Galvanized Steel, Bonderized Steel, Pre-Painted Steel
In the not so distant past Steel was the Architects first choice for Gutters , Downspouts and Flashings. . The main reason for this was cost. Steel is now and was then a relatively inexpensive material to use and readily available. There are other reasons as well including a low expansion/Contraction Ratio, The inherent Hardness of Steel and the perceived notion that (especially Galvanized Steel) Had a decent resistance to corrosion. Bonderized steel (Shown in the photo above) has become one of the more common replacements for a plain Galvanized Steel. Bonderized Steel is actually a Galvanized Steel that has been bathed in a Zinc Phosphate solution. This Produces a Dark Grayish appearance with a hint of the galvanized showing through. The Zink bath in essence etches the Steel and Allows it to be more easily painted with much better adherence than the typical Shiny Galvanized Steel. Both Galvanized Steel and Bonderized Steel can be Soldered and are available in Many different Gauges. In recent years we have found that many architects are requesting Un-Painted Bonderized Steel be used for its dark Gray metallic Aesthetic appeal. Please keep in mind, Bonderized Steel is not a finish. The Smokey Gray Appearance is simply a chemical reaction from the Bonderizing Process. Bonderized Steel Rain Gutters, Downspouts, Fascia Wraps and Flashings will scratch Extremely easy and will not generally have a consistent look from one Product to the next. Furthermore Steel Gutters if not cared for and kept quite clean can and will show signs of rust in a short period of time. While Steel is a harder metal than Aluminum or Copper Seamless Rain Gutter Machines Cannot generally form more than about a 26 Gauge Steel. (A 26 gauge steel While being harder than Aluminum or Copper, is about half the thickness of an .032 Aluminum) Many times the actual Steel Coils that are needed to run a seamless Rain Gutter (They need to be slit down to a specific size to work with the machine) are hard to find and not always very affordable. A plus Gutter Systems does have Slitting Capabilities and we do offer Seamless Bonderized Steel Rain Gutters and All of the parts and Accessories that go with it. Pre- Painted Steel is available as well in multiple colors. The Paint does offer a little more protection from Corrosion than the Raw Steel Products. Please Keep in mind however if you choose Steel, The corners or anywhere that the material is Cut will create a raw edge that will likely produce rust and the obvious rust stains that will be associated with it. Please call us or ask your A Plus Representative for further information at the time of your Estimate/Assessment.