One common issue with metal sheets, either roofing or cladding, is the corrosion that can occur at the very edge of the sheet. Known as cut edge corrosion, it's a hidden threat that, if overlooked, can grow until it becomes a much more significant — and much more costly — problem.
So, what is cut edge corrosion, and what can you do to prevent it?
What is Cut Edge Corrosion?
Cut edge corrosion is the rusting away of your metal sheets that starts at the very edge of metal panels — thus the name. The sheets are covered with a protective coating, but over time, this can peel and flake away from the edges, leaving them exposed, and it's not too long before corrosion starts to occur.
It's important to sort out cut edge corrosion as soon as possible because the rusting will quickly spread, and what is an easily-fixed problem early on becomes a larger issue that requires replacement panels before too long.
What Causes Cut Edge Corrosion
Metal panels that are used for roofing, cladding, and other purposes are often made by creating large galvanised steel sheets that are coated, typically in PVC, PVDF or polyester, both to add a layer of protection and to colour them.
These long sheets are then rolled for transportation and storage. When purchased, the required length is cut from the roll. Unfortunately, this means that in many cases, the edge where the sheet has been cut is left uncovered by the protective plastic and can be exposed to the elements.
While in many cases, care is taken to edge coat the sheet, this doesn't always happen, nor is it always 100% successful, and that's when you can expect cut edge corrosion.
Spotting Cut Edge Corrosion
Key signs of cut edge corrosion on your metal panelling include peeling or flaking paint or plastic covering, rust stains (especially in water runoff), discolouration, and gaps in edging. It's really important to catch the corrosion early — rust spreads once it takes hold and will get into the metal sheeting, further peeling away the protection until large sections of the sheet have fallen away.
GI Sykes Cut Edge Corrosion Treatment
At GI Sykes, we're experienced professionals in dealing with cut edge corrosion and have an established treatment of works to solve it during the early stages. We will extensively clean and de-rust the affected area before applying a coating treatment to the edges that is designed to protect against future moisture exposure. At GI Sykes, we use Giromax Edgecoat and Tor Coatings Unicover Edgeprotect Systems to provide the top-quality protection you need.
It's a cost-effective treatment as it just treats the affected area, protecting against weathering and guaranteed for 15 years. Get in touch with us at GI Sykes to get a quote for cut edge corrosion treatment or to discuss a regular, cost-effective maintenance contract that'll give you peace of mind.
