When it comes to building a shed, the thickness of the cladding is a crucial consideration that directly impacts the value and safety of your structure. Whether you’re in need of a shed for your backyard, property, or business, opting for a custom-made structure tailored to your specific requirements is a smart choice. However, the process of ordering and constructing a shed entails careful consideration before making a purchasing decision.
Not all sheds are created equal, so investing in quality is paramount. One key factor to keep in mind when ordering a shed is the Base Metal Thickness (BMT) and the associated terms. Let’s delve into this important aspect to help you make an informed decision.
Cladding Thickness: Understanding TCT vs BMT
The Base Metal Thickness (BMT) refers to the measurement of the steel substrate before any metallic coating or paint is applied. On the other hand, the Total Coated Thickness (TCT) accounts for the steel substrate as well as the metallic coating, resin coating, and/or paint film.
For instance, cladding with a 0.42mm BMT will result in a TCT of 0.47mm. The significance of BMT lies in the fact that the strength of the material originates from its base steel, while the metallic coating layer provides corrosion resistance against natural weathering. Opting for a shed with a higher BMT offers advantages such as increased resistance to dents and damage, along with the ability to safely walk on the roof for maintenance activities like gutter cleaning.
Furthermore, to be eligible for the COLORBOND® steel warranty, a minimum of 0.42 BMT cladding must be used on the roof, with a minimum of 0.35 BMT cladding on the walls. ShedEx Fleurieu utilizes 0.42 BMT cladding for both the walls and the roof, ensuring durability and reliability.
Understanding this critical difference can help you avoid ending up with a subpar shed that won’t stand the test of time.
ShedEx Fleurieu adheres to the best Australian practice by building with a minimum of 0.42 BMT high tensile steel for roofs and walls, ensuring superior strength and longevity. In contrast, some manufacturers only use 0.30mm BMT, even on the roof.
All ShedEx structures are constructed robustly using BlueScope Steel, with the cladding thickness always specified as “BMT”.
Additional Considerations
Are all the colored components in my shed made from genuine COLORBOND™ steel?
To verify if your shed components are made from genuine COLORBOND™ steel, a key indicator is the trademarked color name. You can reference the official COLORBOND™ color guide to ensure authenticity here.
It’s important to note that all colors within the genuine COLORBOND™ range are priced equally. Therefore, exercise caution if a retailer suggests varying prices for specific hues. With imitation steel prevalent in the market, discrepancies in color names can be a red flag. For instance, the genuine COLORBOND™ shade “Classic Cream™” may be misrepresented as “Smooth Cream” by unauthorized sources. Additionally, a color described by multiple names, such as “Classic Cream™ / Smooth Cream,” could indicate a mix of genuine and imitation materials, compromising the integrity of your shed’s components.
What warranties do you offer?
Ensuring that you’re investing in a quality product that will endure is essential. ShedEx Fleurieu sheds are made from 100% Australian-made BlueScope steel building products, offering warranties from both Stramit and BlueScope Steel on their respective products.
Who will provide assistance if something goes wrong?
ShedEx Fleurieu provides local technical representatives to offer superior technical advice, ensuring support in case of any issues.
Is my custom shed up to standard?
All materials in ShedEx Fleurieu sheds are manufactured in accordance with Australian Standards, with quality control systems in place to ensure accurate manufacturing.
Have the products been tested under Australian conditions?
ShedEx Fleurieu’s sheds feature BlueScope COLORBOND® steel roofing and walling, which undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability and performance under harsh Australian conditions.
Is it watertight?
ShedEx Fleurieu sheds are made from Australian steel building products and feature BlueScope COLORBOND® steel roofing and walling with anti-capillary side laps, providing effective protection against rain. Plus, we use Class 4 (Marine Grade) fasteners as standard.
By considering these factors and asking the right questions, you can ensure that your shed project meets the highest standards of quality, durability, and performance. If you’d like to find out more about custom-built sheds in Victor Harbor, ShedEx Fleurieu can answer your questions about cladding thickness, BMT, warranties, and other features. Get in touch today.
