Paint Finishes Used on Steel Buildings

Most manufacturers of steel buildings offer their products in a standard range of colors that usually includes white, cream, tan, blue, brown and red. In addition to choosing a color that's attractive, you should also consider the climate and conditions of your location. While most paint finishes will stand up well to any kind of weather, some colors present particular challenges. White, for example, is more likely to show dirt and dust, especially in urban areas with high rates of pollution. Even the best quality finish will require more cleaning if you choose white or a light cream color. Darker coatings, such as blue, red or brown, are more likely to show fading and discoloration from the sun, especially in southern climates. You can combat the tendency to fade by choosing a fade-resistant coating to keep your building looking new and fresh.

In addition to the color finish for your building walls, you'll also have a choice of roof finishes. Today, many steel buildings are topped with roofs painted with eco-friendly reflective paint. White or light-colored roofs help reduce overheating in steel buildings by reflecting much of the sun's light back into the atmosphere. They also help reduce your energy costs by reducing the amount of energy you need to use for cooling and climate control.

Aside from color, there are material considerations for roofing on steel buildings. Many metal roofs incorporate zinc and aluminum with the steel because they help reduce erosion of the underlying steel. Galvanizing provides similar protection for steel building roofs. One of the best-known names in galvanizing for steel roofs is Galvalume, a product introduced by Bethlehem steel nearly 40 years ago. Today, Galvalume is considered essential for coating a non-painted steel roof because of the protection it affords for your structure.

Finishes for your steel buildings provide more than good looks. The right coatings and finishes add dramatically to the life of your new metal building by protecting it from the elements.