Page 4 - Westform Public Catalogue 08-06-24

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

OF PREFINISHED SHEET STEEL PRODUCTS

May, 2024

• When storing outdoors is unavoidable, the following is MAINTENANCE
recommended: • A thorough building clean-up after completion of construction
(1) use good covers, loosely shrouded over stacks and firmly should be conducted to remove all debris, metal filings, metal
anchored to prevent wind blow off, but plastic covers fines, etc. from walls and roofs.
should not be used for storage • An occasional cleaning of prefinished material can extend the
(2) tilt bundles for drainage service life and help to maintain the appearance of the finish.
(3) ventilate bundles but do not allow entry of wind-driven rain For protected areas (i.e. overhangs) an annual spring cleaning
(4) block bundles off the ground for effective drainage and is recommended. Simply washing with plain water using hoses
ventilation or pressure sprays is often sufficient. Waxing is an additional
(5) block long panels to prevent sagging method of prolonging the service life of prefinished material.
(6) store out of direct sunlight if possible • In areas where heavy dirt deposits dull the surface, a solution of
(7) store away from chemically aggressive substances (e.g. water and detergent may be used: 100ml (1/3 cup) of a typical
salt, cement, fertilizer), away from material that could laundry powder detergent per 4 litres (1 gallon) of water. A soft
contaminate the surface (e.g. diesel oil, paint, grease) and bristle brush should be used for scrubbing followed by a clear
away from site traffic. water rinse.
• Shipments of bundled cladding panels should be inspected • Mildew may occur in areas subject to high humidity. To remove
upon delivery. mildew along with the dirt, the following is suggested:
• Moisture can cause wet storage staining of prefinished material (1) 100ml (1/3 cup) laundry detergent
and usually occurs in one of three ways: (1) condensation from (2) 200ml (2/3 cup) trisodium phosphate (TSP)
high humidity and/or temperature cycling; (2) wet shipping (3) 1 litre (1 quart) 5% sodium hypochlorite solution
conditions; or (3) wind -driven rain penetration (outdoor (laundry bleach)
storage). The usual progression is from visible water staining to (4) 3 litres (3 quarts) water
unsightly white staining (dark grey to dull black on aluminum- Use in a well ventilated area and follow with clear water rinse.
zinc alloy coated material) to red rust. On material where wet • Solvent and abrasive cleaners should be avoided. Caulking
storage staining has occurred, it should be noted that nominal compounds, oils, grease, tars, wax and similar substances can
amount of white staining is not detrimental to the functioning be removed with mineral spirits applied only to the affected
of the product and is usually considered acceptable. areas. Detergent cleaning and thorough rinsing should follow
the use of solvent.
FIELD PAINTING & TOUCH-UP
• Painting over a new installation is not recommended. All coil For More Information
coated paint films have internal additives that do not allow Additional information on prefinished sheet steel is available in
good adhesion between field-applied paint and the coilcoated the CSSBI Bulletin B1 6-94, Prefinished Sheet Steel for Building
paint layer. Also, because touch-up paint will not last as long Construction For more information about prepainted sheet steel
as the original, keep the touch-up to a minimum. A small products, contact the CSSBI for a list of the Fabricator Members
artist’s brush or a small air brush should be used. For additional in your area.
guidance about painting, refer to CSSBI Fact Sheet 4: Painting of
Prefinished Sheet Steel.
• Replace a panel rather than attempt to touch-up large areas; a
spot 20mm (3/4”) in diameter will become more prominent in
time. For repainting, consult a fabricator member of the CSSBI
who will provide recommendations.