppliers to give proven compatible repaint recommendations.

Repaint Procedures
The purpose of every repaint procedure is to prepare the surface to be painted to achieve maximum "recoatability" and intercoat adhesion; that is, to make certain that the new paint sticks to the old surface. Some type of surface cleaning, such as described in CSSBI Sheet Steel Facts #3, should be employed to remove loose surface dirt, chalk, mildew, etc., to facilitate maximum repaint adhesion.

Special attention and treatment must be given to areas that may have already begun to corrode. In those areas, all traces of white, black or red rust must be removed, usually with wire brushing, and primed with a properly formulated corrosion resistant "zinc rich", or similar primer, before repainting with the desired colour coat.

Recoatability Test

To be certain an old surface is ready to accept repainting, it is recommended that a "recoatability test" is run. The following procedure has served the industry well for a number of years:

1. Clean and otherwise prepare several small test areas representative of the entire surface to be repainted.
2. Apply a coat of the desired repaint according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow each test area to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. After drying, using about 200 mm of gray "duct" tape for each area to be tested, firmly smooth about 75 to 125 mm of the tape onto the repainted areas. Rapidly pull off the tape, attempting to remove the recently applied air-dried coating.
4. Unsatisfactory adhesion/compatibility is indicated if the new coating is removed with the tape.
5. If an unsatisfactory test occurs, it may be necessary to conduct a different or additional cleaning procedure, apply an intercoat adhesion primer, or select a different type or different manufacturer's repaint coating.
6. Repeat the "recoatability test" until satisfactory results are obtained.

Quality Paint Means a Quality Job
Remember, typical field-applied air-dry paint finishes usually demonstrate permanence and performance that correspond to their purchase price. Retail house paint applied to a commercial/industrial building will perform like retail house paint and may not give expected performance. The cost of house paint may be lower initially, but because it is not specifically formulated to adhere to metal siding, it will not last nearly as long or perform nearly as well as systems specifically design for repainting sheet steel.

Click to download CSSBI Fact Sheet #3: Repainting Factory Prefinished Metal Panels

Low Slope Steel Roofing - the Winners in Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Cherchez-vous l'information en Français? Cliquez ici pour le trouver.

An independent assessment of the life cycle cost for various low slope roof systems revealed that steel roofing had the longest life span, no leaks due to material failures, and the lowest overall maintenance cost.

These are the results of a study conducted by Ducker Research Company1 for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The purpose of the study was to compare three commonly used types of low slope roofing systems (2:12 roof slope or less) from the standpoints of service life, maintenance cost, and overall life cycle cost.

The study looked at the following three different roofing types:

1. Metal (mostly unpainted coated steel roofs)
2. Built Up Roofs (BUR) - modified bitumen, asphalt
3. Single ply membrane (EPDM/PVC/TPO)

Four different building categories were surveyed:

1. Office/Bank
2. Retail (store, mercantile)
3. Manufacturing (industrial, warehouse)
4. Institutional (education, healthcare, hotel/motel)

Based on 41 plus interviews with building owners and managers, 36 case studies of roofing systems were selected from the western, northern and southern regions of the United States. In all, twelve case studies were evaluated on each of the three roofing types. Steel comprised the vast majority of the metal roofing systems.2 Most of the roofs were installed between 1981 and 1994; roof areas varied from 4,000 to 750,000 square feet with the average being approximately 92,000 square feet. The expected service life of steel roofing was determined to be 40 years – 17 years longer that Built Up Roofs and 20 years longer than Single Ply systems (see Figure 1).

Life Cycle Cost: All relevant aspects of low-slope roofing were considered: roof design, number of layers, sheet gauge, standing seam or through-fastened, insulation type and thickness, installation systems (i.e. seamed, ballasted, etc.), labour, balance of systems (i.e. venting, parapets, etc.), geographical effects, life span and additional items relating to the full life cycle, as well as the original installation cost.

Steel roofing has two characteristics that the other two roofing materials do not:

1. Steel is a non-porous material and under some conditions requires no underlayment to keep the building dry
2. Steel is easily engineered to withstand increased gravity and wind loads

Service life, durability and life cycle cost are considered the most important criteria in the selection of roofing type, according to building owners. While the majority of buildings had experienced roof leaks, none of the steel roofs had leaked as a result of material failure. By comparison, 30% of the Built Up Roofs and 56% of the Single Ply roofs experienced leaks resulting from material failure.

Furthermore, owners of buildings having steel roofs reported having little or no regular maintenance performed on their roofs. The leaks reported on steel roofing were a result of contractor installation problems. Regardless of roofing type, failure to achieve a quality installation is the primary reason for roof failure. (see Figures 2 and 3)

The service life of a roof will vary by system type and it is critical to apply the average annual cost across the full life of the roof system as illustrated in Figure 4. The Ducker Research study also identified that roofing material quality heavily impacts the overall life cycle cost (e.g. greater level of maintenance activities). In this regard, steel roofing and Built Up Roofing were more consistent across all four building categories.

Conclusion:
The Ducker Research Company study showed that the life cycle cost of a metal roof is significantly less than BUR and Single Ply roofing. Steel roofing had the lowest maintenance costs and had, on average, a 17+ year greater lifespan than the other two roofing systems. The study also concluded that
building owners believe that service life and life cycle costs are the most important factors in roofing material selection and overall, metal roofing is by far the best option based on its lowest life cycle cost. Add to this the fact that steel roofing is 100% recyclable, has industry leading recycled content and easily qualifies for LEED Canada certification.

Click here to download Fact Sheet 21: Low Slope Steel Roofing - the Winners in Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Greener by design – SBS have eco-friendly advantages built right in

Cherchez-vous l'information en Français? Cliquez ici pour le trouver.

Steel Building Systems (SBS) are breaking new ground and helping architects and builders construct more eco-friendly buildings for today’s environmentally conscious world.

SBS are pre-engineered systems completely customized to meet the needs of specific projects, regardless of size. The systems involve numerous interrelated steel components that are cut, engineered, and primarily assembled at the manufacturer. All components are designed to work together and they do it best when an SBS manufacturer is brought in at the design stage of a project.

The SBS manufacturers work with the project’s architects and builders to maximize design and economical benefits, plus take advantage of SBS multiple green features. The LEED Canada New Construction Rating System recognizes buildings incorporating leading design, construction, and efficient operational practices with reduced impacts on environment and the public. Projects are evaluated and earn points across six categories towards LEED certification. SBS can help builders and architects pick up much needed points in five of these categories.

Recycling means green at the factory floor! 

SBS components are manufactured from cold-formed sheet steel. As the world’s most recycled material, every newly manufactured steel product has some component of recycled material in it – anywhere from 30% to 95% – depending upon manufacturer and product. At the end of a steel product’s life, 100% of it can be recycled again and again. SBS building components are among the greenest construction materials around because all may be reclaimed and recycled for future use.

Faster construction for less site disturbance

When building with SBS, less people are required at the job site than traditional construction methods. This means that the actual impact on the environment and site disturbance is reduced. Components arrive at the job site as needed and with most of the work already completed.

Superior strength weighs less and conserves natural environments

Unlike other building materials, steel is dimensionally stable and not susceptible to rot or chemical breakdowns. Steel’s overall durability and longevity can be greatly enhanced by a wide variety of coatings and paints to further extend its lifecycle. SBS buildings are designed to last, but when the building’s overall use has been redefined, SBS allows for easy expansion by removing end or sidewalls, and even adding floors.

Energy efficiency and thermal performance 

In Canada, when you choose an SBS manufacturer, you are often choosing a single- source supplier for all of your project’s steel needs. Many SBS manufacturers also provide high-performance steel roofing systems complete with vapour barriers and high R-value insulation to minimize thermal transfer and maximize energy efficiency. Combine these benefits with insulated steel interior walls,
windows, and doors and the whole system can provide an extremely tight building envelope, which means less air loss, better HVAC performance, and energy conservation.

Green choices close to home 

SBS manufacturers are located right across Canada in strategic locations to easily manufacture, assemble, and ship SBS components to project sites.Whether it’s by rail or road, choosing a nearby SBS Canadian manufacturer greatly reduces the transportation costs and pollution associated with gathering the building components.

Click to download Environmental Fact Sheet 4: Greener by design – SBS have eco-friendly advantages built right in

Checklist for Installing Solar Panels on a Steel Building System

Cherchez-vous l'information en Français? Cliquez ici pour le trouver.

The installation of solar panels is spreading across North America and many are being put on top of buildings. This is a checklist of items to consider if solar panels are to be installed on the roof of a Steel Building System (SBS) or steel roof.

• Is the Steel Building System manufacturer aware that a solar panel will be installed on the roof? 

• Does the existing structure have the structural capacity to take the additional load of the solar panels (dead weight and any additional snow load build up)? 

• If the roof is standing seam will the solar panel attachments overstress the panel ribs of roof clips? 

• If solar panels are tilted do they cause additional snow or wind load on the roof? 

• Are the solar panel components compatible with the roof panel finish? 

• What is the actual weight of PV Panels and attachment connections? 

• Will solar panels be installed with inspection walk paths between rows for roof maintenance? (Every forth or fifth row is recommended). 

• Who will be responsible if the solar panels cause roof maintenance or warranty issues? 

• How are panels being attached to roof: on roof plane with cleats or on racks? 
• If using cleats, what is the frequency? 
• If using racks, how are racks connected to the roof structure: frequency, span, connection reaction?

Click to download Fact Sheet 39: Checklist for installing solar panels on a steel building system.

Donation made from CSSBI-CSPI Annual Charity Golf Tournament

The Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute and the Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute made a donation to Grands Frères, Grandes Soeurs de l'Outouais.

The Annual Charity Golf Tournament was held on June 1, 2014 during our Annual Meeting held in Calgary, AB.  In total, $1360 was donated to Grands Frères, Grandes Soeurs de l'Outouais.

Register Now for the Design in Cold Formed Steel Seminar

Our sister organization, the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute Canada is hosting a Design in Cold Formed Steel Seminar. Below are the details.

Design in Cold Formed Steel: Using the North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members CSA Standard S136-12

When:

Monday September 15, 2014

8:30am - 4:30pm

Where:

ArcelorMittal Dofasco

1330 Burlington Street East

Hamilton, ON L8N 3J5

Registration:

CFSEI Members - $225

Non-Members - $275

Each registrant will also receive a comprehensive set of lecture notes full of explanatory material and worked examples.

Registration is limited to 50 people on a first-come first-serve basis.

About the Seminar

The primary objective of this seminar is to make the designer conversant with the latest edition of CSA Standard S136-12 (North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members). This is a harmonized document between Canada, the US and Mexico, and supersedes the 2007 edition (including Supplement 2010). The Specification was developed through a joint effort of the American Iron and Steel Institute’s (AISI) Committee on Specifications and the Canadian Standards Association’s S136 Technical Committee. In comparison to the 2007 edition of S136 (including Supplement 2010), a number of significant changes have been incorporated into the North American Specification, in part due to the harmonization process and in part due to latest research developments.

Topics
The intent is to bring the participant up-to-date with the current design provisions contained in the new North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members (S136-12), highlighting significant changes from the 2007 edition of S136. As well, numerous illustrative examples will be presented.

• Introduction 
• Materials
• General Design Considerations
• Elements in Compression
• Members in Tension
• Members in Bending
• Members in Compression
• Combined Bending and Compression
• Connections
• Member Bracing
• Testing and Fatigue
• Direct Strength Method

Also, the latest Editions of the AISI North American Design Standards for Cold-Formed Steel Framing will be reviewed since these design standards are referenced by CSA S136 for use in Canada.

Registrants are encouraged to bring a copy of the S136-12 Standard to the seminar. If necessary, this can be purchased from CSA by telephone [416-747-4044, or 800-463-6727], E-mail [sales@csa.ca] or by visiting their web site at www.csa.ca.

Schedule
8:00 am     Registration and coffee
8:30 am     Seminar begins
10:15 am   Break
12:00 pm   Lunch provided
12:45 pm   Seminar resumes
2:30 pm     Break
4:30 pm     Seminar concludes

Who Should Attend

• Anyone involved in the design of cold formed steel structural members. This seminar will provide a quick and effective means of learning about the 2012 edition of CSA S136 (North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members).
• Anyone who would like the opportunity to have questions answered concerning all aspects of cold formed steel design.

Speakers
Dr. R.M. Schuster, P.Eng.
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario

Dr. S. R. Fox, P.Eng.
General Manager
Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute
Cambridge, Ontario

Member News: WGI Westman Group Inc. - Grand Opening of New Cambridge Super Centre

WGI Expresses Gratitude for a Successful Grand Opening at Their New Cambridge Location

(Cambridge, Ontario, Canada) – On June 17, 2014, the new WGI Westman Group’s Super Centre had a successful Grand Opening/Open House which commemorated the expansion of their massive network into Ontario, and officially opened their new Cambridge facility.

WGI Westman Group Inc., is a dynamic entrepreneurial group of companies comprised of Behlen Industries LP, Canada Culvert, Frontier Laser, Meridian Manufacturing, and Westman Steel Industries. The Westman Group operates manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities in 27 centres across Canada and one in the United States. As well, it maintains dealer networks throughout North America and has a worldwide customer base.

Through WGI’s expansion into the Ontario marketplace, they have created over 120 new jobs to date and firmly plant their roots in the City of Cambridge. On June 17, they formally introduced themselves in a celebratory Grand Opening event. This special event was held in appreciation of their clientele, host city, talented employees and welcoming market. It was a monumental occasion.

“WGI wishes to sincerely thank the more than 200 people that attended our Grand Opening at our new 605 Sheldon Drive location. The day was an amazing success filled with guided tours, fabulous food, stimulating addresses and inspired conversations! We appreciate each person that joined us, from representatives from the City of Cambridge and Conestoga College, to delegates from the Chamber of Commerce and our valued clients. Above all and most importantly, it was a day that would not have been a success without the organization and dedication of ALL of our employees”. – Mary Taylor-Keefe, General Manager, Westman Steel Industries.

“Our Grand Opening offered incredible tours of all of the businesses that reside at this location and were led by our accomplished employees that run the daily operations in our 140, 000 ft² plant. This was a unique effort within our industry and was very informative. Our event was designed to provide transparency as well as raise awareness of the array of business units and their products that are unique parts of WGI”, said Bob Carswell, National Sales Manager for Canada Culvert.

Being a privately held company such as WGI, ensures that an environment which caters to their clients’ needs can be part of their company’s culture. All aspects of business can be conducted in a more personal manner than at a large public company, and part of this personal approach is demonstrating their gratitude through presenting an incredible Grand Opening event.

WGI Westman Group is looking forward to years of growth in their new community through membership with the Chamber of Commerce, participation in apprenticeship programs, continued R&D and the evolution of their manufacturing facility. They fully anticipate that the Cambridge, Ontario, market will take them to new heights, creating further employment for the region of Waterloo and continued business success!