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MATERIALS
MDM offers a wide selection of metals that can be used on your project. Appearance, longevity, and cost can vary substantially. Prioritizing those factors will help point you to the proper selection. Below is a quick overview of some of your options and some characteristics of those choices.
GALVANIZED / GALVALUME:
These are a base metal of steel with a metallic coating of either zinc (galvanized) or zinc-aluminum (galvalume). The galvalume coating offers extended life expectancy even without a paint coating. These metals are frequently sold pre-painted, with Kynar paints being the dominant paint coating in the architectural market. The most common thickness used is 24-gauge. This thickness exhibits a good blend of strength, minimal oil canning, and cost. It accounts for probably 90 percent of the metal panel market. For some structural applications where high strength is needed, or where less oil canning potential is desirable, 22-gauge steel may be specified. When strength is less of an issue and cost savings are desired, 26 ga. May be utilized.
There are many paint systems on the market. Kynar / hylar based paints dominate the architectural market. They exhibit superior chalking and fading characteristics compared to any other paint option. They have been used for over 30 years and are still performing well.
OTHER METALS UTILIZED IN THE METAL MARKET:
COPPER:
Long life, solders easily, natural weathering finish; develops a green blue patina, premium cost, softer metal- forms easily but not structural. Generally used in 16 oz. Thickness.
ALUMINUM:
Long life, doesn’t solder, used in a natural finish (which will oxidize), anodized, or pre-painted with Kynar. More expensive than steel, not as strong but can be used structurally with the correct profile and thickness. Generally used in 032 or 040 thicknesses. Substantially higher rate of expansion and contraction than steel.
ZINC:
Long life if properly vented on the underside. Natural weathering finish (mid gray tone). Very high expansion and contraction rate. It cannot be formed under about 55 degrees- fracturing may occur.
STAINLESS STEEL, TCS II:
Stainless is a non-rusting, long life, natural non-weathering or tcs ii zinc-tin coating (which gives it a medium gray non reflective appearance, easier to solder). It can be soldered and has high strength. Premium priced material, generally utilized in an 015 or 018 thickness.
OTHERS:
There are other specialty metals available, such as zinc clad copper, copper clad stainless, etc. Call us regarding the availability of other metals or performance needs that might dictate the metal choice. Specialty paint finishes are also available to meet special needs.