What Makes a Good Guarantee?

Product durability is a key concern and consideration when it comes to selecting building materials. While guarantees can be a good indication of performance, how do you know if a guarantee is a good one? Here, Richard Owen, Technical Liaison Manager at Colorcoat^® – Tata Steel, takes a closer look…

PRE-FINISHED steel roofing and cladding systems are a popular choice for building envelopes, offering contemporary aesthetics, design flexibility, speed of construction and ease of maintenance. However, it is equally important that the material the systems are manufactured from can withstand the test of time. This is one of the reasons why pre-finished steel is such a popular choice within the industry, renowned for its longevity, corrosion resistance and extensive design options.

As well as reducing maintenance costs in the long run, installing durable and long-lasting materials can also help to deliver on sustainable benefits. With environmental credentials of increasing importance for building owners and end-users, being able to demonstrate that any systems installed contribute to a longer building life cycle can go a long way.

This is where guarantees come into play, serving as a strong demonstration of a product’s performance and one of the most powerful statements a business can make to the market. The quality and content of the guarantee is key when comparing products, with several factors to consider.

How Long Does the Guarantee Last?

First to consider is the length of the guarantee period. Often, the longer the guarantee period, the higher the product quality and durability. Manufacturers who offer guarantees that span decades will generally only do so if they have substantial confidence in their product. Still, don’t forget to check the fine print of the guarantee to see if the duration is dependent upon certain clauses or restrictions.

As well as the guarantee itself, also consider the manufacturer offering the guarantee, including its product expertise, sustained evolution and the comprehensive testing incorporated into its products.

Reading the Fine Print

It’s also important to delve into the detail of the guarantee, looking beyond the headline figure of the coverage length. Take a step-back and ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions, such as maintenance and inspection requirements through the life of the building.

Exclusions and Limitations

Some guarantees can contain various exclusions and limitations, all of which could potentially have a limiting effect on the extent of cover provided or even be indicative of the technical performance or limitations of the product. One common restriction is the building’s location and definition of the external environment, with exposure to sunlight, extreme weather and coastal environments all external factors which can affect pre-finished steel over time. Consider looking for a product where the guarantee still offers comprehensive protection, regardless of location or the environment’s corrosion classification.

It’s also important to select a guarantee that is ‘PV ready’, without impacting on the cover or duration. By constructing a durable and Photovoltaic (PV) ready building envelope, you can future proof the building, allowing PVs to be installed or extended at any stage.

Building product guarantees are undeniably an important part of the construction industry, providing assurances of a product’s quality and performance. When choosing a pre-finished steel product for your next project, it is vital that the detail of the guarantee is fully understood and taken into consideration. By doing so, you can avoid potentially costly complications further down the line and ensure that the building meets the expectations of the client, with high performance and durability.

Colorcoat Prisma^® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^®

Both Colorcoat Prisma^® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® pre-finished steel products from Tata Steel offer excellent durability and feature an optimised Galvalloy^® metallic coating. Consisting of a special mix of 95% zinc and 5% aluminium for superior corrosion resistance and cut edge protection, it offers a combination of increased barrier and sacrificial protection when compared to conventional Hot-Dipped Galvanised (HDG) coatings. Both products surpass the requirements of RC5+ as per EN 10169:2022, providing excellent corrosion resistance. The RC5+ category is the highest classification available for corrosion resistance, with products meeting this level of performance having to undergo extensive weathering tests at a C5 exposure site for at least four years.

Manufactured in the UK, they are certified to BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing standard and are BBA certified for durability in excess of 40 years. The products are also independently tested for the liberation of volatile organic compounds (VOC) against EN ISO 16000-9, achieving an A+ rating and are chrome-free and REACH compliant.

Both products are available through Colorcoat^® supply chain partners which can be seen here.

Confidex^® Guarantee

For peace of mind on the long-term performance, Colorcoat Prisma^® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® are supplied with the industry renowned Confidex^® Guarantee. This offers up to 40 years protection for industrial and commercial buildings when registered online. The most comprehensive guarantee on the market, it covers both inland and coastal environments, with no reduction for the installation of Photovoltaic (PV) frame modules. The Confidex^® Guarantee is also offered direct to the building owner with full rectification in the event of a coating failure.

For more information on Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® here.

>> Read more about Colorcoat in the news