Sheet steel is one of the construction industry’s mainstays. Prized for its versatility and strength, it is used literally everywhere from roofing and cladding to appliances, ducting and truck bodies. This means that there are dozens of steel sheet products out there, and while plenty of quality steel sheeting is available, there are a few questions all buyers should ask before making a purchase.
What type of steel sheeting do I need?
This depends on what you need it for, and what your primary concern is. Is the project an industrial building, roofing, guttering, or weather-resistant flashing?
Galvanized sheeting products such as Aluzinc and Galvalume are available in a variety of widths and thicknesses, making them suitable for pretty much any application where resistance to corrosion is important, such as roofing, guttering and downpipes, or flashing. Aluzinc and Galvalume are made by hot-dipping rolled steel into an alloy of aluminium, zinc and silicon, giving them great resistance to tough environmental conditions. When used as roofing sheets, all of these galvanized products offer great heat control in buildings too, leading to cooler interiors in summer.
If you need good looks as well as great insulation, coloured products such as Colorlume and Chromadek sheeting might be the best option. Colorlume, which consists of a steel core coated in zinc-aluminium alloy and given a high-performance finish, comes in 14 colours and has a 20-year corrosion warranty. It’s a good choice for gutters, downpipes, flashing and signage. For roof sheeting, Chromadek is possibly one of the most multi-talented steel sheeting products around today. Pre-painted Chromadek sheeting comes in two widths and a variety of thicknesses, making it something to consider for anything from roof sheeting, gutters and downpipes to cold rooms, signage, flashings, and large vehicle bodies. Chromadek’s 14 pre-painted colour options make it even more appealing for roofs, cladding and auto bodies.
For cases where transparency is key, NATRALITE polycarbonate sheeting is the way forward. It’s non-corrosive, available in various lengths, and comes in three colours, each with a different transmission percentage. Polycarbonate panels can be used in DIY settings such as garden sheds and greenhouses, or industrial settings such as factory skylights and doorways. Polycarbonate roofing offers domestic and industrial interiors plentiful ambient light.
Is its good quality?
All of these products − Chromadek, Galvalume, Aluzinc and NATRALITE − come with warranties that mean their manufacturers and suppliers believe that their steel sheeting products are of good quality. However, it is important to ensure that after you’ve made your purchase you go on to install and care for your quality steel sheeting product correctly.
Do I need any other services for my steel sheeting?
Depending on what you plan to use your steel sheeting for, you may need your steel sheets to be cut to length, de-coiled or re-coiled, guillotined, or slit. Sales representatives can advise as to the availability and deliverability of these services for your chosen steel sheeting.
For more information on the products and services mentioned here, contact JCP Steel at marketing@jcpsteel.co.za or 011 814 1898, the premier steel sheeting suppliers in Gauteng.