A Detailed Look At Cut Edge Corrosion

Cut-edge corrosion can cause severe damage to a building if it isn’t treated quickly and correctly and, if left untreated, could result in cladding replacement.

At Cladding Coatings, we are very familiar with cut-edge corrosion. Unfortunately, it is a common problem for many properties that have metal cladding panels.

What is cut-edge corrosion?

When metal cladding sheets are manufactured and cut, they have a thin metal edge that is uncoated and therefore not protected. Cut edge corrosion describes the breakdown and deterioration process of the cut edge on metal cladding sheets. If a cut edge is insufficiently coated, this causes the factory coating on the cladding to peel back and delaminate. If chloride ions are present such as those in saltwater, the process will happen much quicker. Cut edge corrosion most commonly occurs in steel cored coil coated materials.

The chemical reaction

Rusting is an oxidation reaction. Rust occurs when the iron molecules in the metal react with oxygen and water or moisture in the air. The brown/reddish colouring and residue you see as a result is Hydrated iron (III) Oxide, also known as iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), more commonly known as rust.

When the cut edge on metal cladding sheeting starts to corrode and deteriorate, you will see rust formation, and if left untreated, this deterioration will worsen.

Cladding sheets made with a zinc aluminium alloy will have a lower corrosion rate because of what is known as the ‘sacrificial zinc layer.’

How does it happen on buildings?

Cut edge corrosion can occur on metal cladded buildings where metal cladding sheets overlap. This is because water enters the overlap joint, which then penetrates the PVC, Plastisol or Polyester coating on the metal sheet going into the zinc oxide layer and exposing the bare metal.

Being exposed to the elements and taking the brunt of the UK’s harsh weather, it’s understandable that buildings will start to show signs of wear and tear over time. Cut edge corrosion can’t always be avoided, but it can be treated and stopped in its tracks using a range of high-quality treatments and systems.

What can be done to treat it?

Ensuring that your property is correctly maintained can help prevent cut edge corrosion. Repairing damaged cladding as soon as possible can help prevent rusting or cut edge corrosion. If the significantly damaged cladding is left untreated, the bare metal may be exposed, which is when the cladding will start to fail and become unsafe. Areas such as guttering should be correctly maintained to allow water to drain away from your property, preventing water from pooling on areas such as the roof.

Thankfully, many treatments have been created over time that help cure the problem and prevent it from getting any worse in the future.

When refurbishing the exterior of your building, it is essential that you have experts like Cladding Coatings who have a strong knowledge of the corrosion classifications.

At Cladding Coatings, we have years of experience dealing with and treating all kinds of cladding problems. Unfortunately, cut edge corrosion is a very common problem, particularly on older buildings or buildings close to the sea, due to the salt in the atmosphere.

Specialist Systems

When repairing cut edge corrosion, different types of treatments can be used. We have cut edge corrosion treatments in our high-performance systems portfolio and are approved installers meaning we can professionally apply the most suitable system for your property. We use a high-quality system to treat cut edge corrosion from Tor Coatings, Tor EdgeProtect. You can see how we used this product to repair a bright coloured roof at The Fleets, Barnsley College. Find out more about all of the different coating systems we use here.

Cut edge corrosion can cause serious issues for your property, and damaged cladding can be unsafe. That is why it needs addressing as soon as you notice a problem.

If you are concerned or unsure if your property has signs of cut edge corrosion, you can book a free site survey, and our team will assess the level of damage on your property. Or, if you would like to find out more about the systems we use to treat cut edge corrosion, get in touch with a member of our friendly and professional team today on 0161 626 3493.