a consumer's guide to purchasing stainless steel sheets

STAINLESS STEEL SHEETS

Stainless steel sheet is highly versatile and used in a wide range of applications. It is primarily selected for its resistance to corrosion, longevity and form ability. Stainless steel plate and sheet differ in durability and thickness. Stainless steel sheets are thinner, usually 6mm or less, and used for lightweight residential and household applications. Stainless steel plates provide more tensile strength and are used in heavy-duty applications.

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APPLICATIONS

Uses of stainless steel sheet include structural and construction applications, pressure vessels, offshore and marine equipment, telecommunication towers, military applications and general fabrication.

GRADES

Two of the most common grades of stainless steel are 304 and 316. 304 and 304L are the most popular grades for stainless steel sheets as they are cheaper, highly versatile, easily roll-formed or shaped and provide excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, while also maintaining their durability. For marine and coastal environments, grades 316 and 316L are often favoured due to their superior corrosion resistance and are particularly effective in acidic conditions.

The level of corrosion resistance, or what makes stainless steel stainless, is related to the amount of carbon and chromium used in the finished alloy. The corrosion resistance of the many grades of stainless steels stems from alloying the base iron with at least 10.5 % chromium and a maximum of .15% carbon. The chromium provides a passive film of chromium oxide that rises to the surface, coats the steel, and blocks corrosion from spreading into the metal’s internal structure. Therefore, increasing the amount of chromium gives an increased resistance to corrosion.

STAINLESS STEEL SHEET FINISHING MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

In addition to the many grades of stainless steel, the sheets come in a variety of finishes depending on the application that stainless steel is used for. The finishes are numbered or alpha-coded: 1, 2B, 2D, 2BA (or simply Bright Annealed) 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and TR for Temper Rolled. At Atlantic Stainless, stainless steel sheets come in both a standard 2B finish and various polished finishes. Polished surfaces range from the standard #4 to a mirrored finish #8 and are usually covered with a removable vinyl coating.

The #4 “Brushed” finish is the most common. Easily recognizable, you’ll find the finish on nearly all stainless steel appliances. The brushed look has a bright finish and is characterized by short, uniform, parallel polished lines, with a visible directional “grain.” It is designed for daily use and to hide scuff marks, fingerprints, scratches, and etcetera.

The #8 mirror-like finish has the most reflective, highly polished surface of any stainless steel. The finish is arrived at by polishing with successively finer abrasives and then buffing extensively until all grit lines from preliminary grinding operations are removed.

Finally, stainless steel sheet is typically sold in the annealed condition. Meaning, when stainless steel is annealed, it must be heated to a temperature below its melting point, then cooled slowly in order to make it less brittle and more malleable. That way it brings the sheets to a desired consistency, texture, or hardness.

#1: Budget Like a Boss

Metal roofs are an investment. They often cost 2-3 times more than shingles upfront. Here is how to budget smartly:

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• Be Realistic: Don’t overspend. Consider your current bills and decide how much you are comfortable spending.
• Prioritize: Focus on essentials, such as metal panels and underlayment. Fancy add-ons can wait.
• Understand Cost Factors: Know what affects pricing. Factors include panel width, paint type, and roof size.

#2: What Happens to Your Old Roof?

What will you do with your old roof? You have options:

• Tear-off and Replace: This method removes your old roof entirely, giving you a fresh start. However, it does add labor costs.

#3: Finding Your Metal Roof Dream Team

The right contractor can make all the difference. Here’s how to find your perfect match:

• Get Referrals: Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations.
• Check Qualifications: Verify licenses, insurance, and experience with metal roofing.
• Ask the Right Questions: Discuss warranties, installation processes, and how they’ll protect your property during the project.
• Avoid the Low Bid: Cheap isn’t always better. Inexperienced contractors or poor materials can cause problems down the line.

Alternatively, you can rely on us. We have already vetted trustworthy installers for you.

#4: Bids & Quotes: Decode the Mystery

When speaking with contractors, get multiple bids. Compare them carefully. Make sure each bid includes:

• Full Scope of Work: This outlines every step of the project.
• Material Costs: Includes the cost of panels, underlayment, fasteners, and other materials.
• Labour Costs: Covers tear-off (if applicable) and installation.
• Warranties: Details what is covered and for how long.

#5: Don’t Be Blinded by the Lowest Bid

Low bids might sound tempting, but they can be risky. A suspiciously low bid might mean:

• Cutting Corners: Using lower-quality materials.
• Missing Details: Leaving out important work in the bid.
• Inexperienced Workers: Hiring unqualified laborers.

Choose a contractor who inspires trust and prioritizes quality.

#6: Warranty Wisdom: Know What is Covered

Metal roofs come with warranties, but not all are created equal. Understand the types:

• Paint Warranty: Covers fading or peeling.
• Perforation Warranty: Covers rust and holes.
• Workmanship Warranty: Covers installation issues.

Keep your warranty documents in a safe place for future reference.

Are you interested in learning more about steel clad? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!