1. INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions. In these Conditions, the following definitions apply:
Business Day: a day (other than a Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday) when banks in London are
open for business.
Buyer: the person, firm, or company who purchases the Goods from the Seller. Conditions: these
terms and conditions as amended from time to time in accordance with clause 14.7.
Contract: the contract between the Seller and the Buyer for the supply of Goods and services
(where applicable) in accordance with these Conditions.
Contract Price: the price of the Goods invoiced by the Seller to the Buyer in
accordance with clause 9.3.
Force Majeure Event: has the meaning given to it in clause 14.1.
Goods: the goods (or any part of them) set out in the Order.
Intellectual Property Rights: all patents, rights to inventions, utility models, copyright and
related rights, trade marks, service marks, trade, business and domain names, rights in trade dress
or get-up, rights in goodwill or to sue for passing off, unfair competition rights, rights in
designs, rights in computer software, database right, topography rights, moral rights, rights in
confidential information (including know-how and trade secrets) and any other intellectual property
rights, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all applications for and
renewals or extensions of such rights, and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of
protection in any part of the world.
Order: the Buyer’s order for the supply of Goods, as set out in the Buyer’s purchase
order form, or the Buyer’s written acceptance of the Seller’s quotation, or as the
case may be.
Seller: Phoenix Steels (Birmingham Co Ltd), its successors or assigns.
2. BASIS OF CONTRACT
2.1 The Order constitutes an offer by the Buyer to purchase Goods in accordance with these
Conditions.
2.2 The Order shall only be deemed to be accepted when the Seller issues written acceptance of
the Order at which point and on which date the Contract shall come into existence.
2.3 The Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. The
Buyer acknowledges that it has not relied on any statement, promise or representation made or given
by or on behalf of the Seller which is not set out in the Contract.
2.4 Any samples, drawings, descriptive matter or advertising issued by the Seller and
any descriptions of the Goods contained in the Seller’s catalogues or brochures are issued or
published for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the Goods described in them. They
shall not form part of the Contract or have any contractual force.
2.5 These Conditions apply to the Contract to the exclusion of any other terms that the Buyer
seeks to impose or incorporate, or which are implied by trade, custom, practice or course of
dealing.
2.6 Any quotation given by the Seller shall not constitute an offer, and shall be
for the current price and strictly limited to the type and quantity of Goods as
stated in the quotation.
3. GOODS
3.1 The Goods are described in the Seller’s catalogue as modified by any applicable
specification.
3.2 To the extent that the Goods are to be manufactured in accordance with a specification
supplied by the Buyer, the Buyer shall indemnify the Seller against all liabilities, costs,
expenses, damages and losses (including any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of
profit, loss of reputation and all interest, penalties and legal and other reasonable
professional costs and expenses) suffered or incurred by the Seller in connection with any
claim made against the Seller for actual or alleged infringement of a third party’s
intellectual property rights arising out of or in connection with the Seller’s use of
the specification. This clause 3.2 shall survive termination of the Contract.
3.3 The Seller’s employees or agents are not authorised to make any representations
concerning the Goods unless confirmed by the Seller in writing. The Buyer
acknowledges that it does not rely on, and waives any claim for breach of any such
representations which are not so confirmed.
3.4 The Seller is unable to advise the Buyer on the fitness of the Goods for any particular
purpose, their storage or application. Unless the Seller gives written advice or a written
recommendation, the Buyer is entirely responsible for satisfying itself that the Goods are fit for
the intended use either by relying on their own expertise or by obtaining professional
advice.
3.5 The Seller reserves the right to amend the specification if required by any
applicable statutory or regulatory requirements. Dimensions and other physical properties
of the Goods are subject to reasonable manufacturing tolerances.
4. DELIVERY OF GOODS
4.1 The Seller shall ensure that: (a) each delivery of the Goods is accompanied by a delivery
note; and (b) if the Seller requires the Buyer to return any packaging material to
the Seller, that fact is clearly stated on the delivery note. The Buyer shall make any
such packaging materials available for collection at such times as the Seller shall reasonably
request. Returns of packaging materials shall be at the Seller’s expense.
4.2 The Seller shall deliver the Goods to the location set out in the Order or
such other location as the parties may agree (“Delivery Location”) at any time after
the Seller notifies the Buyer that the Goods are ready. Delivery shall be as near as possible to
the Delivery Location, where the Seller believes that such place is suitable for
unloading during the normal working hours of the Seller on a Business Day.
4.3 Where the Goods are delivered by the Seller, delivery of the Goods shall be completed on
the Goods’ arrival at the Delivery Location. The Buyer shall be solely responsible for the
unloading of the Goods and the Seller shall not be liable for any damage that occurs during such
unloading. In the event that the same exceeds a period of one hour then demurrage may
be charged by the Seller to the Buyer.
4.4 Where the Goods are collected by the Buyer then delivery of the Goods shall
be completed upon completion of the loading of the Goods. The Seller shall not be liable for any
damage that occurs during the loading or unloading of the Goods.
4.5 Any claims by the Buyer in respect of alleged shortage or damage or loss in transit must be
notified to the Seller within 24 hours of delivery and confirmed in writing within three days of
delivery taking place. Any evident damage to external packaging must be the subject of an
endorsement on the Seller’s delivery note at the time of delivery. No claim can be made by the
Buyer under this clause if an acceptance note relating to the Goods has been signed by the Buyer or
his agent or employee without reference to the alleged
damage, shortage or loss in transit.
4.6 Any dates quoted for delivery of the Goods are approximate only, and the time of delivery
is not of the essence. The Seller shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of the Goods
that is caused by a Force Majeure Event or the Buyer’s failure to provide the Seller with
adequate delivery instructions or any other instructions that are relevant to the supply of the
Goods.
4.7 If the Seller fails to deliver the Goods, its liability shall be limited to the costs and expenses
incurred by the Buyer in obtaining replacement goods of similar description and quality in
the cheapest market available, less the price of the Goods. The Seller shall have no liability
for any failure to deliver the Goods to the extent that such failure is caused by a Force
Majeure Event, the Buyer’s failure to provide the Seller with adequate delivery instructions
for the Goods or any relevant instruction related to the supply of the Goods.
4.8 If the Buyer fails to accept or take delivery of the Goods within seven Business Days of the
Seller notifying the Buyer that the Goods are ready, then except where such failure or delay
is caused by a Force Majeure Event or by the Seller’s failure to comply with its obligations
under the Contract in respect of the Goods: (a) delivery of the Goods shall be deemed to
have been completed at 9.00 am on the Business Day following the day on which the Seller
notified the Buyer that the Goods were ready; and (b) the Seller shall store the Goods until
delivery takes place, and charge the Buyer on an indemnity basis for all related costs and
expenses (including insurance).
4.9 If 28 days after the Seller notified the Buyer that the Goods were ready for delivery the
Buyer has not accepted or taken delivery of them, the Seller may resell or otherwise
dispose of part or all of the Goods and, after deducting reasonable storage and selling costs,
account to the Buyer for any excess over the price of the Goods or charge the Buyer for any
shortfall below the price of the Goods.
4.10 The Seller may deliver the Goods by instalments, which shall be invoiced and paid for
separately. Each instalment shall constitute a separate contract. Any delay in delivery or
defect in an instalment shall not entitle the Buyer to cancel any other instalment.
4.11 The Seller shall be under no obligation to make any delivery of Goods to the Buyer if the
Buyer is in breach of any of these Conditions.
5. QUALITY OF GOODS
5.1 The Seller warrants that on delivery, and for a period of 12 months from the date of
delivery (“Warranty Period”), the Goods shall: (a) be as described in the Seller’s catalogue
or in any specification as appropriate; (b) be free from material defects in design, material
and workmanship; and (c) be of satisfactory quality (within the meaning of the Sale of
Goods Act 1979).
5.2 Subject to clause 5.3 if: (a) the Buyer gives notice in writing during the Warranty Period
within a reasonable time of discovery that some or all of the Goods do not comply with the
warranty set out in clause 5.1; (b) the Seller is given a reasonable opportunity of examining
such Goods; and (c) the Buyer (if asked to do so by the Seller) returns such Goods to the
Seller’s place of business at the Buyer’s cost,
then the Seller shall, at its option, repair or replace the defective Goods, or refund the price
of the defective Goods in full.
5.3 The Seller shall not be liable for the Goods’ failure to comply with the warranty in clause
5.1 if: (a) the Buyer makes any further use of such Goods after giving a notice in
accordance with clause 5.2; (b) the defect arises because the Buyer failed to follow the
manufacturer’s oral or written instructions as to the storage, installation, commissioning,
use or maintenance of the Goods or (if there are none) good trade practice; (c) the defect
arises as a result of the Seller following any drawing, design or specification supplied by
the Buyer; (d) the Buyer alters or repairs such Goods without the written consent of the
Seller; (e) the defect arises as a result of fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, or
abnormal working conditions; or (f) the Goods differ from the specification as a result of
changes made to ensure they comply with applicable statutory or regulatory standards; or
(g) the Buyer has not paid in full for the Goods.
5.4 Except as provided in this clause 5.4, the Seller shall have no liability to the Buyer in
respect of the Goods’ failure to comply with the warranty set out in clause 5.1.
5.5 The terms of these Conditions shall apply to any repaired or replacement Goods supplied
by the Seller under clause 5.2.
6. RETURNS
6.1 Goods returned at the Buyer’s request not on the Seller’s own vehicle shall be at the
Buyer’s risk regarding insurance for a value not less than the full invoice price.
6.2 Subject to clause 5 specifically ordered or non stock items are not returnable.
6.3 Costs of collection and re-delivery of replacement items will be met by the Buyer unless
attributable to the negligence of the Seller. Only Goods returned in saleable condition can
be accepted for credit. The Seller reserves the right to levy a re-stocking and handling
charge. All returns must be sanctioned by the Seller prior to Goods being brought back.
7. TITLE AND RISK
7.1 The risk in the Goods shall pass to the Buyer on completion of delivery where the Goods
are delivered by the Seller. Where the Goods are collected by the Buyer, the risk in the
Goods shall pass to the Buyer when the employees or agents of the Seller have completed
lading to the satisfaction of the vehicle’s driver.
7.2 Title to the Goods shall not pass to the Buyer until the Seller has received payment in full
(in cash or cleared funds) for: (a) the Goods; and (b) any other goods that the Seller has
supplied to the Buyer.
7.3 Until title to the Goods has passed to the Buyer, the Buyer shall: (a) hold the Goods on a
fiduciary basis as the Seller’s bailee; (b) store the Goods separately from all other goods
held by the Buyer so that they remain readily identifiable as the Seller’s property; (c) not
remove, deface or obscure any identifying mark or packaging on or relating to the Goods;
(d) maintain the Goods in satisfactory condition and keep them insured against all risks for
their full price on the Seller’s behalf from the date of delivery; (e) notify the Seller
immediately if it becomes subject to any of the events listed in clause 12.1; and (f) give the
Seller such information relating to the Goods as the Seller may require from time to time,
but the Buyer may resell or use the Goods in the ordinary course of its business provided
that any such sale of the Goods shall take place as the Seller’s bailee and that the entire
proceeds of sale are held in trust for the Seller and shall not be mingled with other monies
or paid into any overdrawn bank account.
7.4 If before title to the Goods passes to the Buyer the Buyer becomes subject to any of the
events listed in clause 12.1, or the Seller reasonably believes that any such event is about to
happen and notifies the Buyer accordingly, then, provided the Goods have not been resold,
or irrevocably incorporated into another product, and without limiting any other right or
remedy the Seller may have, the Seller may at any time require the Buyer to deliver up
the Goods and, if the Buyer fails to do so promptly, enter any premises of the Buyer or of
any third party where the Goods are stored in order to recover them.
8. BUYER’S OBLIGATIONS
8.1 The Buyer shall: (a) ensure that the terms of the Order and any specification are
complete and accurate; and (b) in the event that the Goods do not accord with the Order,
the Buyer must notify the Seller within 24 hours from the date of delivery and be
confirmed in writing to the Seller within three days, failing which the Buyer will be
deemed to have accepted the Goods.
9. CHARGES AND PAYMENT
9.1 The price for Goods shall be the price set out in the Order or, if no price is quoted, the
price set out in the Seller’s published price list as at the date of delivery. The price of the
Goods is exclusive of all costs and charges of packaging, insurance, transport of the
Goods which shall be paid by the Buyer when it pays for the Goods.
9.2 The Seller reserves the right to increase the price of the Goods by giving notice to the
Buyer at any time before delivery, to reflect any increase in the cost of the Goods to the
Seller that is due to: (a) any factor beyond the control of the Seller (including foreign
exchange fluctuations, increases in taxes and duties, and increases in labour, materials
and other manufacturing costs); (b) any request by the Buyer to change the delivery
date(s), the number of deliveries, quantities or types of Goods ordered, or any
specification; or (c) any delay caused by any instructions of the Buyer in respect of the
Goods or failure of the Buyer to give the Seller adequate or accurate information or
instructions in respect of the Goods.
9.3 The Seller shall invoice the Buyer on or at any time after completion of delivery of the
Goods.
9.4 The Seller shall have the right to invoice the Buyer by e-mail where the Buyer has
consented to invoices being submitted in this manner. Where invoices are sent out using
electronic mail they will be deemed to have been received by the Buyer on the date when
they are sent provided that the electronic mail is transmitted between the hours of 9.00am
and 5.00pm on a Business Day. If the invoice is sent by e-mail from the Seller to the
Buyer outside of the above times then the Buyer will be deemed to have received the
invoice on the next Business Day.
9.5 The Buyer shall pay each invoice submitted by the Seller: (a) by the end of the month
following the month of issue of the invoice; and (b) in full and in cleared funds to a bank
account nominated in writing by the Seller,
and time for payment shall be of the essence of the Contract.
9.6 All amounts payable by the Buyer under the Contract are exclusive of amounts in respect
of value added tax chargeable from time to time (“VAT”). Where any taxable supply for
VAT purposes is made under the Contract by the Seller to the Buyer, the Buyer shall, on
receipt of a valid VAT invoice from the Seller, pay to the Seller such additional amounts
in respect of VAT as are chargeable on the supply of the Goods at the same time as
payment is due for the supply of the Goods.
9.7 Without limiting any other right or remedy of the Seller, if the Buyer fails to make any
payment due to the Seller under the Contract by the due date for payment ( “Due Date”),
the Seller shall have the right to charge interest on the overdue amount at the rate of 2%
per month of the Contract Price from the Due Date until the date of actual payment of the
overdue amount, whether before or after judgment.
9.8 The Buyer shall pay all amounts due under the Contract in full without any deduction or
withholding except as required by law and the Buyer shall not be entitled to assert any
credit, set-off or counterclaim against the Seller in order to justify withholding payment
of any such amount in whole or in part. The Seller may, without limiting its other rights
or remedies, set off any amount owing to it by the Buyer against any amount payable by
the Seller to the Buyer.
9.9 Non-payment by the Buyer by the Due Date shall entitle the Seller to demand payment
of all outstanding balances under the Contract or any other contract or agreement
between the parties whether due or not and to cancel forthwith any outstanding orders
and credit facilities without prejudice to all other rights the Seller may have.
9.10 The Buyer must pay to the Seller all and any reasonable expenses and legal costs
incurred by the Seller in taking any steps, including Court action, to enforce the Buyer’s
obligations under the Contract for the payment of any monies owed by the Buyer to the
Seller.
10. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Neither party shall during and after termination of this Contract, without the prior written
consent of the other party use or disclose to any other party any information of the other
party which is identified as confidential or which is confidential by its nature. This clause
10 shall survive termination of the Contract.
11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: THE BUYER’S ATTENTION IS PARTICULARLY
DRAWN TO THIS CLAUSE
11.1 Nothing in these Conditions shall limit or exclude the Seller’s liability for: (a) death or
personal injury caused by its negligence, or the negligence of its employees, agents or
subcontractors; (b) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; (c) breach of the terms implied
by section 2 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (title and quiet possession);
(d) breach of the terms implied by section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (title and
quiet possession); or (e) defective products under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
11.2 Subject to clause 11.1: (a) the Seller shall under no circumstances whatever be liable to
the Buyer, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or
otherwise, for any loss of profit, or any indirect or consequential loss arising under or in
connection with the Contract; and (b) the Seller’s total liability to the Buyer in respect of
all other losses arising under or in connection with the Contract, whether in contract, tort
(including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, shall in no circumstances
exceed the Contract Price.
11.3 Except as set out in these Conditions, all warranties, conditions and other terms implied
by statute or common law are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from the
Contract.
11.4 This clause 11 shall survive termination of the Contract.
12. TERMINATION
12.1 Without limiting its other rights or remedies, the Seller may terminate the Contract with
immediate effect by giving written notice to the other party if: (a) the Buyer defaults in
any of its payment obligations; (b) the Buyer commits a material breach of its obligations
under this Contract and (if such breach is remediable) fails to remedy that breach within
10 days after receipt of notice in writing of the breach; (c) any distress or execution is
levied upon any assets of the Buyer; (d) a winding up petition is filed in relation to the
Buyer, or where the Buyer is an individual, they become subject to a bankruptcy petition
or order; (e) the Buyer makes a resolution for its winding up, makes an arrangement or
composition with its creditors or makes an application to a Court of competent
jurisdiction for protection from its creditors or an administration or winding up order is
made or an administrator or receiver is appointed in relation to the Buyer; (f) the financial
position of the Buyer deteriorates to such an extent that in the opinion of the Seller the
capability of the Buyer adequately to fulfil its obligations in accordance with the Contract
has been placed in jeopardy; or (g) the Buyer suspends, or threatens to suspend, payment of
its debts and/or threatens to suspend, ceases or threatens to cease to carry on all or
substantially the whole of its business.
12.2 Without limiting its other rights or remedies, the Seller may terminate the Contract: (a) by
giving the Buyer 14 days’ written notice; or (b) with immediate effect by giving written
notice to the Buyer if the Buyer fails to pay any amount due under this Contract on the due
date for payment.
12.3 Without limiting its other rights or remedies, the Seller shall have the right to suspend all
further deliveries of Goods under the Contract or any other contract between the Buyer and
the Seller if: (a) the Buyer fails to pay any amount due under this Contract on the due date
for payment; or (b) the Buyer becomes subject to any of the events listed in clause 12.1, or
the Seller reasonably believes that the Buyer is about to become subject to any of them.
13. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION
On termination of the Contract for any reason: (a) the Buyer shall immediately pay to the
Seller all of the Seller’s outstanding unpaid invoices and interest; (b) the accrued rights and
remedies of the Seller as at termination shall not be affected, including the right to claim
damages in respect of any breach of the Contract which existed at or before the date of
termination or expiry; and (c) clauses which expressly or by implication have effect after
termination shall continue in full force and effect.
14. GENERAL
14.1 Force majeure:
(a) For the purposes of this Contract, “Force Majeure Event” means an event beyond the
reasonable control of the Seller including but not limited to strikes, lock-outs or other
industrial disputes (whether involving the workforce of the party or any other party), failure
of a utility service or transport network, act of God, war, riot, civil commotion, malicious
damage, compliance with any law or governmental order, rule, regulation or direction,
accident, breakdown of plant or machinery, fire, flood, storm or by any failure of the
Seller’s subcontractors to supply the Seller.
(b) The Seller shall not be liable to the Buyer as a result of any delay or failure to perform
its obligations under this Contract as a result of a Force Majeure Event.
(c) If the Force Majeure Event prevents the Seller from providing any of the Goods for
more than 14 days, the Seller shall, without limiting its other rights or remedies, have the
right to terminate this Contract immediately by giving written notice to the Buyer.
14.2 Assignment and subcontracting:
(a) The Seller may at any time assign, transfer, charge, subcontract or deal in any other
manner with all or any of its rights under the Contract and may subcontract or delegate in
any manner any or all of its obligations under the Contract to any third party.
(b) The Buyer shall not, without the prior written consent of the Seller, assign, transfer,
charge, subcontract or deal in any other manner with all or any of its rights or obligations
under the Contract.
14.3 Data and Data Protection:
(a) The Seller may use any information that the Buyer has provided to the Seller to enable a
search to be made with credit reference agencies to assess the creditworthiness of the Buyer
and to search against any personal credit records of all directors and/or proprietors of the
Buyer (in respect of which the Buyer confirms that all necessary consents from the
individuals have been obtained) where the Buyer has sought or has entered into credit terms
with the Seller. Such searches may include a search against current or previous addresses in
the last three years
(b) For the purposes of credit referencing, fraud prevention and any money laundering
regulations that may apply, the Seller may share the account information and trade history
with other lenders and credit reference agencies. The Seller may from time to time review
the account of the Buyer, and further searches of credit reference agencies and/or
personal credit record searches may be undertaken by the Seller.
(c) Under the Data Protection Act 1998 those individuals referred to at clause 14.3(a) above
have the right to apply for a copy of the information about them held by the Seller, for
which the Seller may charge a small fee, and have the right to correct any inaccuracies in
any such information held.
14.4 Waiver and cumulative remedies:
(a) A waiver of any right under the Contract is only effective if it is in writing and shall not
be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach or default. No failure or delay by the
Seller in exercising any right or remedy under the Contract or by law shall constitute a
waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor preclude or restrict its further exercise. No
single or partial exercise of such right or remedy shall preclude or restrict the further
exercise of that or any other right or remedy.
(b) Unless specifically provided otherwise, rights arising under the Contract are cumulative
and do not exclude rights provided by law.
14.5 Severance:
(a) If a court or any other competent authority finds that any provision of the Contract (or
part of any provision) is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision or part-provision
shall, to the extent required, be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the
other provisions of the Contract shall not be affected.
(b) If any invalid, unenforceable or illegal provision of the Contract would be valid,
enforceable and legal if some part of it were deleted, the provision shall apply with the
minimum modification necessary to make it legal, valid and enforceable.
14.6 No partnership: Nothing in the Contract is intended to, or shall be deemed to, constitute a
partnership or joint venture of any kind between any of the parties, nor constitute any party
the agent of another party for any purpose. No party shall have authority to act as agent for,
or to bind, the other party in any way.
14.7 Third parties: A person who is not a party to the Contract shall not have any rights under or
in connection with it.
14.8 Variation: Except as set out in these Conditions, any variation, including the introduction of
any additional terms and conditions, to the Contract shall only be binding when agreed in
writing and signed by the Seller.
14.9 Governing law and jurisdiction: This Contract, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in
connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or
claims), shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law, and the
parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
15. Warranty
15.1 If a warranty is required longer than 12 months with reference to section 5.1 in our terms and conditions please confirm this in writing upon order so we can contact the necessary supplier to forward on.
16.PVC Inspection & Maintenance
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF P.V.C (PLASTISOL) COATED STEEL SHEET
After the 12 month Phoenix Steels guartantee has expired (section 5.1), In order to meet the suppliers guarantee on the external P.V.C. coated steel sheets, and extend the life of the materials, it is important that the building is inspected and maintained at least annually including the washing of all slopes and walls.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE LIFE OF P.V.C. COATED STEEL SHEETS
Proximity to marine and coastal conditions i.e. exposure to salt water etc.
Proximity to local pollutants and emissions from industrial, traffic and oil fired plants.
Extreme or abnormal weather conditions.
Solar Radiation – the sun affects the P.V.C. coating by ultraviolet radiation and heat.
Colour selected i.e. light colours last longer than dark colours.
Position and pitch of sheeting i.e. sun affects south facing shallow pitch roof more than north facing surfaces.
All kinds of damage including handling and impact.
Defective draining of water on slope and sealing of overlaps.
Exposure to harmful and corrosive substances.
Lack of or insufficient inspection, maintenance and washing.
REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR STAGES IN THE LIFE OF P.V.C. COATING
New sheet erected.
Chalking residues appear making the P.V.C. coating lighter and thinner but still intact. Action: If presence of chalking is unacceptable wash it away.
The P.V.C. coating has reduced to below 140 µm (0.14mm) and will crumble away when scratched. If not caught in time this will continue to deteriorate the P.V. coat and primer. Action: Remove paint as this has deteriorated to below satisfactory levels before re-painting.
RESTORE P.V.C. COATING
Cleaning
This is an important part of maintaining long life in P.V.C. sheeting. Whilst rainfall is usually sufficient if any deposits remain or rain water cannot reach then they need to be washed away, by means of high pressure or soft brush and water, from the bottom upwards. If debris remains, including that in roof valleys and rainwater systems, e.g. litter or fallen leaves, they should be removed annually by other means. In polluted areas, or when there are ingrained stains, then a detergent solution may be needed to clean the sheet i.e. industrial or dishwashing detergent using the recommended dosage. Difficult stains can be removed with a soft cloth dipped in white spirit. Do not use strong solutions, organic solvents or abrasive cleaning products. After a few minutes, allowing enough time for the detergent to act, this should be rinse thoroughly from the top downwards with clean water so no detergent remains.
Touch Up
Any defects on the P.V.C. coating should be repaired. If the damage is minor e.g. scratches then this should be touch up painted. First ensure the scratched area is cleaned with white spirit and dried. Only use a soft thin brush and recommended air drying touch up paint of the correct colour. This paint may discolour at a different rate to the sheeting it is important to only paint that which is necessary. If the scratch reaches the zinc layer then a second application will be required.
Repainting
The P.V.C. coating may need repainting due to discolouration, deterioration, flaking or corrosion including edge corrosion. This must be completed in a professional manner, ideally by experienced painting contractor, using proven paint systems and following recommended instructions.
The following guidance rules should be followed;
Remove any loose paint, organic material or corrosion residues.
Rub rust down to the bare metal including a small area of adjoining original paint.
Clean with an alkaline degreasing agent, such as a 5% caustic soda solution with some dishwashing detergent added to it.
Rinse the surface with water and dry thoroughly.
Paint the with a zinc rich anti corrosion primer.
Paint the top coat once the primer has dried.
The paint must be mixed to limit colour mismatch and applied in humidity below 80% and temperatures above 5ºC but not in direct sunlight. Use a paint brush, roller or spray gun for the work. For edge corrosion the paint must enclose the cut edge all round (the paint will be shaped similar to the head of a match). This will be difficult on overlapping sheets as the underside may not be accessible so the edge must be sealed by applying a joint compound.
ANNUAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
You must inspect, at least annually, the P.V.C. coated steel sheets on the building, so maintenance if required can be carried out. The guarantee shall not be valid unless this inspection, maintenance and washing is carried out and recorded. Please find below examples of the things that should be checked and the necessary action to be taken.
TO BE CHECKED REQUIRED ACTION
Condition of the paint – Signs of chalking, discolouration, or flaking, particularly where rainwater cannot keep the surface clean. Evaluate the condition and assess whether washing, cleaning, treatment of edge corrosion, touching up paint or repainting is necessary.
Debris in the rainwater systems – Blocked systems increase the likelihood of corrosion and consequent water leakage onto the building. Remove the debris from the systems as this binds moisture and corrosive substances.
Accumulations of waste or debris on the sheet – This increases the likelihood of corrosion as the surface under the waste is kept humid particularly if the debris itself is corrosive. Remove the waste or debris so that the sheet surfaces can dry out and corrosion doesn’t set in.
Damage to the paint coat – This increases chance of corrosion so check even if the building is new. Consider whether touch up, repaint or replacing sheets is necessary.
Wrong or incorrectly fitted fasteners – These can cause leakage and corrosion. Replace fasteners and use next largest size if threads are stripped.
Edge corrosion – This can spread at sheet ends and overlapping sheets if not treated in good time. Clean the eroded edge and repaint.