Fabral Weather XL: 10-Layer SMP Performance at Agricultural Prices

Weather XL’s 10-layer Enduracote paint system delivers the color retention contractors want without the PVDF price tag. This Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP) coating splits the difference between basic polyester and premium Kynar — better scratch resistance than standard coatings, 30-year fade/chalk warranty, and costs that don’t blow the budget on agricultural builds.

The Grandrib 3® panel underneath runs 29 GA with 80,000 psi tensile strength. That high-tensile steel performs stronger than standard 26 GA while weighing less per square. Montana contractors hauling panels up to elevation appreciate every pound saved.

Performance Certifications That Matter

UL 2218 Class 4 hail resistance — that’s the rating insurance companies want to see after Montana’s summer thunderstorms roll through. UL 790 Class A fire rating meets wildfire zone requirements across western Montana’s WUI areas. UL 580 Class 90 wind uplift handles chinook gusts without the callbacks.

Certification	Rating	Impact
Hail Resistance	UL 2218 Class 4	Highest impact rating
Fire Rating	UL 790 Class A	WUI code compliant
Wind Uplift	UL 580 Class 90	90 mph uplift resistance
Energy Efficiency	Energy Star approved colors	Reflective options available

Panel Specifications and Installation

The 3/4” rib height with 9” on-center spacing provides the structural backbone. 36” coverage means fewer panels per square and faster installation. Custom lengths up to 40 feet eliminate field splices on agricultural buildings — critical when every seam is a potential leak point.

Specification	Value
Gauge	29 GA
Tensile Strength	80,000 psi
Panel Coverage	36 inches
Rib Height	3/4 inch
Rib Spacing	9 inches on center
Maximum Length	40 feet custom cut
Minimum Slope	2.5:12
Nominal Thickness	0.015” - 0.016”

Exposed fasteners with EPDM washers keep the system simple. Fastener spacing at 9” o.c. width-wise and 2-3 ft o.c. length-wise provides the holding power without overdriving the budget. The anti-siphon sidelap adds weather protection where panels overlap.

Works with standard wood purlins or decking with underlayment. Compatible with Sno-Jax snow guards for managing snow slides on steeper pitches. Matching trim, color-matched screws, vented and solid foam closures, butyl sealants, and synthetic underlayment complete the system.

Applications span residential metal roofing, residential metal siding, agricultural buildings (barns, sheds), light commercial roofing/cladding, and post-frame buildings. The coating system handles the UV exposure on south-facing barn roofs. The gauge handles snow loads on equipment sheds. The 40-foot lengths handle whatever span the trusses throw at it.

Customers note color durability and ease of installation. For contractors running agricultural projects where PVDF’s premium price doesn’t pencil out, Weather XL’s SMP coating delivers the performance that matters — scratch resistance that survives installation, color that lasts through Montana summers, and a warranty that backs it up for three decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What gauge is the Fabral Grandrib 3 Weather XL panel?

Fabral’s Grandrib 3 Weather XL runs 29 gauge with 80,000 psi tensile strength steel. This high-tensile steel actually performs stronger than standard 26 gauge panels while weighing less per square.

Q: How long is the Fabral Weather XL paint warranty?

The Weather XL SMP (Silicone Modified Polyester) coating carries a 30-year limited warranty against fade and chalk. The panel also includes a 25-year non-perforation warranty for wall applications and a 20-year structural warranty for roofing.

Q: What’s the maximum panel length for Fabral Weather XL?

Fabral can custom cut Weather XL panels up to 40 feet long. These extended lengths eliminate field splices on agricultural buildings, reducing potential leak points on long roof runs.

Q: What hail rating does Fabral Weather XL carry?

The Weather XL system achieves UL 2218 Class 4 hail resistance — the highest impact rating available. This rating helps with insurance requirements in hail-prone areas and meets the durability standards Montana contractors need.

Q: What’s the minimum roof slope for Fabral Weather XL installation?

Fabral Weather XL requires a minimum 2.5:12 roof slope. The panels use exposed fasteners with EPDM washers spaced at 9 inches on center width-wise and 2-3 feet on center length-wise.

Q: What fire rating does the Fabral Weather XL system have?

Fabral Weather XL panels carry a UL 790 Class A fire rating, meeting wildfire zone requirements across western Montana’s WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) areas. The system also achieves UL 580 Class 90 wind uplift resistance for handling high-wind conditions.