Introducing the Moonstone of the metal industry

By Colin Murnan, Sheffield Metals.  

From energy-saving to reduced chalking and fading, learn about the variety of benefits that come with the Moonstone color line.  

PVDF coatings are popular in the metal roofing industry for many reasons, including their durability against things like UV rays and corrosion. They also retain the original color well, making them popular for aesthetic reasons. In October 2023, Sheffield Metals International introduced a new color to expand the aesthetic options for contractors, architects, and homeowners. 

Textured, Low-Gloss (TLG) Moonstone™, offers a myriad of unique features and benefits for a variety of structures. In the rest of this guide, we’ll cover the origins of this product, the main features of this new color and how to determine if it is a good option for your next project. 

The story behind TLG moonstone – A new roofing finish 

To outline the origins of Moonstone, we first must touch on Sheffield Metals’ CoreLine. Textured SMP paint options have been hugely popular for the last five years, and Sheffield Metals sought a way to bring textured finishes to the higher-quality, robust PVDF paint systems. 

The result blended two hot trends in the metal roofing industry – low-gloss and textured finishes. After collaboration with their paint partners, Sherwin-Williams, Sheffield Metals released five new textured, low-gloss (TLG) PVDF colors, including Moonstone. Moonstone is brand new, having never existed before on the Sheffield Metals color chart. 

The name reflects the core features of Moonstone, with its silvery, shimmery appearance and textured, rough, stonelike finish. 

TLG moonstone features 

Because Moonstone is a brand new, exclusive color on the Sheffield Metals color palate, it can be helpful for contractors and homeowners to understand the detailed features of this color to see what it offers: 

• Overall look: Moonstone has an antique look that is also very versatile. It merges an iconic, old-world feel with the metallic sheen of modern-day metal roofing. 
• Color: Featuring a metallic, silvery color with hints of warm shades of blues, browns and grays, Moonstone is designed to change slightly in different lights to keep that warm, timeless look.  
• Texture: Moonstone has a textured, rough finish, which you can feel if you brush your hand against it. This benefits contractors looking to increase grip retention and walkability while installing or repairing roofs.  
• Low gloss: Metal roofs with low-gloss finishes can help knock down sunlight glare and reduce the effects of oil canning, while also providing a beautiful aesthetic. 

An antique, old-world look with a metallic sheen and a blend of multiple colors, plus a textured finish for improved walkability, could make Moonstone a top choice for future metal roofing projects. 

TLG moonstone benefits 

From its unique appearance to the gripping strength of its textured finish, TLG Moonstone has various advantages that will impress customers. 

Combined advantages 

Moonstone is both low-gloss and textured, bringing together multiple trends in the metal roofing industry to offer an ideal product. Low-gloss finishes help reduce the effects of oil canning, while the texture helps create an ease of access during installation. 

Uniqueness 

There is nothing quite like Moonstone on the Sheffield Metals color palate. It can be used with a variety of building materials and color palettes, making it a great choice for anyone looking to buy the next hot item in the metal roofing industry. 

PVDF durability and longevity 

Moonstone is made with PVDF paint. PVDF is a high-quality paint system commonly used in the architectural standing seam metal roofing industry. It is highly durable and holds up well against sun exposure, humidity, pollution and extreme temperatures, and provides several other benefits, including: 

• Impressive color retention: The chemical structures found in PVDF paint make it highly effective in the battle against sunlight, pollutants, moisture and acid. Those strong chemical bonds allow PVDF paint to hold color for multiple decades with little to no signs of wear and tear. 
• Reduced chalking and fading: When compared to the chalking and fading of SMP paint systems, PVDF is also superior, resisting these effects while also providing better warranty coverage, too. 
• Energy savings: PVDF paint may also contain solar reflective pigments, which help dissipate heat from sunlight. This can keep the temperature in a home or building constant and even reduce energy costs.  
• Efficient Installation: One of the most important aspects of metal roofing installation is efficiency. When you’re up on a roof, a lot could go wrong, so it’s important to control as many variables as possible to ensure everything goes according to plan. 

One of the ways to increase efficiency is to opt for a textured finish. Textured finishes can improve walkability on the roof, allowing contractors to navigate areas more confidently. Keep in mind, however, that even though materials are textured, it doesn’t always mean they’ll have a a better grip. 

When it comes to safety, be sure you’re following all OSHA safety standards regarding tie-offs and lifting requirements to ensure proper installation. 

Versatility 

One of the best advantages of a color like Moonstone is its versatility. It has a mild enough look to work for pretty much any type of structure, from a car dealership to a suburban home. We’ll get into more of Moonstone’s applications in the next section. 

TLG moonstone best uses 

As mentioned earlier, the versatility of Moonstone is a considerable advantage, as it can be installed on nearly any type of structure because of its warm, eye-catching color and impressive color retention properties. Below are some of the options where Moonstone would fit in nicely. 

Homes 

Mixing timelessness with modernity, Moonstone may appeal to many homeowners because of its ability to fit in with many different designs. No matter what you’re looking for, Moonstone can help bring the home together and add a mild and elegant touch to its architecture. 

Restaurants 

One of the biggest concerns of business owners when it comes to roofs is how its gloss will affect its appearance. The great thing about Moonstone is that it’s low gloss, meaning it will knock down a lot of sun reflection for a mild, smooth look that works great for structures like restaurants. 

Dealerships 

Many dealerships today are opting for gray, matte coatings for their buildings. Moonstone could be an excellent option for those looking to match that type of shade while also getting the benefits of a textured, long-lasting and durable finish.  

While Moonstone is a very versatile color that can be used on all kinds of structures, there are situations where this color may not be best. 

When is TLG moonstone not the best choice? 

TLG Moonstone might not be the right choice if you: 

• Want a vibrant, colorful look: Those looking for something very eye-catching might not want to opt for Moonstone, as it has a milder appearance. 
• Want a smooth finish: Likewise, some people may be seeking colors without a textured finish – if this is you, then you may want to look for an alternative to Moonstone. 
• Don’t need a premium paint system: Moonstone is also a PVDF finish, which is a high-quality, robust paint system. SMP paint systems cost less than PVDF but don’t offer the same type of durability and longevity. If you’re looking to cut costs, then you may want to opt for an SMP paint system. 

If you do think Moonstone might be right for your roofing project, you could be wondering how you can buy it. 

Where can you find TLG Moonstone? 

Moonstone is part of Sheffield Metals’ new product rollout, CoreLine, which features five new low-gloss, textured PVDF colors, including TLG Medium Bronze, TLG Dark Bronze, TLG Charcoal Gray and TLG Black.  

You can find Moonstone at the nearest Sheffield Metals location near you. Reach out to your regional location to place an order. For an up-close look at Moonstone, you can also order color chip samples to see and feel the texture of this brand-new finish. Moonstone is available with Sheffield Metals’ standard 24-gauge PVDF warranty. 

Original article source: Sheffield Metals