Frequently Asked Questions
What gauges does WeatherSteel come in?
WeatherSteel is available in as light as 22ga and as thick as 1" plate. It is recommended that a minimum of 18ga be used for all architectural applications. Since lighter gauges can oxidize enough to adversely affect the ultimate panel thickness
How long does it take to oxidize (rust)?
WeatherSteel will start to oxidize as soon as it is exposed to its first natural moisture. It takes approximately 2-3 years for WeatherSteel to complete its oxidation process.
Is there anything you can put on the WeatherSteel to accelerate the oxidation process?
Attempting to accelerate the weathering process by the use of chemicals or tap water is not recommended because it may result in streaking and non-uniform weathering.
Will the run-off stain?
During the first few years the run-off which contains iron oxide which can stain.
Is there a special kind of underlayment I need to use for WeatherSteel?
It is recommended that a high-temperature underlayment, like Vycor Ultra, or a breathable membrane, such as Vaproshield, be used when installing WeatherSteel over a solid substrate.
How long will a WeatherSteel roof last?
According to the corrosion graphs on WeatherSteel, 18ga WeatherSteel roofing should last twice as long as wood or composition shingles.
What other materials is WeatherSteel compatible with?
WeatherSteel is compatible with copper, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, brass and pre-painted steel. Zinc, galvanized steel, and galvalume are NOT suitable for use in contact with WeatherSteel.
Developing Color
WeatherSteel initially has a gray, cold rolled steel appearance which changes to a reddish brown color upon exposure to moisture. It takes approximately three years to reach its ultimate color potential. Natural moisture like rainfall, dew and fog initiates the weathering process. Over time, the weathering will be fairly uniform, although different locations and elevations can exhibit a variable appearance that is not a defect in the product, but rather one of it’s features.
WeatherSteel is available in as light as 22ga and as thick as 1" plate. It is recommended that a minimum of 18ga be used for all architectural applications. Since lighter gauges can oxidize enough to adversely affect the ultimate panel thickness
How long does it take to oxidize (rust)?
WeatherSteel will start to oxidize as soon as it is exposed to its first natural moisture. It takes approximately 2-3 years for WeatherSteel to complete its oxidation process.
Is there anything you can put on the WeatherSteel to accelerate the oxidation process?
Attempting to accelerate the weathering process by the use of chemicals or tap water is not recommended because it may result in streaking and non-uniform weathering.
Will the run-off stain?
During the first few years the run-off which contains iron oxide which can stain.
Is there a special kind of underlayment I need to use for WeatherSteel?
It is recommended that a high-temperature underlayment, like Vycor Ultra, or a breathable membrane, such as Vaproshield, be used when installing WeatherSteel over a solid substrate.
How long will a WeatherSteel roof last?
According to the corrosion graphs on WeatherSteel, 18ga WeatherSteel roofing should last twice as long as wood or composition shingles.
What other materials is WeatherSteel compatible with?
WeatherSteel is compatible with copper, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, brass and pre-painted steel. Zinc, galvanized steel, and galvalume are NOT suitable for use in contact with WeatherSteel.
Developing Color
WeatherSteel initially has a gray, cold rolled steel appearance which changes to a reddish brown color upon exposure to moisture. It takes approximately three years to reach its ultimate color potential. Natural moisture like rainfall, dew and fog initiates the weathering process. Over time, the weathering will be fairly uniform, although different locations and elevations can exhibit a variable appearance that is not a defect in the product, but rather one of it’s features.
