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Removing Organic Growth from Prepainted Metal Roofing

A rolling stone gathers no moss……but your roof sure does, in addition to any number of other growing things.  Organic growth on a prepainted metal roof is an aesthetic problem that may become a more serious problem if not addressed. This blog offers a simple approach to dealing with the problem.

A roof can look like this…

…or this

These biological growths thrive on moisture and organic debris. The more water and the more debris, the greater the chance of growth. Another critical factor is the amount of shade your roof receives. A well-shaded roof prevents the evaporation of moisture, creating excellent growing conditions.

But what is this stuff? It is usually some combination of moss, algae, and lichen. Sometimes there is dark buildup that may look like dirt, but it is more likely algae growth called gloeocapsa magma, also known as blue-green algae. A similar material in the same family is cyanobacteria. The “cyano” in this bacteria refers to its blue-green color. This growth can turn very dark in color over time. Algae is an airborne plant, so it spreads relatively easily. It thrives in humid conditions because it needs heat, moisture, and nutrients to grow. 

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The Heat is Coming: Be Cool with Cool Roofs

In late March, the Sun crosses the equator and begins to move into the Northern Hemisphere. (We know that the Sun is stationary and Earth is moving, but it is easier to think about it the other way around.) Temperatures rise, perennials bloom, and we’re glad that winter is over. It’s a great time of year. The heavy coats go back into the closet and everyone’s attitude brightens. But we all know those warmer spring temperatures will eventually turn downright hot in summer. Some say it’s getting even hotter due to global warming. A prepainted product is on the market that can help mitigate environmental concerns raised by increasing temperatures. It’s called cool roofing and it continues to rise in popularity.

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Four Ways Coated Metals Improve Sustainability in Construction

These days, it’s not uncommon to hear businesses from nearly every industry discuss “sustainability” or plans for a more sustainable future. As the term becomes more ubiquitous in today’s business planning, its definition can be somewhat vague. For our purposes, sustainability refers to a company’s efforts in reducing its environmental impact through the use of more environmentally-friendly building materials and less consumption of natural resources. While the coating industry works diligently in manufacturing products that adhere to high standards for sustainability, there are several ways to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious.

1. Reduce the use of volatile organic compounds.

For a long time, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, played a large role in the coating industry because they contain properties that assist in applying coatings to a surface. Continue reading


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Three Growing Trends in Coated Metal Color and Aesthetics

Year after year, the coated metal industry continues to innovate and inspire designers and architects with new aesthetical and color options that have reshaped consumer expectations. More than ever, buildings have the ability to stand out, while reaping the durability and environmental benefits of using prepainted metal. Here are just a few of the latest trends in coated metal that define why there’s never been a more exciting time in the industry.

1. Textured Products

Textured, painted metal products were introduced in the 1980s to expand the visual, durability and eco-friendly possibilities of incorporating these products into commercial and residential applications. Continue reading


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Four Reasons to Consider Metal Roofs

Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in the use of metal roofs in the residential sector. In fact, the Metal Roofing Alliance estimates that more than 750,000 U.S. homeowners chose a metal roof to protect their families in 2015. According to their survey, the Metal Roofing Alliance identified eight reasons homeowners are making the switch to metal roofs. Here is a breakdown of the four most popular reasons people are using metal roofs to protect their homes.

1. Metal roofs have longevity.

Depending on the material, metal roofs can last anywhere between 40 and 70 years. That’s a significant increase when compared to the life expectancy of a traditional asphalt roof, which may only last between 12 and 20 years.

2. Metal roofs are durable and offer strong protection. Continue reading


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How Prepainted Metal Can Make Building Interiors Shine

We’ve seen the beauty and innovation prepainted metal has brought to countless exterior applications. But did you know prepainted metal can be an integral part of a number of interior applications? Here are five ways prepainted metals can spice up the interior of any building:

1. Interior Walls

Prepainted interior wall panels are available in a variety of profiles, including ribbed, insulated (foamed), composite and architectural shallow flat styles. These panels are lightweight and can be installed more quickly than traditional walls. They can also take on dramatic shapes with colors or laminates that create striking design elements.

2. Ceilings Continue reading


Textured Metal Building Products Part Two: Benefits

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Image via Valspar

As discussed in Textured Metal Building Products Part One: Growing Trend, textured, prepainted metal building products are being specified and demanded more for a variety of building projects.

These products provide a wide range of benefits when it comes to building design and function, including: aesthetics, durability and environmental.

Aesthetic Benefits Continue reading


Three Benefits of Prepainted Insulated Metal Panels

insulatedmetalpanelsArchitects and building owners continue to expand the use prepainted metal  for its long-term durability, specifically its excellent  chalk, fade, and adhesion performance. The use of Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) is also on the rise in a variety of roof and wall applications due to its sustainability and versatility. Combining the two, prepainted IMPs provide  superior energy efficiency and durability, both of which are necessary  in today’s competitive marketplace to comply with ever-evolving building codes and customer expectations.

1. Many Design Options Continue reading


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Textured Metal Building Products Part One: Growing Trend

Prepainted metal is a popular choice for consumers, architects and specifiers who are looking for environmentally friendly, durable, and aesthetically pleasing options. The National Coil Coating Association’s (NCCA) members are seeing a growing trend for textured, prepainted metal products in commercial and residential building design.

While the use of textured paint in coated metal building products is often found in roofing applications for its environmental benefits, the visual and textural innovations of recent years have opened up textured products to a number of applications. Continue reading