CORE-TEN Steel®
Explanation, Advantages, and Disadvantages
Weathering Steel, best known under the trademark Core-Ten® steel or ASTM A606-4, is a group of steel alloys which were developed to eliminate the need for painting and form a stable rusted surface when exposed to the weather. A606-4 has increased resistance to atmospheric corrosion when compared to bare cold rolled steel.
Core-Ten® resists the corrosive effects of rain, snow, ice, fog and other meteorological conditions by forming a coating of dark brown oxidation over the metal, which inhibits deeper penetration and negates the need for painting, and costly rust-prevention maintenance over the years. In simple terms the steel is allowed to rust and that rust forms a protective coating that slows the rate of future corrosion. Core-Ten® steel will have a substantially longer lifespan than bare cold rolled steel.By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select metal roofing and siding that balance durability, aesthetics, and cost, ensuring a long-lasting and visually appealing investment.
Metal Roofing Panels Painted to Look Rusted
Painted products that look old and weathered are the best alternative for an instant rustic appearance. Also known as ≈Paint PrintsΔ it is a product that has been painted repeatedly giving the finish depth and uniqueness.
The paint line applies a base coat of solid color on the coil and then coil runs through a second time with a different color using a special engraved paint roller that creates a pattern on the coil. In many instances, a paint print will try to replicate naturally occurring patina. Paint prints normally consist of painted panels that try and replicate an orange/brown rusted appearance, a faded dull galvanized appearance, or a patinaed copper.
Advantages & Disadvantages
These three products have unique advantages and disadvantages. Paint Prints arrive looking weathered, there are no rust stains, and there is a paint warranty. The trade off is that they cost more, and they may not look as authentic as the real thing. Core-Ten® and bare cold rolled cost less and maybe be more appealing for its authentic look. However there is no warranty and anything that rusts will produce rust stains, In addition when using Core-Ten® or bare cold rolled steel it is important to use heavier gauge steel. Regions that have salt laden air, high rainfall, humidity, or persistent fog are typically not the proper environment for Core-Ten® and even less so for bare cold rolled steel.