Kathi Miller, Architectural National Accounts, McElroy Metal
The paint used to coat metal roofing and siding panels, Kynar 500/Hylar 5000, has three basic components: pigment, which creates the color; solvent, which helps to dissolve the pigment; and binder or resin, which acts like the glue to hold everything together. Due to differences in both pigment cost and the amount of pigment required, most metal panel manufacturers segment their PVDF offering into three pricing tiers.
The first and lowest priced group is often referred to as the standard colors. These colors represent the bulk of the metal roof and wall panel industry. Given the basic laws of economics (the more you buy, the cheaper it is), most people expect this color offering to be the least expensive. And they’re right. But what many folks don’t realize is that these colors require less pigment, so their lower cost actually reflects the fact that they are less expensive for paint manufacturers to produce.
While most of the colors in these groups fall in the white, beige or earth tone family, dark bronzes and blacks are also commonly included.
While the standard colors work for most projects, there are times where something a little more spectacular is desired for the color of a metal roof or wall system. Often, the decision stems from the desire to match a corporate brand or perhaps a designer or
owner wants all or part of a building to make a bigger statement. In those cases, premium colors are often considered.
While there are many variables in the equation, a good rule of thumb is to allow 8-10 percent additional cost for colors in the premium PVDF family. The additional cost stems from several factors.
First, the pigments used to produce these dramatic colors are more expensive than standard colors.
Second, premium colors typically require more pigment than standard colors, which also makes them more expensive. As a side note, some of the colors in this family also carry a reduced paint warranty due to the performance of the pigments used in this process. So, if the warranty length is important, always check with a reputable manufacturer during the color selection process.
It’s also important to note that the 8-10 percent upcharge for the premium colors typically applies only to panels and doesn’t apply to labor, trims and accessories. Consequently, the total cost increase to move from a standard to premium color is often less than expected. As an example, for a 20,000 square foot standing seam roof, the cost difference to go from standard to a premium color might be an additional $3,000-$5,000 total on the project. So, while it is a higher price, the cost difference is pretty negligible, especially if it’s critical to the brand or building owner.
Colors in the premium family fall more into what you might call the exotics and include things like oranges, reds, vibrant blues and greens.
Moving the discussion onto metallics, it’s important to note that we’re referring to metallic colors. Metallic colors are completely different from an unpainted product like Galvalume or galvanized, which have an actual metallic coating.
When comparing standard, premium and metallic finishes, metallic PVDF colors are the most expensive and normally carry a 10-12 percent cost increase over the standard PVDF colors.
Like premium colors, some of the higher cost can be attributed to higher pigment cost. In some cases, the coating lines which apply the paint to the steel are also required to run at slower speeds for metallic paints, which can increase cost. It’s also important to note that metallic finishes can be directional, meaning they must be installed in the same direction to prevent perceived shade differences. Consequently, installers are required to take more care in the layout and installation of materials, so installation costs are often higher for metallic coatings than they are for either standard or premium colors. And, while it may not impact cost, metallic colors tend to be “batch sensitive,” meaning there may be slight differences between paint produced at different times. Using products from several different batches on the same project can create aesthetic issues and should be avoided whenever possible.
Colors in this family tend to be coppers, silvers, bronzes and champagnes.
Keep in mind that the cost increase percentages outlined here are simply for budget purposes. If you have color questions for an upcoming project or even want to chat more about the possibility of custom colors, contact us at www.mcelroymetal.com. We would love to help.
Kathi Miller handles Architectural National Accounts and training at McElroy Metal and has been with the company for 28 years.
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