Guide
Product Guide Taylor Metal Products Siding

Taylor Metal Products Zincalume Plus AZ-55: The Clear-Coated Galvalume That Solves Handling Headaches

Taylor Metal Products’ Zincalume Plus AZ-55 takes standard Galvalume steel and adds a clear, odorless resin coating that solves real jobsite problems — fingerprints, scuff marks, and wet-stack stains that plague unpainted metal panels. The coating technology lets contractors handle panels without leaving marks while still allowing field painting with water-based acrylics. No primer needed.

For Montana contractors dealing with 55% aluminum, 45% zinc metallic-coated steel, this product delivers a 25-year perforation warranty while eliminating the handling frustrations of bare metal. The resin naturally dissipates over 12-18 months if left unpainted, or contractors can paint directly over it immediately after installation.

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The Resin Coating Advantage

The clear resin coating resists scuff marks and fingerprints during handling and installation. Anyone who’s installed bare Galvalume knows the frustration — every handprint shows, every scuff mark stays visible. Zincalume Plus solves this.

The coating acts as a barrier against wet-stack storage stains and discoloration. Stack standard Galvalume panels in Montana’s spring moisture, and you’ll see staining within days. The resin prevents this moisture damage during storage and transport.

Roll-forming operations benefit too — the coating minimizes the need for lubricants during forming. Less mess, cleaner panels, faster production. That satin-smooth finish stays intact through delivery, not just at the factory.

For contractors who want the corrosion resistance of Galvalume without the handling hassles, this coating changes the game. If unpainted, the resin naturally dissipates over 12-18 months, weathering like standard non-resin coated Zincalume. The panel performance remains unchanged — just easier to work with during installation.

Performance Specs and Field Painting

The base material uses 55% aluminum and 45% zinc metallic coating applied over steel, delivering proven corrosion resistance. Standard gauges include 22 ga and 24 ga panels, with 24, 26, and 28 gauge also available depending on the panel profile.

SpecificationValueSource
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)65manufacturer
Perforation Warranty25 yearsmanufacturer
Finish WarrantyNonemanufacturer
Panel Coverage (CE-E series)8” widthmanufacturer
Panel Depth7/8” (approx. 22 mm)manufacturer
Available Lengths2’ to 60’ custommanufacturer

The product supports field painting without primer using water-based acrylic paints. This saves contractors time and money — no primer coat, no waiting between coats. Paint directly on the resin surface with confidence.

The coating meets multiple ASTM standards including A792 for Zincalume/Galvalume AZ-50/55, E331 for water penetration, E283 for air infiltration, and E1592 for structural performance. Real testing, real performance data.

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Installation Requirements and Warranty Details

The 25-year perforation warranty covers rust perforation caused by material defects, but contractors need to understand the exclusions. Warranty excludes locations within 1 mile (5,280 ft) of salt water, salt spray, or marine environments. Great Falls contractors can relax — the nearest ocean is 1,000+ miles away.

Other warranty exclusions include corrosion due to edge-cut erosion, damage from standing water or condensation, damage from dissimilar metals or treated lumber, and improper storage or installation. Minimum pitch requirements specify 1/2” per foot for standing-seam roofs.

Critical installation detail: warranty registration must happen within 45 days of installation. Miss that window, lose the warranty protection.

Storage requirements specify keeping panels dry, off the ground, under cover, and elevated at one end to ensure drainage. Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles demand proper storage — trapped moisture between stacked panels causes problems fast.

Annual maintenance involves cleaning with tap water or mild detergent. Pressure washing limits: maximum 1,000 PSI and 4 GPM with no abrasive or chemical cleaners. Simple maintenance preserves the warranty and extends service life.

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The Montana Perspective

The 55% aluminum content provides superior corrosion resistance for Montana’s 100+ annual freeze-thaw cycles. That aluminum component resists the oxidation that eats through standard galvanized coatings.

An SRI of 65 helps with cooling loads during Montana’s intense high-elevation summer sun. At 3,000+ feet elevation, UV intensity increases significantly. Higher reflectance means lower cooling costs for commercial buildings.

The resin coating solves a specific Montana problem — spring construction season coincides with wet weather. Panels sit on jobsites through April and May moisture. Standard Galvalume shows every water spot. Zincalume Plus maintains its appearance through the wettest spring conditions.

Applications include metal roofing and siding for residential and commercial projects, soffit panels, concealed fastener panels, and vertical or horizontal wall applications. The versatility works for everything from agricultural buildings to commercial projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I paint Zincalume Plus immediately after installation? Yes, the product supports field painting without primer using water-based acrylic paints. The material compatibility shows it’s compatible with water-based acrylic paints for field application. No waiting period required — paint right away if desired.

Q: What happens to the resin coating if I don’t paint it? The resin naturally dissipates over 12-18 months if unpainted, weathering like non-resin coated Zincalume. The coating disappears on its own, leaving standard Galvalume performance underneath.

Q: Does the 25-year warranty apply everywhere in Montana? The warranty excludes locations within 1 mile of salt water, salt spray, or marine environments. Since Montana sits 1,000+ miles from any ocean, this exclusion doesn’t apply. However, other exclusions like improper pitch (less than 1/2” per foot) and damage from standing water still apply.

Q: What gauge options are available? Standard offerings include 22 ga and 24 ga panels. Some specifications also list 24, 26, and 28 gauge availability. Contact your supplier for current gauge options and availability.

Q: How does Zincalume Plus compare to painted steel panels? Unlike Kynar 500 painted steel which includes long-term paint warranties, Zincalume Plus provides a metallic finish with a 25-year perforation warranty but no finish/color warranty. Choose Zincalume Plus for unpainted applications or when you want to apply your own field finish.

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