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Cutting Metal Roofing

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Guest User
1/23/2008
I am a contractor that is installing metal roofing. I have read elsewhere that metal roofing should never be cut with an angle grinder or power saw. Other contractors tell me to use the power saws to save time. Information I have read said that manufactures will void paint warranties. I can't imagine that having those rough cut edges would be acceptable. Would power saws be recommended to cut steel roofing products? How about Aluminum?
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
1/24/2008
The problem with saw cutting steel is two fold. It leaves a very rough edge that is prone to rust. It also creates red hot shards of steel that can embed themselves in the panels' paint and cause rust. Aluminum can be safely saw cut.
Nate Libbey
2/1/2008
One other thing I've heard is that the heat from the blade can interfere with the chemical formulation of the paint and cause it to lose adhesion. I haven't seen any studies on this though, so I can't guarantee it to be true. Also there are blades specially designed for cutting metal panels, although I don't know how much benefit they add.
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
2/2/2008
The metal cutting blades help to reduce noise and maybe heat. I have also heard of the possibility of heat causing an issue but have never seen a problem with it on aluminum. Probably more likely to happen with steel which is harder to cut and will generate more heat.
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