Coil Coated Steel: Revolutionizing Self-Storage Construction
Benefits & Challenges of Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP) Coatings
Published on
September 3, 2024 at 1:34:00 PM PDT September 3, 2024 at 1:34:00 PM PDTrd, September 3, 2024 at 1:34:00 PM PDT
The Technology That Revolutionized Self-Storage Construction
The self-storage industry has dramatically grown in recent years, and along with it, the use of an extremely versatile building material known as “coil coated steel” has virtually revolutionized how self-storage buildings are constructed. Initially used for roll-up doors, coil coated steel can now comprise over 90% of a building’s structure. This includes not just the doors, but also roofs, exterior walls, gutters, downspouts, and interior partition walls, all fabricated from this pre-painted sheet metal, also known as coil coated steel.
What is Coil Coated Steel?
Coil coating is a continuous, automated process for "painting" metal before it is fabricated into end products. A specialized coating is applied to sheet metal and flash-cured (“baked”) with heat. The coated metal is then rolled back into large spools at the factory and sold to sheet metal fabricators who roll or form it into building components.
Available in a wide variety of colors and sheens, coil coated steel is commonly used for making mini-storage doors, metal building walls, metal roofs, gutters, downspouts, and other pre-finished sheet metal building components.
Types of Coatings
There are several types of coatings used in the coil coating process, but the most widespread in the self-storage industry is silicone modified polyester (SMP).
Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP)
SMP is a very hard and smooth finish available in almost any color. It is also highly durable, with a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years depending on the location and color. This coating provides excellent resistance to UV radiation, weathering, and corrosion, making it ideal for various environmental conditions and applications.
Advantages:
- Durability: SMP coatings are known for their long-lasting durability.
- Color Variety: They are available in a wide range of colors and sheens to match any design.
- Resistance: These coatings offer excellent resistance to environmental factors, such as UV radiation and harsh weather conditions.
Applications in the Self-Storage Industry
- Roll-Up Doors: Coil coated steel is ideal for roll-up doors due to its strength and finish quality.
- Roofs and Walls: Its durability and variety of colors make it perfect for roofing and wall applications.
- Gutters and Downspouts: The material’s resistance to weathering ensures long-lasting performance in drainage systems.
- Interior Partition Walls: The pre-finished surface of coil coated steel provides an attractive and maintenance-free option for interior walls.
Maintenance and Care
To maximize the lifespan of coil coated steel components, regular maintenance is essential. This includes periodic cleaning to remove dirt and debris that can degrade the coating over time. Additionally, touch-up painting and inspections can help address any areas where the coating may have been damaged.
Painting Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP)
SMP's remarkable durability, hardness and slick glossy finish, present special challenges when repainting. Some have likened it to painting glass but frankly glass might be easier. Typical paints sold at local hardware or paint stores are not designed for this type of application and tend to peel or otherwise fail to perform.
Coil Coated Steel: Revolutionizing Self-Storage Construction
Coil coated steel is a versatile and durable building material widely used in the self-storage industry. This pre-painted sheet metal forms over 90% of structures, including roofs, walls, and doors. Commonly coated with silicone modified polyester (SMP), it offers excellent durability, UV resistance, and weathering. Its smooth surface can be challenging to repaint but ensures long-term performance.
SMP Prep for Refinishing Roll-Up Doors & Metal Panels
Properly preparing an SMP (Silicone Modified Polyester) coated surface is crucial for achieving a lasting finish. This guide walks you through the essential steps of cleaning and abrading your substrate, from pre-rinsing to applying Zap-It! and inspecting the final surface. Ensure your next painting or clear coating job is a success with these expert tips on substrate preparation.
Part Failure Part 2: Other Causes, Testing & Wrap-Up
There are a lot of reasons why paint fails. We'll wrap up a few other causes here and then cover solutions and other topics in subsequent articles. Aged Paint: When paint ages past its life expectancy, it becomes brittle and prone to failure. Recoating over such a surface increases the risk of peeling, cracking, or flaking, as the old paint may not adhere well. Proper preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, is essential to ensure the new coating bonds effectively and lasts longer. We also touch on what can be done with a peeling paint job and wrap up with issues of worksmanship.ID#PF0001
Paint Failure Part 1: Diagnosing the Root Causes
Paint failures due to a variety of preventable issues can lead to substantial material and labor costs, and in some cases replacement of roll-up doors. Understanding why common problems like peeling, chalking, fading, cracking, and blistering occur is crucial for facility operators and painting contractors. By identifying the root causes of these issues, such as improper surface preparation, inadequate application techniques, or environmental factors, these paint failures can be avoided. For paint contractors implementing best practices can yield better results, and help avoid problems that can cost you both money and reputation. A variety of resources are provided to help diagnose and avoid common paint failure situations. These resources include guides, frequently asked questions, tips with images to diagnose the cause of a particular failure, and recommendations. ID#PF0001
The Right Paint for Self-Storage Doors: Why Off-the-Shelf Isn't Enough
Choosing paint for self-storage roll-up doors can be tricky. While big-box hardware and specialty store brands might seem cost-effective, they often fall short in durability and longevity. These off-the-shelf paints may temporarily improve appearance but quickly fade, deteriorating your facility’s curb appeal and necessitating frequent repainting. Self-storage doors endure daily wear and tear, including flexing, dirt accumulation, and exposure to extreme temperatures and UV radiation. These conditions accelerate the breakdown of standard paints, leading to rapid color fading, chalking, flaking, and chipping. As a result, frequent repairs and repaints become necessary. Off-the-shelf paints are not designed to withstand such harsh conditions, leading to visible touch-ups and increased maintenance costs. High-performance self-storage paints are designed to address these specific challenges.
Disclaimer: The information provided in the Self-Storage Learning Center is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, All From 1 Supply makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information. Use of this content is at your own discretion, and we encourage independent verification before making decisions based on the material.
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