Hmmm, I would call the manufacturer and see where that goes.

Is it galvanized steel or Galvalume? Is it painted?

The material is galvanized steel. A site visit by the manufacturer to look at the problem was to take place Wednesday. It was Thursday when the weird chemical applications started...my assumption is the company told the installers they made a mistake by being so rough. I believe my GC will make it right, but I am wondering if this is normal with that type of finish. The installers have done a number of metal roof jobs and they have a good reputation, this is the first time they used a galvanized or traditional "tin roof" material.

My concern would be the manufacturer told them they screwed the pooch and they are trying to mask it to get out of replacing it.

You need to be present for the meeting so that when the manufacturer says the guys ruined it, then you know for sure who bears the blame. You can then have it replaced or if you can live with it, a credit for the cost of replacement towards something else. I don't have a lot of experience in this area but it reminds me of car insurance. Insurance compensates you and it is up to you whether or not to actual have the repair done, either way they pay.

Galvanized "burnishes" with contact (much like a matte paint finish on a wall does), which gives it dark appearing spots, which are an aesthetic issue, not a functional one (Unless they really abraded it badly enough to remove the zinc.) It was less of an appearance issue with the old fashioned S crimped agricultural roofing than it is with the standing seam which has lots of flat spots to show up that burnishing. I personally would not have picked the standing seam/galvanized combination because of the burnishing issue. A painted silver gray would be a better choice for appearance sake as it can take regular human contact much better and retain it's appearance. I only hope that whatever they are attempting here doesn't result in ruining the zinc coating on the roofing. Cold galvanizing sprays will not result in an even appearance, although they will reduce the appearance of the burnishing somewhat. Galvanized by it's very nature won't be perfectly even in appearance for long though, even if the greatest care is taken in application.

Post up a few pics

Okay, here is a small sample of what's over the surface of the roof. These are in shade, when the sun hits them, it's dramatic...it is burnished just as livewireoak described with toe marks from boots scrambling up ladders. I also agree with millworkman...believe there may be arguing going on behind the scenes between roofing contractor and GC as to responsibility...

Another side of the house...

And this is basically all over everything...

From my own experience, galvanized (decking below my concrete floors) and also galvalume sheets (I used it for siding) have a very fragile surface if one expects no marks. I have a few burnished spots on my siding that are fading over time. I'd expect the same for galvanized panels.

I guess some installers aren't used to residential projects where cosmetic flaws matter a lot?!

After seeing pictures I am starting to think it may not be much of an issue either but I would still get something in writing form the manufacturer.

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This post was edited by millworkman on Wed, Aug 21, 13 at 14:58

As I suspected, it appears to be a cosmetic issue. Unfortunately, it's 90% due to the nature of galvanized material. 10% is probably due to them not being as careful as they could be. Definately get the manufacturer involved. I'd bet that there really isn't a "solution" though other than to adjust your attitude towards it's appearance as "normal" with galvanized.

To me the roofing in question looks more like an unfinished Galvalume coating than galvanizing.
If that is the case, unfinished Galvalume roofs can show scuffing or darkened burnish marks if not handled carefully during installation especially where ladders are needed in order to work on adjacent side walls. The extent of protection of the finish should be spelled out in your specification.

Warning from one supplier/installer:
"The aluminum in the Galvalume coating reacts to friction and becomes darker giving the panels a blotchy appearance. In all cases, these differences in color or shade do not change with age even though the panels may become duller due to natural weathering. Because of this issue [this supplier and installer] will not guarantee uniformity of color on bare Galvalume applications."

The standard to which you can hold your GC to is what was agreed upon in your contract specifications. What the GC can hold the installer to is what was in their contract. I suspect the manufacturer is covered by their installation instructions.

Frankly, I see discoloration but not massive gouging. If you want a uniform finish you will need to have it field painted.

PS

If it is Galvalume, the link below might be helpful. Scuffing or "footprinting" of unfinished Galvalume is such a predictable problem that US Steel makes a version with a protective acrylic coating. But is does not entirely eliminate the problem. You can't install a metal roof without climbing on it and touching it.

Here is a link that might be useful: footprinting

This post was edited by Renovator8 on Wed, Aug 21, 13 at 18:38

+1
Cases and access requirements like that side wall are where a plastic film on the metal pays dividends.

It will mute with time as the panels weather but it will not go away.

Thanks everybody, I appreciate your input. I think I'm willing to live with a lot of it, the footprinting not so much. I picked this roof because I wanted it to show some age and weathering. Will have to have a talk with GC, about 10 panels have footprinting on them, may ask to have them replaced...we shall see and I will let you know what happens. Oh, and windowsonwashington, the day after we mentioned the problem with the burnishing, protective plastic appeared under ladders and equipment...

It would be interesting to know for sure if the steel roofing has been galvanized or if it has been coated with an alloy.

Doesn't galvanized steel need to be painted to prevent rust? (I replaced a rusted through galvanized porch roof, was told that it rusted because the previous owners hadn't kept the paint in good condition.) Painting will hide any scuffs.