Warranty, Care & Maintenance
Vicwest steel roofing and siding products are designed to deliver lasting performance, durability and visual appeal across agricultural, commercial and residential applications.
Proper installation and maintenance can help avoid any damage and preserve the appearance of your building. From delivery and installation through ongoing care, these guidelines provide practical recommendations for getting the most from your Vicwest products.
Protect your investment in Vicwest steel products from the start
A little care goes a long way. Proper planning, detailing, storage and maintenance can help prevent premature wear, protect the paint finish and help ensure that your Vicwest product will provide decades of service life
We recommend the following:
Design & installation
There are many factors to consider, including drainage, roof slope, water flow, prevailing wind direction, ventilation and material compatibility when planning and installing Vicwest products.
Site storage
Store panels properly to help prevent moisture damage, staining and surface contamination before installation
Cleaning & maintenance
Annual cleaning with warm soapy water (laundry detergent) a soft bristle brush, followed by a fresh water rinse is sufficient for the cleaning and maintenance of Vicwest steel products. This will remove atmospheric deposits that can tend to hold moisture over time and is particularly important at the eaves of any cut-to-length Vicwest product. Regular maintenance will help maintain the appearance of your steel products and support long-term performance. Heavier cleaning can be sparingly done using light mineral spirits. Treated areas can tend to darken, so always use a test area. No solvents or other harsh chemicals should be used on any Vicwest products, as this can damage the paint finish and void warranties.
Design & Installation
Good building design and installation practices can help your Vicwest steel products perform as intended for many years to come.
Explore our Installation Guides for detailed product-specific guidance and installation guidelines
The use of impact guns for installing any Vicwest products can cause installation issues, damage to Vicwest material, and void warranties. Vicwest strongly recommends only variable-speed drills be used.
Site Storage
Proper storage begins as soon as your material arrives on site. Whenever possible, install panels immediately after delivery.
If panels need to be stored for an extended period, follow these best practices:
- Store them indoors, whenever possible.
- If outdoor storage is unavoidable, cover bundles loosely with a suitable cover that allows ventilation. Do not use plastic wrap covers for storage.
- Tilt bundles slightly to allow water to drain.
- Keep bundles raised off the ground for proper drainage and ventilation.
- Support long panels to prevent sagging.
- Store panels away from chemically aggressive materials.
- Protect bundles from site traffic and wind-driven rain.
Inspect your material on delivery
Shipments of bundled panels should be inspected when they arrive. Early identification of damage or moisture exposure can help prevent issues during installation. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for more information.
Prevent wet storage staining
Moisture trapped between panels can result in wet storage staining. This can occur due to condensation or wind-driven rain. Proper storage is important to help prevent moisture-related damage. Storage stain is not a cause for material rejection and can be removed from affected material using 1:5 white vinegar/water solution. Treated areas can darken.
White rust, also known as storage stain, is caused when moisture is trapped between sheets, often when bundled. Once the bundle is opened and sheets dry, the reaction stops completely and does not spread. The white powdery residue can be removed with a 1:5 vinegar/water solution, followed by a fresh water rinse. Treated areas can darken. White rust is not a cause for material rejection, as the material remains serviceable. To help prevent white rust, install delivered material promptly. Vicwest products should always be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Cleaning & Maintenance
After construction is complete, thoroughly clean the building with water to remove debris, metal filings and metal fines from walls and roofs (do not use harsh cleaning equipment, products or chemicals to clean the surface).
For protected areas such as overhangs, an annual spring cleaning is recommended. In many cases, simply washing the surface with clean water is enough.
For heavier dirt
Where dirt deposits have dulled the surface, and especially at the eave of cut to length material
- Mix approximately 100 ml (⅓ cup) of typical laundry powder detergent with 4 litres (1 gallon) of water.
- Use a soft bristle brush to gently clean the affected area.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
For mildew
Mildew can develop in areas exposed to high humidity. Where mildew is present, additional cleaning may be required using the solution above but adding a small amount of TSP.
Use appropriate cleaning precautions, work in a well-ventilated area and thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water after cleaning.
What to avoid
Avoid hard bristle brushes, and solvent-based and abrasive cleaners that may damage the finish, which can void warranties.
Warranty
Your Vicwest products are designed to provide dependable, long-term performance. Our warranty resources provide important information about product coverage and requirements.
Find warranty resources
Looking for warranty documents, product information or additional technical resources? Explore the Vicwest Resources library for downloadable information.
Register your warranty
Protect your investment by registering your Vicwest product warranty.
Have questions about our Vicwest products?
From product selection and installation to maintenance and warranty information, our resources are here to help you get the most from your Vicwest roofing and siding products.
