If your next architectural project requires the look of an aged or weathered roofing or cladding product, consider Pittsburgh-based United State Steel’s Weathered Metal Series. The Weathered Metal Series will give your next project the distinctive aged appearance and the rich, classic character it deserves.
Photo courtesy of Western States Metal Roofing.
What is Weathering Steel?
Weathering steel, often referred to by the trade name COR-TEN, is a group of steel alloys that were developed to eliminate the need for painting. Weathering steels develop a rust-like appearance after being exposed to Mother Nature over time. This weathering creates a patina coating that resists future corrosion, but the patina may create unsightly stormwater runoff staining on surface areas such as sidewalks.
Sheet Steel Options Exist
U.S. Steel answered architects and designers who wanted the patina look and enduring strength of COR-TEN without staining implications. The Weathered Metal Series, released in 2005, is made by coil-coating a Galvalume sheet substrate with a paint finish that mimics the color and texture of naturally aged weathering steel. Included is a base color coat with a contrasting pattern overlay print under a topcoat infused with infrared reflective pigments to provide cool roof characteristics. Currently, U. S. Steel offers six different finishes. The most popular colors of choice are Cor-Ten AZP Raw and Robust, which mimics the patina of traditional COR-TEN weathering steel products. COR-TEN AZP Raw is a specialty paint finish that looks weathered and does not have the problems associated with rust run off from COR-TEN. In addition, COR-TEN AZP Raw is Energy Star certified.
U.S. Steels’ Cor-Ten AZP Raw
U.S. Steel offers two additional paint systems that mimic aged copper and galvanized steel with COPPER-TEN and GALV-TEN. Each color provides the appearance of rusted and/or aged metals with the advantages of a highly reflective PVDF coating. These paint systems deliver a stylish, modern look when applied over coated steel sheet. All Weathered Metal Series color options offer a limited 25-year pre-painted Galvalume warranty, improved solar reflectivity and thermal emissivity, high recycled content and total recyclability.
Galvalume: A Familiar Product with Untapped Potential
Galvalume is one of the most popular modern building materials due to its strength and versatility. Found typically in standing seam and roll formed panels, this material is easily formable and is regularly painted. Combining the excellent corrosion protection of aluminum with the galvanic protection of zinc, results of numerous studies are validating that Galvalume roofing will endure the life cycle of the building—60 years!
Weathering steels develop a rust-like appearance after being exposed to Mother Nature over time. This weathering creates a patina coating that resists future corrosion, but the patina may create unsightly stormwater runoff staining on surface areas such as sidewalks.
Growing in Popularity
The look of aged and weathered roofing and wall cladding is growing in popularity and is used in commercial, residential and industrial applications. The rich tones of The Weathered Metal Series can add warmth and dimension to interior or exterior applications. COR-TEN and COR-TEN AZP are both remarkable products that improve the palette available to architects and designers.
Dave Durham is the construction marketing manager for U.S. Steel, Pittsburgh. For more information and product samples of The Weathered Metal Series, visit www.ussteel.com.