If you’re a contractor who installs standing seam metal roof and wall systems, you significantly rely on coil manufacturers and suppliers to provide high-quality material for your projects.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from LITONG.
Whether you’re rollforming your own panels on-site or purchasing panels from a regional manufacturer, you might run into a supplier that is advertising a low price for what seems like a quality metal sheet and coil product.
However, these low-cost coil suppliers are often cutting corners, including lacking proper quality assurance procedures, supplying a lesser quality product, or offering little to no post-sales support, all of which can negatively affect you and your contracting business.
At Sheffield Metals, we don’t claim to be a low-cost coil supplier. We offer our metal products at a competitive price level, which allows us to:
In the article, we’re going to discuss the top six problems that your contracting business could encounter if you choose the low-cost metal coil supplier.
The most apparent problem with buying from a low-cost coil supplier is that you run the risk of getting lower-quality metal to work with. This can cause issues in the long and short run, including premature failure, forming problems, little to no offered warranties, and more.
While this affects your customers directly, problems that stem from cheap, low-quality materials also reflect poorly on your business. It could stir up bad reviews, money and time lost in repairs, or worse.
Some common reasons that metal coil is offered at a lower price include:
Beyond problems with the metal substrate, a low-cost coil might also have a cheap or low-quality paint system coating the metal. The paint quality relies on the resin type, which affects the longevity of the color and overall system performance.
In the architectural standing seam metal roofing industry, most metal coils are expected to have a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) resin coating system, commonly referred to as Kynar 500® or Hylar ®. PVDF resins are the best protective coatings available to stand up to extreme temperatures, sun exposure, oxygen, humidity, and even pollution particles in the atmosphere.
The minimum requirement for a PVDF paint system is 70% PVDF and 30% acrylic, but some suppliers sell products with less than 70% PVDF in the paint system. The lack of PVDF will cause the paint to fade faster and affect the overall color integrity, allowing a manufacturer to sell the metal at a low price.
SMP coatings are a step below PVDF in terms of quality. This resin consists of a combination mixture of polyester and silicone materials. SMPs are known to be a great option to defend against extreme weather conditions.
SMP is still a good paint system for many metal roofing applications, but in terms of warranties and longevity, PVDF is the clear winner. It’s critical to watch out for businesses that might be marketing or selling SMP coated coil as PVDF, which has happened with less credible suppliers.
All three of these resins, which you can read more in-depth about in this article, are available as coating options for metal sheet and coil. These products are all significantly cheaper than SMP and PVDF coated material because they don’t offer the same protection level.
Again, some suppliers may falsely advertise their coil as PVDF or SMP when it’s coated in a plastisol, polyester, or FEVE resin.
The good news is that there are some ways to tell if a paint system is trustworthy, including:
The third problem with cheap metal sheets and coils relates to engineering. Most reputable manufacturers test their metal coil and offer panel profile engineering, which means they adhere to many of the stringent testing standards and requirements used for residential and commercial projects.
Engineering requirements dictate the type of material used in testing. With lesser grade material that might have more inconsistencies due to a lack of quality control processes, it is hard to know if the material you are getting is what was actually tested, if there was any testing done at all.
Engineering is designed to not only keep your customer and their property safe, but it also keeps your contracting business safe. Having engineering can substantiate the performance of the roof you’re installing, so why wouldn’t you always want to use an engineered product?
For reference, make sure to ask if the supplier’s metal sheet or coil is usable for profiles that have passed and received the engineering reports for:
Another indicator of if a coil supplier is questionable or if their metal coil is subpar is whether they offer warranties, including paint/finish, substrate, and weathertight warranties.
It’s simple: Metal roofing should have a warranty of some kind. Metal is a high-quality product that comes at a higher price point than many other roof types, which is why reputable manufacturers will stand behind their products with warranties. Plus, not only should there be warranties offered, but the warranties should be straightforward as to what is and is not covered, and for how long.
As a contractor, warranties also set your business apart from your competitors, as warranties strengthen your credibility and trustworthiness to prospective customers.
While paint and substrate warranties are available with the metal sheet and coil upon purchase, the opportunity to offer a weathertight warranty for commercial roofing projects is a game-changer. It not only certifies that the products used on the roof are high-quality, but it verifies that your business correctly installs the high-performance roofing system. So, if a coil supplier can offer a weathertight warranty option, it’s more likely that they’re a credible business.
Additionally, all warranty documents should be easily accessible and/or available on a supplier’s website. If you’re unable to find this information or the supplier is vague about what they can offer, you should question their ability to provide quality products.
Some low-price coils and sheets are known to be incompatible with in-plant and portable rollforming machinery. Alternatively, if the cheaper coil will run through a rollforming machine, it might produce deformed or unusable panels.
Some examples of these occurrences include:
Finally, one of the most prevalent problems associated with buying low-cost metal is the lack of resources and assistance you can expect from the supplier. There is always a reason that the material is cheaper, and a lot of it relates to the support offered when you become a customer.
Some of the standard support issues we’ve come across with low-cost suppliers include:
Choosing the low-cost metal sheet and coil supplier could lead to more money lost in the long run. Plus, it’s typically not worth risking your reputation on choosing materials that are the lowest price.
So, if you’re in the market for buying metal sheet and coil products, the best thing to do is research and learn about the different manufacturers and options available to you. Then, use your best judgement to pick the supplier that suits you and your business.
To get you started, here are some questions you might consider asking:
Our main goal at Sheffield Metals is to help you grow your manufacturing or contracting business. We do this by providing you with the high-quality products you need to install and fabricate standing seam metal panel systems, as well as the engineering, support, and tools to help take your business to the next level.
When it comes to sourcing materials for construction, manufacturing, or industrial use, aluminum coil is a versatile and popular option. Known for its durability, light weight, and corrosion resistance, aluminum coil is used in a variety of applications, from building facades and roofing to automotive components and electrical conductors. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right aluminum coil can be overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when purchasing aluminum coil, helping you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Aluminum coil refers to a flat-rolled product made from aluminum that is wound into a coil for easy transportation and further processing. The aluminum is typically rolled into a thin sheet, which can be further shaped or formed into specific products based on the requirements. Aluminum coil is commonly used in industries like construction, automotive, aerospace, packaging, and electrical engineering due to its versatile properties.
Key properties of aluminum coil include:
Lightweight: Aluminum has a low density, making it easy to handle and transport.
Corrosion-Resistant: Aluminum forms a natural oxide layer that protects it from rust and corrosion.
Durable: Aluminum is strong and can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Recyclable: Aluminum can be easily recycled without losing its properties, making it eco-friendly.
Green Color Aluminum Coil
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Purchasing the right aluminum coil involves several key factors. Understanding these will help ensure that the material you choose is suitable for your specific application.
Aluminum coils come in various alloys, which are determined by the metals that are combined with the aluminum to enhance specific properties. The most common aluminum alloys are:
Series: High purity aluminum, typically used for electrical conductors and chemical applications.
Series: Known for good corrosion resistance, used in roofing, siding, and HVAC applications.
Series: Offers excellent resistance to corrosion and is commonly used in marine environments.
Series: The most commonly used alloy, ideal for structural and architectural applications.
Series: High-strength aluminum alloys typically used in aerospace applications.
The temper of the aluminum coil indicates how it has been treated to enhance its strength and flexibility. Common tempers include:
H14: Half-hard temper, good for applications requiring moderate strength.
H16: Stronger temper, often used in applications that demand higher strength.
O (Annealed): Soft and flexible, ideal for forming and shaping.
PVDF Color Coated Aluminum Coil
The thickness of the aluminum coil plays a significant role in its strength and durability. The thickness is usually measured in gauge or millimeters, with thicker coils offering more strength but being harder to form. Consider the end-use requirements to determine the appropriate thickness. For example, roofing and siding materials may require a thickness of 0.2mm to 1.5mm, while structural applications may demand coils up to 6mm thick or more.
Similarly, the width of the coil is essential, as it determines how much material can be processed at once. The standard width of aluminum coils typically ranges from 500mm to mm, but custom sizes are also available to meet specific requirements.
The surface finish of aluminum coil affects its appearance and performance. Aluminum coils are available in a variety of finishes, including:
Mill Finish: The natural, uncoated finish that gives the aluminum a matte, silver-gray appearance.
Anodized Finish: A durable, corrosion-resistant finish created by an electrochemical process.
Painted Finish: Aluminum coils with a painted surface offer additional protection and come in various colors and textures.
Polished Finish: Provides a shiny, mirror-like appearance ideal for decorative uses.
Choosing the right finish is essential, especially for aesthetic applications where appearance is important. Additionally, coatings like PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or polyester can enhance the coil's resistance to UV rays, weather, and environmental pollutants.
When purchasing aluminum coil, it is crucial to consider the strength and durability required for your application. For example, industries like aerospace, automotive, and marine environments require higher-strength alloys that can withstand extreme conditions. For less demanding uses such as decorative panels or packaging, standard-strength aluminum alloys may suffice.
Consider the specific mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the aluminum coil to ensure it meets the needs of your project.
Aluminum coil suppliers often comply with industry standards and regulations to ensure the product meets safety, quality, and environmental guidelines. Depending on the application, your aluminum coil may need to meet certifications such as:
ISO : Quality management standard ensuring consistent product quality.
RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances, ensuring the aluminum coil is free of certain dangerous materials.
ASTM Standards: A set of standards governing material quality and performance for various applications.
Recyclability Standards: Ensuring that the aluminum is recyclable and meets environmental guidelines.
While the cost is always a factor when purchasing aluminum coil, it should not be the only consideration. Cheaper products may cut corners on quality, which could lead to increased costs in the long run due to performance issues or the need for replacements.
To ensure you are purchasing high-quality aluminum coil, choose a reputable supplier with a proven track record. Look for customer reviews, industry certifications, and support services. Building a relationship with a reliable supplier ensures that you have access to the best products and customer service when needed.
Purchasing aluminum coil for your business or project requires careful consideration of various factors, including alloy type, thickness, surface finish, and strength. By understanding the different types of aluminum coils available and assessing your specific needs, you can make an informed decision that optimizes both cost and performance. Whether you need aluminum coil for construction, manufacturing, or a specialized application, following the guidelines in this ultimate buyer’s guide will help you select the best product for your requirements.
1. What is the best aluminum alloy for construction?
The and series alloys are ideal for construction due to their corrosion resistance and durability, making them perfect for roofing, siding, and HVAC applications.
2. How do I determine the right thickness for my aluminum coil?
The thickness required depends on the application. For example, roofing and siding typically use coils with a thickness between 0.2mm and 1.5mm, while structural applications may require coils up to 6mm thick.
3. Can aluminum coils be painted?
Yes, aluminum coils can be painted. Painted finishes provide additional protection against weather and UV rays and offer a wide range of color options.
4. How long does aluminum coil last?
Aluminum coil is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, with a lifespan of 20 years or more depending on the environment and usage.
5. What is the difference between mill finish and anodized finish?
Mill finish is the natural, uncoated aluminum surface, while anodized finish is a protective, corrosion-resistant layer created through an electrochemical process, offering added durability and aesthetic appeal.
Order online at JINHU for comprehensive pricing and fast delivery, or contact us today to learn more about how we can meet your metal needs.
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