Selection, Use & Maintenance

Of Stratco Steel Products

Selection, Use & Maintenance Of Stratco Steel Products
Product Selection
Wide Product Range Corrosion Prevention
Stratco produces a wide range of products and materials for Corrosion is prevented on Stratco steel products by either
the building and home improvement industry as well as for a galvanised (zinc), Zinc/Al (zinc/aluminium) or AM (zinc/
industrial applications. Various thicknesses, widths, colours aluminium/magnesium) protective coating. The product may
and finishes are often available, so it is important to clearly have an additional colour surface. The raw edges of newly
specify your requirements when placing an order. cut steel are unlikely to rust because this coating will sacrifice
itself to prevent corrosion forming.
Wide Colour Range
When flat steel is rolled into a profile, lubricant is applied to
A wide range of colours is available to suit any environment. the steel to aid the process. This lubricant usually evaporates
The colour is usually supplied single-sided with a light colour quickly. Sometimes the steel mill applies a yellow chromate
or washcoat on the reverse side. The colour surface is thicker coating to protect the steel, this coating will simply weather-off.
on the main colour side for extra life. On the reverse side,
some colour variation can occur. Due to our harsh Australian Some Stratco products have specific performance guarantees
climate, some colour fading may occur over time; dark colours while others merely refer to a typical life in normal conditions.
are more likely to fade, but the colour change is usually Consult your nearest Stratco to discuss details of your project.
slow and even.

FINISH COLOUR COAT

CORROSION INHIBITIVE PRIMER
CONVERSION COATING
ZINC/AL, AM OR GALV COATING

BASE METAL

ZINC/AL, AM OR GALV COATING

CONVERSION COATING
CORROSION INHIBITIVE PRIMER
PROTECTIVE WASHCOAT

NOTE: CUT EDGES ARE CATHODICALLY PROTECTED BY GALV

OR ZINC/AL COAT WHICH INHIBITS THE BASE METAL RUSTING.

Consider Your Environment Figure 1.0 - Stratco Steel Cross Section

Your Design Is Important

Your steel product will have a long life-span if it’s used according away from surf or industrial pollution. Benign conditions
to Stratco specifications. Stratco can provide comprehensive are outer urban and rural areas far away from the shoreline.
literature on all our products. Literature that covers important Severe conditions also include areas close to swimming pools
points such as; roof pitch, support spacing, metal thickness and spas. Zinc/Al, AM, galvanised and pre-painted steel
and laying procedures. should not be used in these areas without an appropriate
Unusual loads such as wind, snow or other adjoining materials maintenance program.* Concrete should not be poured
need to be considered by the owner when designing a structure. against Zinc/Al based products. Any material that retains
moisture such as dirt, compost or paving sand should not
Environmental Considerations be placed against steel and Zinc/Al based products.
The area a steel product will be used in needs to be considered. Galvanised steel may be suitable in specific circumstances
While roofing and purlin materials in outer urban and rural areas for areas around animal shelters, formwork, or embedded in
may have a life-span in excess of 30 years, this can reduce to concrete. Check with Stratco before using in these environments.
only a few years in severe coastal or industrial environments.
The steel manufacturer can provide additional information
A steel product in a non-aggressive environment will have a and they should be consulted whenever you are uncertain
long life-span. Non-aggressive areas are outer urban and rural of what finish is suitable for your application.
areas, away from pollution and the shoreline. In an aggressive
environment a steel products life-span may be reduced. These
are coastal and industrial areas, close to salt water and pollution.
General Sheetmetal Products Purlin & Carport Fascia Products
In very severe conditions material with a stainless steel base Suggested Material Suggested Material

should be used. In both severe and some moderate conditions Distance from surf &
industrial pollutants
Distance from surf &
industrial pollutants
the material will need a thicker primer coat with a paint designed
1000m 1000m
for aggressive environments. Alternatively, it may be suitable Enclosed
500m 500m
to adopt an increased maintenance program. In benign and building
(dry, not
200m 200m ventilated Verandahs Open sided Verandahs
moderate conditions, normal pre-painted steel is suitable. externally) carports building carports

Pre-painted Severe Pre-painted steel, Z350 COATED PURLIN Z450 COATED PURLIN
Very severe conditions are within 200 metres of active surf stainless environment Zinc/Al, AM, NON-AGGRESSIVE AGGRESSIVE
steel base pre-painted steel galv ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT
and industrial pollution. Severe conditions are between 200
to 1000 metres of these areas. Moderate conditions can still
contain salt or moist, acid laden air for up to 1000 metres Figure 2.0
Things You Should Know About Steel
Why Steel Rusts
When iron comes into contact with air, a thin porous film of iron
oxide forms on it. If moisture is present an electric cell is formed
between the iron and the oxide. Current flows through the
moisture dissolving the iron and forming rust. In seaside or
industrial atmospheres, or where incompatible metals are used,
the current in the cell increases causing rust to form quicker.

Incompatible Metals Comply With Regulations

Galvanised steel can be used with lead, but Zinc/Al, AM coated All building work must be carried out in accordance
and pre-coloured steel cannot. Galvanised steel and pure zinc with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
material can be used with Zinc/Al, AM. Copper cannot be used This code refers to various Australian Standards,
with these materials and monel should not be used with Zinc/Al, AM. which provides acceptable standards of product
Fixings such as rivets and self-drilling screws should be compatible manufacture and building practice. These include:
with the material they are fixing. The best way of reducing
• AS/NZ 3500.3 Plumbing and Drainage,
corrosion is to keep incompatible metals apart.
Stormwater Drainage
Run-Off From Other Surfaces Prospective users of Stratco materials should first
Water should not be allowed to flow from copper or lead over ensure that they understand these requirements
Zinc/Al, AM sheet, or from copper over galvanised material. In and any other state or territory specific regulations
addition water should not flow from Zinc/Al, AM or pre-painted that may apply. In some states of Australia (eg. NSW
steel over galvanised material. The overflow from air-conditioning and Victoria) work involving the installation of
systems often runs onto metal roofing causing rapid deterioration. roofing, rainwater goods and drainage may need
to be installed by a suitably qualified tradesperson,
and comply with statutory warranties.
(Refer ‘www.deus.nsw.gov.au/water/plumbing.asp’)
Suitable flow + ANODIC
of water Zinc Care should also be taken in the design and
Zinc/Al, AM
Aluminium
installation of roof drainage systems given the
Galvanic Table Cadmium wide range of factors such as rainfall intensity,
In a bimetallic pair, the galvanic table is used High strength aluminium gutter capacity and selection, number and
to predict which metal will corrode. The metal Iron and steel
closer to the anodic end will corrode if the Soft solder placement of downpipes and sumps.
water flows from the cathodic end. The further Lead
apart the two metals are on this chart, the Tin Care should also be taken to select the most
Brass
faster the corrosion will take place.
Copper
suitable gutter style. Gutters that have a front
Bronze higher than the back are popular to hide the
Unsuitable water flow Silver
causes rapid corrosion - CATHODIC
exposed ends of roofing, but unless manufactured
with optional slots or fixed with the bead lower
than the top of the fascia may contravene building
Figure 3.0 regulations. Other fixing options can be used to
eliminate overflow from the back of a gutter into
a building. These include additional overflow weirs
Expansion And Contraction
placed either in the gutter or stop end, rainheads
When using very long lengths of steel, thermal expansion should with overflow weirs, custom back fl ashings,
be considered. For example: leaving a gap between the fascia and gutter back,
a 15 metre metal sheet can or other proprietary systems or trade solutions.
expand up to 12mm over a
temperature rise from 0°C to Drainage, solar power generation, hot water
65°C. The use of expansion systems and the installation of rainwater tanks
joints can overcome this. may also be dependant on state and local
Gutter expansion joints in government regulations. Users and installers
steel should be included should first check with these authorities when
in any run over 20 metres. determining their requirements.
Up to date information about Stratco products, spans,
GUTTER EXPANSION JOINT
installation requirements and technical advice can
be found on our website at ‘www.stratco.com.au’ and
Figure 4.0 it is advisable to obtain current information prior to
Condensation
ordering any materials. For information on installing
Condensation occurs when there is a difference in temperature
High Fronted Gutters please refer to the Stratco
between two adjacent air masses, such as where warm moist air
‘High Fronted Gutters Information Guide’ on the
in a roof space meets a roof sheet in contact with cold outside air.
Stratco website. If additional information is
Here the dew point is quickly reached and condensation occurs.
required contact the Stratco office in your state.
To avoid this, a vapour barrier or sarking should be used to prevent
moisture from forming.
Cutting Steel
Marking and Cutting
When marking steel for cutting use a coloured pencil. Black or After work has finished, always sweep down new roofs and clean
lead pencil contains graphite that will promote rust. Use hand the gutters to ensure rivet stubs and metal cuttings are removed.
tools such as a hacksaw or snips for cutting steel. If this is Mild swarf staining does not mean the steel itself will rust
impractical, use steel metal cutting blades in a power saw. as the steel core is surrounded by a protective coating.
The effect is mainly visual unless the damage is severe.
Swarf Damage
Power tools when cutting, drilling and fi ling steel cause Swarf Removal
hot metal particles called swarf. The hot particles weld Swarf can be removed from steel by scrubbing the area with
themselves to surrounding metal surfaces, then rust, causing a stiff nylon brush dipped in a mild detergent solution. Rinse
unsightly brown stains that are very visible on coloured steel. the surface with water afterwards to ensure any particles are
Avoid swarf damage by cutting away from other sheets or by washed away. If necessary, mop up any excess water with a
using a cover. When cutting coloured steel with a saw, use clean cloth. Ensure any particles that are swept into the gutters
padded supports and cut the sheets with the colour face down. are removed. If swarf staining has already occurred it is not
easily removed and badly affected areas may need to be
painted or replaced.

FIGURE 5.0
Fixing Steel Products
Fastener Selection Sealant Selection
Rivets are ideal for holding together two thin layers of material, While there is a wide range of sealants available, not all are
such as sheeting, or sheeting to a steel rail. There are several compatible with Stratco steel products. Silicone sealants
types of rivet available, choose one that is compatible with have the flexibility of being able to join galvanised, Zinc/Al,
your material and is the correct size for your job. Rivets can AM and pre-painted steels. Mastic type sealants will not
be sealed or non-sealed, and a smear of silicon over the usually last as long as is required. Soldering is an acceptable
rivet is recommended where weather proofing is required. form of joining galvanised product together, but Zinc/Al, AM
Self-drilling and tapping screws are fast and strong and can coated steel cannot be soldered.
be found with a neoprene washer for sealing. They have an When choosing a silicone sealant, it must be suitable for
unthreaded drilling point so that the drilling action is roofing and guttering use, and of a non-acetic, amine free,
completed before the thread starts to engage. The length neutral cure type. Sealants that smell of ammonia, vinegar
of the unthreaded point needs to be as long or longer than or lemons are not usually suitable.
the materials thickness. Use screws with a seal for roofing. Silicone sealants should be applied as a gasket, sandwiched
To prevent water intrusion, crest fixing is recommended to between the two surfaces to be joined. Refer to Figure 7.0
keep the screw out of the path of the water. through to Figure 9.0 for an example of creating a gasket.
Type 17 screws work in a similar way to self-drilling and This method not only creates a strong join but it protects the
tapping screws but are used for timber. It is important that sealant from UV exposure. Always remove metal filings from
the fastener has the same life as the material being fixed. the area to be joined and smear the sealant over any fasteners.
Fasteners selected must be suitable for the environment.

SEALANT APPLICATION: STEP 1 SEALANT APPLICATION: STEP 2 SEALANT APPLICATION: STEP 3

SELF-DRILLING SCREW
CLEAN THE APPLY JOIN THE TWO
SURFACE SILICONE SURFACES
TYPE 17 SCREW

RIVET

ADAPTOR

Figure 6.0 Figure 7.0 Figure 8.0 Figure 9.0

Protecting Your Investment Safety First
Standard Stratco Safeguards Handling Steel
Scuffing and scratching can damage steel with a pre-coloured Always take appropriate safety precautions when
finish. To minimise this, Stratco supplies some products such as handling steel products. The edges of many steel
gutters, downpipes, flashings and ridging with a removable plastic products, especially steel sheeting, can be very
coating. Do not leave this coating exposed to the sunlight for long sharp and will easily cut. Always wear cut-resistant
periods of time because it may be hard to remove. Coloured steel gloves that are clean and dry to prevent marking
sheeting is supplied either wrapped in plastic and cardboard or the steel surface, and to prevent the steel from
with the top sheet turned over. The reverse side is normally cutting the skin.
unprotected, but extra packing sheets can be supplied at the Many steel products are used and installed
customer’s cost, and are a good idea if double sided colour outdoors and hence it is recommended that
fencing sheets are ordered. suitable sun protection is applied when
Storage And Handling Of Steel installing or using steel products outside.

For safety, wear gloves when handling steel sheets. Ensure your However, it is important to note that sunscreens
hands or gloves are clean, especially when handling Zinc/Al, AM that include semi-conducting metal oxides like zinc
which can mark. Steel products should be kept dry before installation. oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) can speed
This is important for tightly the deterioration of paint. To protect the surface of
nested products such as pre-painted steel, prevent sunscreens that contain
packs of corrugated iron. REMOVE PLASTIC COATING titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) from
Separate and dry these coming into contact with the painted surface.
products immediately
if they get wet, as Beware Of Wet, Windy Conditions
discolouration The installation of Stratco steel products in wet and
can occur. windy conditions can be dangerous. When installing
steel sheets, the wind can easily lift the sheets
causing damage to people and property. Always
ensure that roofing is securely tied down before
fixing. Walking on roofing or using power tools
Figure 10.0 in wet conditions is dangerous.
Painting Steel Products
Walking On Roofing
Touching Up Scratches
On metal roofing, it is important to walk on the
Pre-painted steel may get scratched while being handled, however purlins. This is both for safety and to avoid
the use of touch-up paints is not recommended. They will weather damage to the roof. Try to keep your weight evenly
differently to the original oven cured coating and this may cause distributed and walk flat footed rather than with a
variations in colour and exaggerate minor blemishes over time. heel and toe action. When walking on corrugated
In most cases, minor damage to roofing and guttering cannot iron, spread your weight over as many corrugations
be seen and any attempt to overspray the damage may become as possible. On high profile decking only walk in
more unsightly in the future. the pans of the sheet.
The consumer must accept that some minor scratches will be When delivered, some sheets have an oily film that
inevitable on low-level projects such as verandahs and carports. can be slippery especially when damp. Take extreme
Fabricators and erectors should ensure that maximum care is care when handling them.
taken to protect pre-painted steel surfaces from damage.
Replacements should be considered if the damage is severe. Translucent Sheeting
Additional over painting information is available from Stratco. Stratco markets translucent fibreglass and
polycarbonate. Special wire safety mesh must be used
Over Painting to support the sheeting when used in commercial
Zinc/Al, AM coated steel can be TOUCH-UP PAINT IS and industrial applications. This is not typically
painted without the need for an NOT RECOMMENDED required in domestic applications, but a danger
etch primer. Some paints allow of falling through the sheeting still exists and
galvanised material to be over care should be taken.
painted without priming so
check your paint for details.
Steel supplied with a pre-painted
surface can be repainted with
minimal preparation.

Figure 11.0 Figure 12.0

Selection, Use & Maintenance Of Stratco Steel Products
Maintenance
Normal Maintenance Areas Not Washed By Rain
Regular maintenance is essential to maintain the good More regular maintenance is required on the areas of a
looks of your Stratco steel product. It will ensure you product that are not naturally washed by rain. These areas
receive the maximum possible life-span for a steel include the underside of verandahs and carports, roofing
product in your location, this is especially important visible through exposed eaves, and steel fascias and gutters.
for coloured pre-painted steel. Other products such as garage doors and cladding under
To maintain the product’s surface, wash it with clean eaves may also require additional attention. A products
water at least every six months. A more frequent wash life-span may be reduced from not following a regular
is recommended in coastal or industrial areas.* maintenance program because night time condensation
Maintenance must be frequent enough to prevent dust, in these areas can combine with salt and pollution on
salts, pollutants and any other material to accumulate on the surface, resulting in accelerated corrosion.
the product and reduce its life. Products that are regularly Wash areas that are not naturally cleaned by rain with
washed by rain require no additional maintenance. fresh, clean water. It is recommended that you clean
Avoid locating a Stratco steel product near polluted areas the surface as often as you would wash your car to
or in areas with aggressive environmental factors that maintain its duco. In marine or industrial environments
could reduce the life of the steel. This includes areas near you should wash more often. Maintenance must be
barbecues, diesel fumes, air-conditioners, clothes dryers, frequent enough to prevent dust, salts, pollutants and
sprinklers, bore water, water softeners and industrial any other material to accumulate on the product and
applications. Stratco steel products and materials are reduce its life.
not recommended for use as enclosures for swimming If washing with clean water does not completely clean
pools or spas. the surface, a mild solution of detergent should be added
to the water and applied with a soft bristled nylon brush.
Rinse the coloured surface thoroughly. Never use abrasive
or solvent based cleaners such as turps, petrol or kerosene.
For more information on the correct maintenance for your
application, contact Stratco or the steel manufacturer.
*Refer to the ‘Stratco Product Maintenance - Severe Environment Considerations’ brochure.

Figure 13.0

This brochure has been produced in the interest of customer education and good consumer relations.
Stratco have endeavoured to provide the most technically correct and up-to-date advice possible but
assume no responsibility whatsoever in relation to such information or advice. Alteration in the
recommendations may occur from time to time. Please contact Stratco for the most up-to date advice
available prior to using this information. Additional information is available from steel manufacturers, other
Stratco technical bulletins, trade schools and other competent bodies, and these should be consulted prior
to purchasing and installation of Stratco steel products. Consumers should satisfy themselves that they are
using the correct materials, approach and techniques.

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