Scratching or damaging sandwich panels – how to fix them

The important part of our sandwich panels is the insulation inside. The rolled steel has a coating of paint on it for aesthetic purposes. Since scratches do not affect the insulation, it’s easy enough to fix them. Dents and scuff marks may also be repaired or, in some cases, left as is.

 

Repairing Fire Rated Wall Panels

 

Before you start repairing scratches, scuffs and dents, you must clean the area around the scratch and let it dry.

 

Scratches

 

Scratches often go down to the substrate. While they won’t hurt anything, they should be protected to prevent rusting over time. Using a suitable touch-up paint – preferably one made for metal – clean the area, let it dry, then paint over the scratch. Make sure you paint only the scratch. Use a small artist’s paintbrush to keep the paint on the scratch. Always follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations when working with the paint.

 

Scuffs and Minor Dents

 

Sometimes, panels may suffer from scuffs or minor dents if they are handled improperly or while lifting the panel. Minor dings do not affect the moisture and thermal performance of the panel, so you don’t have to repair the dents and scuffs.

 

Larger Dents and Punctures

 

As long as the paint isn’t scratched or otherwise damaged in the dented area, you do not have to repair the area. Touch up any damaged paint. However, if the dent is heavy or the galvanized steel skin is punctured, you have a few options:

An insulated panel specialist should make these types of repairs. You should always repair panels that have been punctured or that have large dents in them, as they could shorten the service life of the panel.

 

Check Panels Upon Delivery

 

Customers should always check their panels upon delivery. We take pictures of the panels as they leave our factory. If the panels were damaged during transit, take pictures of the damage immediately, as we charge the party responsible for the damage. Always follow Rockwall’s recommendations for lifting, moving, and installing panels.

 

If you expect the panels to sit outside for more than a few days, make sure they are in a protected area where the rain and snow cannot get to them. Follow all of our lifting recommendations to prevent damage due to mishandling, including using proper lift points and protective material under straps.

 

Contact Structural Panels, Inc.

 

To learn more about our fire rated wall panels, including installation and other tips, visit our website or contact our office.