Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Galvalume Corrosion in Florida Roof Application
January 20, 2011
I had a standing seam Galvalume roof installed in 2005 (five years ago), and was assured that it was warranted for 20 years against corrosion, even though mine is a beachfront application. However it is now so riddled with corrosion, that the rust is visible from the ground, and now is leaking in several places. My original roof installer denies responsibility, claiming that he had been mislead by the manufacturer. There's also some speculation that during a period of the building madness of that time (especially post hurricane) that inferior (sub-spec.) Chinese product had been used. I have two questions:
1. The roofer suggests a silicone coating (at my expense) to stop the problem; does this sound like a good idea?
2. Do I have grounds for legal action? I've looked elsewhere for others with this problem, but not found any. Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong place. Any ideas? This roof was extremely expensive, and frankly I'm still paying for it.
Homeowner - Melbourne Beach, Florida
First of two simultaneous responses -- January 20, 2011
A bitter lesson, get all warranties in writing. Since your installer says that it did not really have a 20 year period, what period did it really cover.
Find out who manufactured the roofing material and contact them.
A long time ago, there was 2 qualities. The good stuff was called "double lam". The color should have been teflon or similar for that new a roof.
Talk to the better business bureau.
You might win in small claims court which does not cost that much, but their verdict is not worth the paper that it is written on if he decides to ignore it.
Your roof is well above small claims level.
Lawyers will give you a free consultation, but they are dear if they win.
- Navarre, Florida
Second of two simultaneous responses -- January 20, 2011
This is unacceptable performance.
In Australia we have a Dept of Fair Trading.
Any product supplied into the building industry in this Country has an implicit warranty of 7 years regardless.
Silicone coating will not make the problem go away.
The roof needs to be replaced with a merchantable grade product.
I suggest you check what US Body fills the role of our D.F.T.
Hope this helps.
Bill
Trainer - Salamander Bay, Australia
A suitable silicone coating could solve this problem. We developed a silicone based sealant and paint to solve the problem of edge peel and lap joint corrosion on pvc and pvf2 roof cladding.
Tony Condron- Manchester, England
February 3, 2011
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