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Decoding Your Warranty: Paint Chalking

Posted on April 29, 2016April 29, 2024 by Heather Hollis

The third and final element of our “Decoding Your Warranty” blog series covers paint chalking. As with fading, chalking is an expected occurrence with any paint system that is subjected to outdoor exposure, and while it may be preferable to other issues such as cracking or peeling, it is still important to the metal roofing industry and its customers. As a result, similar questions should be asked about how this is addressed in paint system warranties to ensure chalking isn’t the cause of premature damage to your metal roof system.

What is paint chalking?

Also referred to as “powdering”, chalking happens when the resin (binder) of the paint system is compromised. The resin is the substance that holds the paint pigment together. It also ensures the color is evenly distributed and provides glossiness, durability and flexibility. In addition, resin has the very important job of adhering the pigment to the metal surface it’s applied to and protecting the finish against damage.

When the resin at the surface of the paint finish deteriorates, most often as a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, the embedded pigment particles lose their adhesion to the paint film (resulting in color fading) and the resin particles take on a white (chalky) appearance that is easy to wipe off of the surface. In addition, chalking can erode the film resulting in a loss of substrate protection and run down onto the underlying structure, further degrading the appearance of your structure.

How can you protect against paint chalking?

Climates that are exposed to more intense UV rays for longer periods of time will experience chalking sooner as the environment plays a big role in how painted metal will perform. While you may not be able to control how much UV or moisture exposure your roof gets, you can choose a paint system that is not over-thinned or over-spread and that uses high quality components. ABC’s Signature® 200 system incorporates a 30 percent SMP Resin—one of the strongest in the marketplace—to help reduce the amount of chalking experienced.

Similar to the fading section of the warranty, paint system warranties allow for an acceptable amount of chalking. Chalking is measured in accordance with the standard procedures as defined by the “Standard Methods of Evaluating Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paints”, ASTM D4214. ABC guarantees the level of chalk on vertical panel applications will not chalk in excess of a numerical rating of eight (the higher the numerical rating, the better) for 30 years for our Premium paint system colors and 25 years for our Select40 paint system colors. For non-vertical panel applications, ABC guarantees a rating of 6 for 30 years for our Premium paint system and 25 years for our Select40 paint system. Consumers should be aware of these numbers, and expect them to be expressed in sample warranties.

Check out ABC’s metal color resources and warranty information to learn more!

Missed parts one and two of the “Decoding Your Warranty” blog series? Start reading now!

Decoding Your Warranty: Paint Fade Protection

Posted on April 14, 2016March 24, 2023 by Casey Walker

Will a Metal Roof Lose its Color?

Paint fading is one of the biggest concerns voiced by metal roofing customers. Over time, all paint systems will fade so it’s important for your customers to understand how warranties can protect their investment. Buying a red roof that prematurely fades to pink is unfortunate enough, but this is made even worse by a warranty that doesn’t adequately protect their purchase.

ABC WARRANTY INFORMATION: PAINT FADING

Why does paint fading matter?

The paint on your customer’s metal roof or wall isn’t just for decoration. In addition to providing color, the paint finish also protects the panels from corrosion, temperature, moisture and other detrimental environmental elements. Fading is the most common source of color change over time and happens when environmental elements deteriorate the paint’s pigment (granular particles that give the paint its color). This deterioration also reduces the paint’s effectiveness in protecting metal panels.

Paint fading is measured by the American Society of Testing Materials’ (ASTM’s) Hunter unit (∆E) standard, which compares the faded color to the original. In accordance with ASTM Standard D2244, one Hunter Unit is equal to the smallest amount of change visible to the naked eye.

What do you need to look for in your warranty?

Selecting a product with a 40-year warranty is a great start, but not all panels, paint systems and warranties are created equal. Your customers should make sure that the manufacturer provides a warranty which clearly defines the number of Hunter units the paint system is allowed to change for both vertical (wall) and horizontal (roof) applications. This is critical when comparing one painted metal roof or wall against another. The lower the number of Hunter Units expressed in the warranty, the better the paint system will resist fading.

ABC’s Premium paint system warranty guarantees paint will not fade in excess of five units in vertical applications and seven units for non-vertical applications over the course of 30 years, with the exception of Radiant Red. ABC’s fading specification on all colors available in our Select40 paint system guarantees protection for the same degree of fade as guaranteed in the Premium system, but for 25 years. Check out ABC’s color resources and warranty information to learn more!

What’s next?

Understanding the film integrity and fading for metal panels is very important, but it doesn’t end there. In the final installment of our “Decoding Your Warranty” blog, we will uncover a third consideration that can help you and your customers understand metal roofing and siding warranties: chalking.

Decoding Your Warranty: ABC Paint Film Integrity

Posted on March 23, 2016March 24, 2023 by Tim Wells & Bob Swoger

With a 40-year limited paint system warranty, the ABC Signature^® 200 offering represents one of the most sophisticated siliconized, modified polyester (SMP) paint coating and warranty protection products in the industry. But do you understand what it means to have a 40-year warranty?

To comprehend your coverage options, you first need to know what a “40-Year Warranty” means in the industry. This limited warranty covers the film integrity of the paint system used on your wall and roof panels in case of cracking, checking and peeling for a period of 40 years. Most manufacturers of metal roofing have this basic warranty available, however—as with any warranty—the most miniscule details can impact the overall effectiveness and value.

To select the right protection for roofing or building projects, ask questions to confirm your understanding of the warranty coverages and options before purchase. Some pertinent questions to consider include:

Are there any exceptions to the warranty?
Are all colors covered?
What are the limitations of the warranty?
What are the financial implications of not abiding by the warranty?

The answers to these questions and additional coverage information should be readily available and provided to you by the supplier. Keep in mind that all 40-year warranties—while generally similar—are not equal; it’s essential to thoroughly investigate the product’s warranty details to ensure the best property protection is received.

We encourage you to view ABC’s warranties on our website. You can also learn more about the proper handling of ABC’s metal panels by reading the product installation manuals. The precautions in the manuals can help save time, heartache and, of course, money.

What’s next?

How well paint adheres to the substrate is not the only concern for many metal wall and roof panel consumers; homeowners often ask us about the fading of the paint system and the factors that should be considered when purchasing.

In the next installment of our “Decoding Your Warranty” blog, we will discuss fading in more detail and provide insight into this commonly overlooked factor in warranties.