Profiled steel cladding – scratching

Cause

Trees or shrubs brushing against cladding

Repair

  • cut back the trees or shrubs that have caused the problem
  • if the scratches are relatively minor, some manufacturers of factory-coated profiled steel suggest that they be left alone and do not recommend touch-up paint. As one major manufacturer puts it, minor scratches left untreated “become less noticeable as the coating weathers and do not affect the corrosion inhibiting properties of the material.” This manufacturer defines minor scratches as scratches that do not extend to the metallic coating, are less than 3 mm wide and are not visually noticeable from a distance of 3 metres
  • localised painting over scratches is not recommended because over time, air-dried paint repairs often age faster and differently from the profiled metal cladding itself and become more visible. Metal cladding manufacturers say that the colour-match paint that is available to match factory-coated steel colours is designed for use on accessories to the pre-painted material and not for repairing marks or blemishes on the profiled steel itself
  • if the scratches are extensive and severe, contact the manufacturer or supplier for advice
  • metal cladding manufacturers recommend that widespread or severe damage be fixed with replacement of entire profiled metal sheets. This is particularly important in coastal areas with a greater corrosion risk from salt spray

Cause

Sheets dragged rough surface during installation

Repair

  • the general advice in the first repair applies
  • if the scratching was caused by the builder, is severe and the construction work was completed within the last 10 years, call the original builder back. Homeowners can take action for up to 10 years after building work is completed if implied warranties set out in the Building Act have not been met. These include requirements that work be carried out competently and with reasonable care and skill

Cause

Careless stacking before installation

Repair

  • the general advice in the first repair applies
  • if the scratching was caused by actions of the builder, is severe and the construction work was completed within the last 10 years, call the original builder back. Homeowners can take action for up to 10 years after building work is completed if implied warranties set out in the Building Act have not been met. These include requirements that work be carried out competently and with reasonable care and skil