Metal panel siding edges rusted before installation - should I do anything about it?

[JamesW84]

I had my Central States metal panel siding delivered in January, and am just now getting to it. It was in the factory wrapping the whole time, but sat out in the weather.

The edges of the panels are now rusted, which is no surprise. Should I do anything about it?

I figure it would be better to do it while the sheets are still stacked if need be.

 

[readhead]

That seems unusual. I’ve had sheets sit longer than that. Have you talked to the supplier about warranty?

 

[SALIV8]

I agree that's no Bueno.

If they are cut to size, I could see the cut edge slowly starting to rust after a couple years, but not full sheets.

I'd call and demand new panels that are properly prepared.

 

[JamesW84]

Pictures attached. I'm not trying to be hard to deal with. I actually was asking what I should do to fix what I have. That was before I saw the bubbles, which I presume is rust? If I flake the bubbles off, it leaves bare metal

 

[Marctrees]

Problem is OP made the error of storing OUTSIDE w plastic still on, and stacked.

Water wicks a bit under the plastic edge, starts rust.

*** Clearly stated a no no by all sheet suppliers.

What can you do now?

Cry ?

Actually, if the rusted edges can be hidden under trim, that would work.

If not, ask metal dealer if an inch or whatever can be cut off w their cutter.

You may very well find other problems as you get into that stack.

Puget Dude is able to advise w this.

Marc

 

[JamesW84]

Problem is OP made the error of storing OUTSIDE w plastic still on, and stacked.

Water wicks a bit under the plastic edge, starts rust.

*** Clearly stated a no no by all sheet suppliers.

Yup, I just read the manual (too late, obviously), and they said to not store in plastic, fan them out, promote airflow, etc. I couldn't have really spread them out very much anyway, so it is what it is.

I guess I'll treat it like bare metal in auto body. Lightly sand the small rust spots, mask it and shoot it with self-etching primer and then top coat.

$8000 in metal, so I can't really buy more.

 

[Marctrees]

And....................................................................

No comments on my other solutions ??????????

Marc

 

[readhead]

Now that we have the whole story and pictures it is clear that the OP stored the material improperly. For the next person please read all the plans and information provided by the supplier. There should be enough length to cut at least one end and maybe both.

 

[PugetDude]

If you do decide to trim the panels, look for a Swenson Shear you can rent or borrow.
The blades are profiled to match the panels and will give you a smooth, square cut.
They're manual, take a bit of effort, but do a good job.

Plan B would be a metal cutting blade in a circular saw.

 

[JamesW84]

And....................................................................

No comments on my other solutions ??????????

Marc

I don't really want to load the sheets on the trailer and run them around town with the risk that they will get further damaged loading and unloading or in transport.

Hiding under trim is a good idea. I won't have trim at the top (hard to explain), but it will be under a lean to and 18 ft in the air, so it won't attract much attention.

After some research to verify, once the moisture is removed, the rust should not spread, or at least at a very slow rate, which was a large question of mine.

Now that we have the whole story and pictures it is clear that the OP stored the material improperly. For the next person please read all the plans and information provided by the supplier. There should be enough length to cut at least one end and maybe both.

To be fair, I wasn't hiding anything. I said in the first post that it was stored outside in the original packaging. The first 2 replies made it sound like that was normal/ok.

I have room to cut if I need. I couldn't have put the metal inside or under a roof or I would have. I thought by leaving the plastic on, it would keep the metal from getting damaged/scratched. Either way, my fault.

Thanks for the help.

 

[SALIV8]

I'm kind of surprised the factory edges weren't sealed like the rest. I have no idea if mine were though I didn't look. Maybe that's typical at the edges to not be painted?

I'd have my contractor cut those rust edges off before installation.

I'd at least talk to the manufacturer and see what they say, they may send you some matching paint for free.

 

[SGKent]

maybe make a trough that you can fill with Osphos or something, Stand each up, and chemically treat the rust before you sand and paint.

 

[Marctrees]

Saliv - AFAIK - The cut to order length ENDS cut edges are always naked steel.

Side edges.. I assume covered in factory coil paint.

Find that Swenson shear and cut off the **** if gonna be exposed.

Marc

 

[SALIV8]

Saliv - AFAIK - The cut to order length ENDS cut edges are always naked steel.

Side edges.. I assume covered in factory coil paint.

Find that Swenson shear and cut off the **** if gonna be exposed.

Marc

Ahhh. That makes sense. Thanks.

 

[rburke65]

Well I would sure as s..t say something

 

[JamesW84]

Why? It's my error for leaving the plastic on it outside for 6 months. They specifically say to not do that, and if you do, it's on you.

 

[PugetDude]

Saliv - AFAIK - The cut to order length ENDS cut edges are always naked steel.

Side edges.. I assume covered in factory coil paint.


Marc

Edges and ends are bare steel, sheared or slit to width. Most manufacturers use galvanized or galvalume steel coil stock. The shearing/slitting operation "wipes" a bit of the galv coating onto the expoed edges. Rain then washes ions from the exposed zinc and aluminum into solution, where they combine with hydrogen molecules from the evaporating water on the cut edge. This effectively coats the cut edges of the steel with a very light coating of corrosion resistant zinc/aluminum. It doesn't work on panels that are covered in plastic since there is little oxygen and no way for the water to evaporate.

Saw cuts also are prone to rusting because there is no "wiping" action during the cut process; a saw blade leaves a relatively jagged, thickened edge that is difficult for the Zn/Al molecules to bridge over.

 

[readhead]

Excellent explanation Mr. Science.

 

[PugetDude]

Excellent explanation Mr. Science.

LOL

 

[Marctrees]

Very good Puget.

I like that kind of talk.


I keep sticking w the find someone w that Swenson shear idea if you cant hide the ends.

Hopefully OP has one of the more common R panel profiles.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Puget - Can the steel supplier re cut trim the ends once it's been formed ?

Or are coils cut to length first, and then formed ?


I've seen trim w plastic, but never full sheets.

I'm concerned about how difficult it will be to remove plastic after all this time.

Marc

 

[bluegoose972]

I was expecting something dramatic. I would find a good rust converter (ie Navy Jelly) and run it along the edge if your really concerned. But, I'll be honest, I find this kinda funny. Metal rusts. We have entire bridges build for the transportation of MILLIONS of people that are covered in rust and yet we are concerned about a little bit of rust at end of a panel. Really?

 

[JamesW84]

But, I'll be honest, I find this kinda funny. Metal rusts. We have entire bridges build for the transportation of MILLIONS of people that are covered in rust and yet we are concerned about a little bit of rust at end of a panel. Really?

LOL, I was more worried about it spreading and being a foot of rust in X number of years.

Some people pay good money (more than what mine cost), for Rusted or the appearance of rusty metal.

I ended up messaging the manufacturer. They agreed that because I didn't follow the instructions, my warranty is void and I have two options:

1) Use it
2) Buy new metal.

 

[PugetDude]

Puget - Can the steel supplier re cut trim the ends once it's been formed ? Yes, if they have a cutback shear with the proper profiled blades. (most do)

Or are coils cut to length first, and then formed ? They can be cut before or after forming. Depends on the profile and who built the machinery.


I've seen trim w plastic, but never full sheets.

I'm concerned about how difficult it will be to remove plastic after all this time. Not sure Central States uses a strippable film on basic R or Ag Panel-with Just-in-time deliveries, most of it is getting erected right off the truck. .

Marc

^^^^

 

[spam4us]

I don't know what you are building with the sheets. One option, if you can, is to cut off 3 - 4 feet and then replace the cut off pieces with new pieces and do wainscoting on the bottom 3 - 4 feet of the wall.