FAQ Page
WELCOME TO OUR METAL PANEL FAQ
Welcome to our Metal Panels FAQ. We specialize in design, consultation, and logistics, partnering with industry-leading manufacturing experts to bring your architectural vision to life. Below, you will find answers regarding our ordering process, material standards, and delivery.
1. ORDERING & CUSTOMIZATION
- Can I order a custom design? Yes. We work closely with you to finalize your design intent, then coordinate directly with our manufacturing partners to create custom patterns from your hand sketches, design intent, or CAD files.
- Are product samples available? Yes. Standard metal and finish samples are available through our partners with a typical 2 to 3-week lead time.
- What are the maximum panel sizes? Standard panels max out at 48″ x 96″ nominal dimensions. Our partners can accommodate oversized options for an extra fee.
- How fast can I get a quote? Most standard and custom project quotes are delivered within 5-7 business days after we review your project scope with our production partners.
2. MATERIALS AND QUALITY STANDARDS
- What metals do you use? Our manufacturing partners source heavy-duty, high-quality materials including 1/8″ thick steel, 3/16″ thick aluminum, and Corten weathering steel.
- Are the panels perfectly flat? Laser cutting releases sheet metal tension, which can cause minor natural bowing. Secure all sides during installation to ensure flatness.
- Should I expect minor imperfections? Yes. Because our partners utilize industrial laser cutters, press brakes, welding, and hand-grinding, minor natural variations and manufacturing marks are a normal part of the raw metal fabrication process.
- What finishes do you offer? We provide eco-friendly, zero-VOC powder coating and highly UV-resistant PVDF (Kynar) coatings through our certified finishing partners.
3. SHIPPING AND INSTALLATION
- Where do you ship? We coordinate logistics to ship our products directly from our partners’ facilities to project sites across the United States and Canada.
- How are the panels packaged for shipping? To ensure maximum protection, all panels are securely packed and shipped in heavy-duty, custom-built wooden crates to prevent scratching or bending during transit.
- Is mounting hardware included? No. Mounting hardware and brackets are sold separately, as attachment requirements vary greatly depending on your specific structure and wall type.
- Do you install the panels? No. We specialize in design, consultation, and logistics, while our vetted manufacturing partners handle the heavy fabrication. We do not provide physical installation services.
- Do you work with contractors? Yes. We interface directly with your general contractor to provide exact technical specifications and ensure a smooth delivery.
- How do I clean the panels? Use mild soap and water. Never use harsh chemicals or clean Corten weathering steel.
3. FINISH AND COATING STANDARDS
Our partner builds these panels using heavy-duty, industrial-grade components designed to withstand the elements and deliver long-lasting performance.
Our Finish & Coating Standards
We utilize premium architectural powder coatings from Cardinal Paint to ensure maximum durability, UV protection, and weather resistance.
- Color Representation: Digital screen displays are only close approximations of physical finishes. Gloss levels, reflectivity, and lighting will vary in real-life applications.
- Specialty Textures: Options like hammertone finishes feature a deliberate multi-toned, dimpled texture rather than a smooth, flat surface.
- Color Verification & Matching: To find exact technical data, sheen levels, or batch details for your specific finish, locate the 4-digit color code and corresponding suffix/suffix code on your product labeling, then search the code directly on the Cardinal Paint Website or browse their official Color Chart.
3. ZINC-RICH POWDER COAT OPTIONAL
For enhanced corrosion protection, panels can be finished with a zinc-based powder coat. This option is ideal for outdoor applications and provides added protection to the steel.