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  1. #1
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    21-05-2021 @ 08:30 PM
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    Roof Steel has rust

    Roof steel rust issues: We recently installed a concrete tile roof. The builder used untreated steel for the structural supports (SCG brand), and did a mediocre job painting with gray primer (TOA Shark). The steel supports are up, tile is on the roof, and the steel is already showing some red surface rust in places.


    (I know, it is my fault for not checking the correct way to do it. Just trying to find a solution, if needed.)



    The solution to the rust issue that the builder offered is to use a paint sprayer and spray more gray primer everywhere, including over the surface rust. (It's also messy and the paint spray gets on adjacent areas of the building.)




    In my view, spraying primer everywhere will not solve the problem of the rust coming in, will never cover all the steel because there are areas it can't reach, AND it just makes the problem worse, because now we can't even see where the rust is starting to form.




    Anyways, I am trying to get an idea of how serious an issue this is.




    First, is it a common problem to have rusting of the steel supports in a roof? Should I not be shocked?




    If the rust is just fed by air moisture, will the progress be slow enough that I don't have to worry for many years?


    Should I be most concerned about where joints and welds are?

    What's the worst that can happen?



    Has anybody else seen this problem in your roof supports? What did you do?




    I know, it is my fault for not checking before the installation, if I knew then what I knew now! I have learned a lot about roof installations, unfortunately too late.

    This is a bit of a crisis, sorry for the long post, I really appreciate any help.





    Thanks for any help.

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat Saint Willy's Avatar
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    30-04-2022 @ 02:44 AM
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    What did the contract state? Sounds like he needs to redo the roof not just spray

  3. #3
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
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    I do not think it is cause for panic or concern. It will take many many years to destroy it. I see rusted roof structures everywhere in Thailand.

    You are correct in that spraying primer now is a waste of time if you cannot get to the exposed areas.

    Honestly do not worry about it. Just occasionally check on it.

  4. #4
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    Buckaroo Banzai's Avatar
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    Spraying paint might not be affective at getting to all the areas as you and JPPR2 correctly noted, but it will provide some additional protection to the areas it covers, so it is not totally useless IMO. As also noted, not a cause of immediate concern.
    It will take many, many years for the rust to become serious problem, if ever during your lifetime, so don't sweat it.
    For future reference, The proper way to prepare the steel for roof installation is to paint the steel, by laying it flat on the ground , with a couple of sticks under it to keep it off the dirt, and spaying it or rolling it, I like rolling it because it works the paint in, where spray might just lay on top of machine oil, not properly adhering to the metal surface.
    then when a side is dried flipping it over to the other side and painting it until all sides are done, then when the installation on the roof is done, all need be is for the weld joints to be touched up. (a simple and quick process)
    Again. spray as much as you can , and don't worry, you will be fine.
    The sooner you fall behind, the more time you have to catch up.

  5. #5
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    19-01-2024 @ 11:31 PM
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    As other posters mention, as long as the integrity of the tiles is good, with no obvious leaks, you shouldn't have any problems. You could always add more galvanised, properly primed at the welds, steelwork to the more critical areas. For extra security, you could consider having spray foam applied. As well as providing the obvious insulating merits, it effectively locks the tiles in position and eliminates potential leaks caused through tiles movement. I had my roof done about 6 years ago and am really happy with it.




  6. #6
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
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    In addition to BB's post above, I highly encourage the use of galvanized steel for any future building projects. No need to prep and prime. Just touch up the weld areas and you are good to go.

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