August 20, 2007

Follansbee's TCS II® and TCS Satin™ Surpass 15,000 Hours of Salt Spray Testing

FOLLANSBEE, WV ...Follansbee?s TCS II and TCS Satin have exceeded an astonishing 15,000 hours of salt spray testing with no red rust.

"The superior corrosion resistance of a Follansbee roof, even in the harshest salt spray conditions, creates what is truly a lifetime roofing option," explains Edward Thomas, Follansbee vice president and general manager. "Follansbee's products previously surpassed 12,500 hours of salt spray testing. We have continued testing and after 15,000 hours and there was still no red rust. Our competitors' products would have shown corrosion after 2,000 hours. Clearly, this is an extraordinary achievement, providing solid proof that a Follansbee roof is arguably a permanent solution for commercial and residential roof in coastal settings as is available today."

The unpainted TCS II and TCS Satin panels were corrosion tested in a salt spray cabinet per ASTM B117 and also in a condensation chamber per ASTM D4585.

In addition to the high performance in corrosion resistance, TCS II and TCS Satin also showed no uplift blistering or loss of adhesion after 15,000 hours of salt spray testing.

"Our patented ZT® zinc/tin alloy is the key to the durability and longevity of our roofs," Thomas continues. "We've employed years of independent testing to develop an alloy that could protect our roofs in any environment. Follansbee roofs are trusted for some of the most treasured and historic buildings in this country."

Well-known restoration projects that feature Follansbee roofs include the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Thomas Jefferson's mansion, Monticello and the historic Gettysburg Railroad Station.

Matco Associates, Inc. of Pittsburgh conducted the testing. Matco is one of the leading independent consulting, engineering and testing firms specializing in the fields of failure analysis, corrosion, metallurgical engineering, cathodic protection systems, materials selection and coatings.

Follansbee's TCS II, an architectural stainless steel, is coated with Follansbee's ZT (zinc/tin) alloy. The ZT alloy coating on TCS II is reactive to oxygen in the atmosphere, forming an attractive gray surface patina. TCS II provides enhanced corrosion resistance, formability, solderability and durability.

TCS Satin is an architectural stainless steel substrate plated with Follansbee?s ZT alloy and now micro-embossed with a pattern resembling the soft satin patina of pure zinc plate. Similar to TCS II, TCS Satin also offers the same enhanced corrosion resistance and durability, but unlike TCS II, it does not need to weather to achieve the gray patina, as the micro-embossing process immediately provides the eventual weathered appearance of TCS II.

Follansbee Steel offers a wide range of metal roofing products for commercial and residential construction including Terne II®, KlassicKolors®, TCS II® and TCS Satin™. Founded in the early 1800s, the Follansbee, WV, company has been manufacturing in its current location for more than 100 years. Modern alloys developed and patented by Follansbee have taken the original tin roof to new heights of performance and longevity. For more information call 1-800-624-6906 or visit www.follansbeeroofing.com.