Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Vicwest products available in the U.S., including Bellara steel siding and True Nature metal roofing, along with installation, maintenance, finishes, and warranty guidance.
Bellara Steel Siding
What is Bellara?
Bellara is Vicwest’s premium steel siding system, combining the appearance of natural wood with the durability and low maintenance of steel.
Which Bellara profiles are available?
Bellara includes Plank 90, Plank 135, Plank 200, Board & Batten, and Lap Siding. Each profile creates a distinct exterior appearance.
Can Bellara Plank be installed vertically and horizontally?
Yes. Bellara Plank 90, 135, and 200 can be installed vertically or horizontally to support different architectural styles.
Can Bellara be installed over strapping?
Yes. Bellara can be installed over strapping, with typical residential support spacing between 16 and 24 inches on center.
Does Bellara need to be painted or stained?
No. Bellara features a durable factory-applied finish, so routine painting or staining is not required.
True Nature Metal Roofing
What is True Nature?
True Nature is Vicwest’s metal roofing collection designed to recreate the appearance of traditional roofing materials through distinctive steel shingle profiles.
Which True Nature roofing profiles are available?
The collection includes Cedar Creek Shake, North Ridge Slate, and Coastal Wave, offering cedar shake, slate-inspired, and Mediterranean tile-inspired appearances.
What is Cedar Creek Shake?
Cedar Creek Shake provides the dimensional character and appearance associated with traditional cedar shake roofing in a steel roofing profile.
What is North Ridge Slate?
North Ridge Slate creates a slate-inspired roofing appearance while providing homeowners with a steel roofing option.
What is Coastal Wave?
Coastal Wave is designed with the visual character of Mediterranean barrel tile, creating a distinctive profile for residential roofs.
Steel Roofing and Siding Basics
Why choose steel siding?
Steel siding offers durability, weather resistance, low maintenance, and lasting exterior appeal for a range of building designs.
Does steel siding rust?
Modern steel siding uses protective coatings and paint systems that provide strong corrosion resistance when properly installed and maintained.
Does steel siding need regular painting?
No. Vicwest steel siding uses factory-applied finishes designed for long-term performance without routine painting.
Can steel siding be cleaned?
Yes. Mild soap, water, and a soft-bristled brush can be used to remove common dirt and environmental buildup.
Can steel siding be installed in different orientations?
Many steel siding profiles can be installed vertically, horizontally, or in combination depending on the product and design requirements.
Steel Roofing and Siding Maintenance
How often should I inspect my steel roof?
Inspect your steel roof at least once a year and after major weather events to identify debris, damaged flashing, or other maintenance needs.
How often should I inspect my steel siding?
Inspect steel siding once or twice a year for dirt buildup, impact damage, debris, or areas that may require attention.
How should I clean a steel roof?
Use warm water, a mild detergent, and a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
How should I clean steel siding?
Clean steel siding with warm water and a mild detergent solution to remove dirt, pollen, and other surface contaminants.
Can steel roofing or siding be pressure washed?
Low-pressure washing may be appropriate in some cases. Keep adequate distance from the steel and avoid excessive pressure that could damage the finish.
Is steel roofing slippery?
Yes. Steel roofing can become slippery when wet, icy, frosty, or covered with debris, so appropriate fall protection should always be used.
Can I walk on a steel roof?
Yes, when necessary, but foot traffic should be limited. Always use proper safety equipment and take care to avoid damaging the roofing system.
How should moss or algae be removed from steel roofing?
Use warm water, mild detergent, and a soft-bristled brush, followed by a clean water rinse. Avoid methods that could damage the finish.
What ongoing maintenance does a steel roof require?
Typical maintenance includes annual inspections, debris removal, cleaning gutters and drains, and checking flashings and roof penetrations.
What maintenance does steel siding require?
Steel siding requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and inspections for dirt, debris, or visible damage.
Paint Systems, Colors and Finishes
What paint system does Vicwest use?
Vicwest uses WeatherXL®, a high-performance silicone-modified polyester coating designed for durability and long-term appearance.
What is WeatherXL?
WeatherXL is a premium paint system for steel roofing and siding designed to resist fading, chalking, and weathering.
What warranty is available for WeatherXL finishes?
Most standard WeatherXL applications are backed by a 40-year limited warranty. Review the applicable warranty for product-specific details.
Will the color of my steel roof or siding fade?
Some weathering and color change can occur over time. WeatherXL is designed to provide strong color retention and help reduce fading.
What is chalking?
Chalking is a natural weathering process where small amounts of surface pigment gradually break down due to UV exposure and environmental conditions.
What causes color fading?
Color fading is mainly caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, UV rays, weather, and environmental conditions. WeatherXL is designed to help minimize these effects.
Can Vicwest roofing and siding colors be coordinated?
Available colors can help coordinate roofing, siding, trim, and other exterior elements. Confirm current color availability for your selected U.S. product before ordering.
Can steel roofing or siding be repainted?
Yes. Appropriate preparation and compatible coating systems are required, and professional services are recommended. Repainting will void the original warranties.
What are the benefits of a factory-applied finish?
Factory-applied finishes provide consistent coating coverage and color uniformity under controlled manufacturing conditions.
Vicwest Product Warranties
What warranty is available on Vicwest products?
Vicwest warranties mainly address painted finish performance, including excessive fading and chalking. Inspect materials before installation and report visible concerns promptly.
What does a Vicwest warranty cover?
Coverage varies by product and warranty but generally focuses on paint performance and factory-applied finish integrity.
Does a Vicwest warranty cover installation errors?
No. Vicwest warranties do not cover workmanship issues or problems resulting from improper installation.
Does the warranty cover color fading?
Some warranties cover excessive color fading beyond specified limits. Review the applicable warranty for exact coverage.
Does the warranty cover chalking?
Many finish warranties address excessive chalking when it exceeds the limits defined in the applicable warranty terms.
Does the warranty cover rust or corrosion?
Corrosion is not covered under the FAQ guidance. Review the applicable product warranty for specific corrosion-related terms and exclusions.
Can a Vicwest warranty be transferred?
Transferability depends on the product and warranty program. Review the applicable warranty for specific transfer requirements.
What can affect or void warranty coverage?
Improper installation, unauthorized modifications, incompatible materials, or failure to follow manufacturer requirements may affect warranty coverage.
How do I submit a Vicwest warranty claim?
Submit the claim in writing within 30 days of discovering the issue. Start with your installer, or contact your dealer with proof of purchase if you installed the product yourself.
Find More Information From Vicwest USA
Use Vicwest product pages, technical resources, installation guides, maintenance information, and warranty documents for product research and care. Contact Vicwest USA for information specific to Bellara, True Nature, or your project.
