Tata Steel is pleased to announce that both its Colorcoat Prisma® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel products surpass the requirements of RC5+ as per EN 10169, providing excellent corrosion resistance. This new RC5+ category is the highest classification available for corrosion resistance, with products meeting this level of performance having to undergo extensive weathering tests at a C5 exposure site for at least four years with satisfying results – i.e., resist blistering, coating damage and edge peel to less than 2mm. Samples of Colorcoat Prisma® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® were exposed to the extreme coastal environment of Brest on the west coast of France to assess corrosion resistance.  Both products utilise the Galvalloy® metallic coating, which is an essential element of the super durable properties. 

What’s more, in addition to corrosion resistance, Tata Steel’s Colorcoat Prisma® – a 3 layer pre-finished steel product renowned in the industry for its superior aesthetics – has been proven to surpass the requirements of Ruv5, in accordance with EN 10169. The Ruv5 category, also new for 2022, is now the highest classification available for UV resistance. To achieve this, products have to achieve a minimum of 4 years weathering in a UV exposure site, with satisfying colour and gloss retention results. EN 10169 stipulates that, for Ruv5 classification: the percentage gloss retention must be greater than 80% after each test and the extent of colour change must be less than 3 DE following natural weathering exposure. 

Speaking about the achievement, Dr Peter Barker, Manager - New Product Development at Tata Steel said: “The Colorcoat® brand has long been synonymous with providing high-quality, durable pre-finished steel to the construction industry. Now, with our achievement of RC5+ and Ruv5 for Colorcoat Prisma® (Metallics, Solids, Matts and Elements range) and RC5+ and Ruv4 for Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®, our customers can remain confident that they are getting products that meet the highest performance levels for their project. 

“At Tata Steel, we seek to not only meet the standards but exceed them. That’s why we currently have over 10 years of weathering evidence, far more than the four years set out by the Standards, and also why we offer a guarantee of up to 40 years on both of our pre-finished steel products used for the weatherside of industrial and commercial buildings. By choosing Colorcoat® branded products architects, specifiers, contractors and developers can be provided with the assurance that their building will have a long life-span, standing strong and looking great for many years to come. In the drive for lower carbon buildings, a more durable product can ultimately provide more sustainable benefits in the use stage of a project.”

Manufactured in the UK, the Colorcoat® pre-finished steel products are certified to BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing Standard and can support both BREEAM and LEED certification.