Taylor Metal Products Weathered Copper ArmorTech™ Coating (26 Gauge)

Taylor Metal’s Weathered Copper ArmorTech gives contractors the aged copper look their clients want without the copper price tag. The 40-year paint warranty covering fading, chalking, and chipping puts this coating in rare territory for silicone modified polyester (SMP) finishes. At 26 gauge thickness (0.019 inches unpainted), it works across Taylor’s full panel lineup — from residential standing seam to agricultural exposed fastener systems.

ArmorTech Performance Where It Counts

The numbers contractors care about: UL 2218 Class 4 hail rating handles Montana’s severe weather. UL 580 Class 90 wind uplift rating stands up to chinook gusts. UL 790 Class A fire resistance meets wildfire zone requirements.

Specification	Value	Source
Paint Warranty	40 years	Manufacturer
Gloss Level	10-15% sheen (Low Gloss)	Manufacturer
Solar Reflectance Index	24	Manufacturer
Hail Rating	UL 2218 Class 4	Tested
Wind Uplift	UL 580 Class 90	Tested
Fire Resistance	UL 790 Class A	Tested
Thickness (unpainted)	0.019 inches	Manufacturer

Cool pigment technology (infrared reflective) reduces heat absorption during Montana’s intense summer sun. Energy Star compliant panels qualify for utility rebates in some areas.

The coating chemistry matters. Harder and more scratch-resistant finish compared to PVDF means panels survive jobsite handling better. Crews working with PVDF know the drill — handle with kid gloves or deal with visible scratches. ArmorTech takes more abuse.

Panel Compatibility and Real-World Applications

This isn’t a coating limited to one profile. ArmorTech Weathered Copper works across Taylor’s lineup:

Standing Seam Systems:

• StreamLine™ Standing Seam (Residential)
• MS150™ / MS200™ Mechanical Seam (Commercial/Residential)
• Slim-Lock™ Standing Seam

Exposed Fastener Panels:

• Tuff Rib
• Classic 7/8” Corrugated
• Max Corr™

Substrate options include G-90 Galvanized (ASTM A653) and Zincalume® AZ-50 (ASTM A792). The Zincalume substrate typically comes with a 25-year perforation warranty.

For siding applications, the coating works on Board & Batten (Concealed Fastener), T-3™ Exposed Fastener, GR-7™ Exposed Fastener, HR-34™, and PBR / Marion ‘R’ Panel.

The PVDF Trade-Off

Here’s what contractors need to understand: ArmorTech is the standard, more affordable choice compared to Kynar 500 PVDF coatings. Kynar 500 is the premium option for long-term color retention.

For a weathered copper look on a 30-year residential project, ArmorTech delivers. For a commercial building where color consistency matters across decades, PVDF might justify the premium. But ArmorTech’s physical toughness advantage — harder and more scratch-resistant — plays well on job sites where panels get manhandled.

Unlike ‘Weathering Materials’ (e.g., bare Zincalume or Rusteel Plus), the Weathered Copper ArmorTech finish comes with a 40-year paint warranty. Raw weathering steel develops its patina unpredictably. ArmorTech delivers the look immediately with warranty backing.

Installation Considerations

Standard installation specs apply: 3:12 minimum slope (typical for standing seam profiles). Concealed fasteners with pre-slotted flange allow for thermal movement. Standard lengths up to 35 feet (high-wind clips required for longer panels).

The vertical interlocking ‘no-siphon’ dry-lock seam (no mechanical seaming required for StreamLine) speeds installation on residential projects. Butyl tape and sealants required at laps, transitions, and penetrations — standard practice for any quality metal roof installation.

FAQs

Q: How does the 40-year ArmorTech warranty compare to standard metal roofing warranties? A: The 40-year warranty covers fading, chalking, chipping, cracking, and peeling. Most SMP coatings warranty 20-30 years. This puts ArmorTech closer to PVDF warranty territory while maintaining the scratch resistance advantage.

Q: Can ArmorTech handle Montana’s temperature extremes? A: Energy Star compliant with cool pigment technology helps with summer heat reflection. UL certifications including Class 90 wind uplift and Class 4 hail rating prove it handles severe weather. The coating withstands temperature cycling better than many alternatives.

Q: What’s included with ArmorTech panels? A: Custom color-matched trim (ridge caps, drip edge, gable, sidewall), matching Z-flashing and transition flashing, pre-slotted fastener flanges on panels, ember-resistant ridge/end-wall flashings, and color-matched exposed fasteners where applicable.

Q: Where can Montana contractors source ArmorTech products? A: Offered through Salem, Sacramento, Riverside, Auburn, and Spokane branches. The Spokane branch serves western Montana markets.

Q: How does ArmorTech compare to actual copper roofing? A: Customers prefer the ‘Weathered Copper’ look as a cost-effective substitute for actual copper. Real copper costs 3-5x more and requires specialized installation skills. ArmorTech delivers the aesthetic on standard steel substrate with conventional installation methods.