Tri County Metals Announces Important Warranty Updates

Tri County Metals is committed to helping homeowners and contractors make confident, informed decisions when choosing a metal roofing system. As part of this commitment, we’ve updated our warranty program to provide clearer guidelines, enhanced transparency, and improved long-term value for our customers. These updates reflect changes in transferability, substrate coverage, and paint system performance—ensuring that every customer understands exactly what their roofing investment includes. This blog summarizes the most important updates, so you can better navigate the options available.

One of the most notable changes in our 2025 warranty update is the transferability of painted metal roofing products. All painted metal roofing systems—Core Defender, Max Defender, and Coastal Defender—are now one-time transferable. This enhances the value of a painted metal roof for resale, making it a strong selling point for homeowners planning to move within the lifespan of their roof. The ability to transfer the warranty once ensures that the next homeowner also benefits from long-term protection and performance. However, it is important to note that Galvalume or mill-finish (unpainted) products are not transferable under the updated policy. These products still offer reliable substrate protection, but they do not include the transferability option reserved for painted systems.

 Another key area addressed in the updated warranty program is helping customers understand the difference between SMP and PVDF paint formulations, which directly affects durability and long-term appearance. SMP (Silicone Modified Polyester)—used in our Core Defender paint system—offers excellent performance, cost efficiency, and consistent long-term appearance. SMP coatings provide solid protection for most residential applications and are a great balance of performance and value. On the other hand, PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)—used in our Max Defender and Coastal Defender systems—is considered the premium paint finish in the metal roofing industry. PVDF coatings provide exceptional resistance to UV exposure, chalking, and fading, making them ideal for Florida’s bright sun and harsh environmental conditions. PVDF systems are especially recommended for customers choosing deep or vibrant colors and for homes in coastal regions. These warranty updates now highlight these differences more clearly so customers can confidently choose the formulation that best fits their needs.

 The updated warranty also provides clarity on substrate coverage across all product categories. Mill finish or Galvalume (unpainted) products come with a 45-year substrate warranty, which protects the base metal but does not include paint performance. For customers who select Core Defender or Max Defender painted systems, both options now include a 50-year substrate warranty, giving homeowners reassurance that the metal beneath the paint is protected for decades. For coastal applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance, Coastal Defender, our PVDF system on aluminum, offers a 25-year substrate warranty. Aluminum is the recommended substrate for saltwater environments, and this warranty ensures long-term performance where corrosion risks are highest. These distinctions make it easier to understand which substrate is right for different environments and project needs.

Additionally, our warranty update clarifies how chalking color varies based on paint formulation. Chalking occurs naturally over time as the paint weathers, and the color of the chalk residue depends on the resin used. For Core Defender SMP systems, chalking appears as a white shade, which is typical of SMP coatings. For Max Defender and Coastal Defender PVDF systems, chalking appears in the native paint color, meaning the break-down of the paint resin more closely resembles the original color of the panel. These distinctions help customers set realistic expectations about long-term appearance and choose the paint system that best fits their priorities.

 Tri County Metals updated warranty structure ensures that customers have all the information needed to choose the right roofing product with confidence. From improved transferability for painted systems to clearer distinctions between substrates and paint formulations, these enhancements reinforce our ongoing commitment to quality, transparency, and long-term value. If you have questions about which warranty applies to your project, our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.

Here is a recap of our warranty offerings: