Identifying Material Failure: Corrosion, UV Degradation, and Structural Weakness
Explore the science behind roofing deterioration—from chalking and edge creep to paint delamination—and understand how poor material selection leads to long-term financial loss. Learn the technical solutions to protect your investment and ensure a high-performance, maintenance-free industrial structure.
Abstract
When building an industrial warehouse, factory, or commercial shed, the roof is often the most significant investment. Many people assume that all metal sheets are the same as long as they look “shiny and colourful” at the time of purchase. However, there is a hidden science to metal roofing. Choosing the wrong material based on a low price is what we call the “Cost of Ignorance.” Within a few years, a “cheap” roof can cost you double in repairs, interior water damage, and eventual replacement.
1. Introduction
Here are the 5 warning signs that your colour coated roofing sheets are of inferior quality, and how you can avoid these mistakes.
2. Analysis of Failure Modes
2.1 Chalking (When your roof turns into powder)
Have you ever noticed a white, powdery film on a coloured roof? This is called Chalking. It happens when the paint’s resin breaks down due to harsh sunlight (UV rays).
2.2 Edge Creep (Rust starting at the edges)
If you see brown rust lines starting at the edges where the sheets were cut or where the screws were drilled, you are seeing Edge Creep.
2.3 Paint Peeling or Delamination
This is one of the most common failures. The paint starts coming off in large flakes, almost like a snake shedding its skin.
2.4 Bubbling (Corrosion from the Inside)
Sometimes the top of the roof looks fine, but you see small bubbles forming under the paint. This is a sign that the metal is rotting from the inside out.
3. Structural Anatomy
The Secret is in the “Anatomy”. To prevent these 5 failures, you need to look beneath the surface. At Acier Steel, we believe that a great roof is built layer by layer.
Our sheets are engineered to beat the “Cost of Ignorance” by using a superior 4-layer system on both sides of the metal:
- Premium CR Steel Core: Cold Rolled (CR) Steel for maximum structural strength.
- Aluzinc Shield (AZ 70/150): The primary corrosion inhibitor.
- Double-Sided Primer: Creating a permanent bond between metal and colour.
- UV-Resistant Top Coat: Advanced SMP/SDP resins for colour retention.
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
Saving 5% today on cheap materials often leads to spending 50% more on repairs tomorrow. Choose quality, choose the right anatomy, and protect your structure for the long term.
5. Appendix: Field Protocols
Bonus Section – Site Engineer’s Checklist: Receiving Colour Coated Roofing Sheets
To avoid the “Cost of Ignorance” during installation, provide this checklist to your site team:
Don’t Pay the “Cost of Ignorance”
Invest in high-performance roofing that withstands the elements. Explore our range of Aluzinc and Color Coated sheets designed for longevity.
[1] Acier Steel Technical Documentation. “Anatomy of a Roofing Sheet.” Internal Standards, 2024.
[2] Industry Standard Protocols. “Corrosion Resistance in Industrial Environments.”