If you’re comparing steel buildings, you’ve probably seen plenty of bold claims around “50-year warranties.” And if you’re smart, you’re skeptical.
Independent engineering studies consistently show that properly coated structural steel is often designed for 100+ years of service life under normal conditions, yet most building warranties promise only a fraction of that on paper. That gap is exactly why buyers question whether a steel building warranty actually means anything when rust shows up years down the road.
Most buyers don’t worry about whether a steel building warranty exists, they worry about whether it actually means anything when rust shows up years down the road.
Let’s cut through the marketing and explain, in plain English, how Buildway’s 50-Year Rust Warranty works, what it really covers, what it doesn’t, and whether it’s worth factoring into your buying decision.
Quick Answer: What the Warranty Really Means
Buildway’s 50-year rust warranty covers rust perforation (actual holes caused by corrosion) on approved steel panels and structural components under normal environmental conditions. Coverage depends on proper installation, approved coatings, and basic ongoing maintenance.
It’s not cosmetic protection. It’s structural protection and for most long-term commercial or agricultural owners, it outperforms standard industry warranties.
What Does Buildway’s 50-Year Steel Building Warranty Cover?
This is where most warranties lose people: vague language, buried exclusions, and unclear definitions. Buildway takes the opposite approach. Its steel building warranty is specific about what’s covered and, just as importantly, what isn’t.
That clarity is intentional. It sets realistic expectations upfront and removes the guesswork if an issue ever arises. Here’s exactly what Buildway’s 50-year steel building warranty is designed to protect:
1. Rust-Through (Perforation) on Steel Panels & Structural Members
The core of the warranty is protection against rust perforation. That means:
- Corrosion that eats completely through the steel
- Structural integrity is compromised
- Actual holes form due to rust
If that happens to covered steel components within 50 years from delivery, it’s a valid claim.
Important Note: Surface discoloration or light oxidation does not count. The warranty is about performance, not appearance.
2. Approved Coated Steel (Galvalume Plus™)
Buildway’s 50-year rust coverage applies to steel panels and components made with Galvalume Plus™, an aluminum-zinc coated steel designed for long-term corrosion resistance. This advanced coating is a key reason Buildway can offer a longer steel building warranty than many suppliers that rely on standard galvanized steel.
Why Galvalume Plus™ performs better:
- Aluminum-zinc coating provides stronger corrosion protection than zinc-only systems
- Slower rust progression in normal moisture-exposed environments
- Proven long-term durability in real-world applications
- Supports extended paint and finish warranties
The result is steel that holds up longer, making a 50-year rust perforation warranty practical, not promotional. For a deeper breakdown of how aluminum-zinc coatings outperform traditional painted panels, see Why Galvalume Plus™ Steel Outperforms Painted Panels?
3. Manufacturing Defects Present at Delivery
Buildway’s steel building warranty covers manufacturing defects that are present when the materials are delivered. Issues that should not have made it past factory quality control.
What this coverage includes:
- Defects in steel panels or structural components supplied by Buildway
- Material flaws that affect strength, fit, or performance
- Issues identified before installation or early in the project timeline
What it does not include:
- Damage from unloading, storage, or on-site handling
- Installation errors or field modifications
- Wear or damage that occurs after erection
If the issue existed at delivery, it’s Buildway’s responsibility. If it happened after, it isn’t. And the warranty draws that line clearly.
4. Paint Finish Warranty (Separate Coverage)
Buildway’s Galvalume Plus™ steel panels also include a separate paint finish warranty, which runs 40 to 50 years depending on the panel type. This coverage applies to the paint system only, not the steel underneath: an important distinction many buyers miss.
What the paint warranty covers:
- Excessive peeling, cracking, or flaking
- Abnormal fading or chalking beyond defined limits
- Factory-applied paint system defects
What it does not cover:
- Normal weathering or gradual color change
- Damage from impact, abrasion, or aftermarket coatings
- Improper cleaning or chemical exposure
Think of this as aesthetic protection, while the steel building warranty handles long-term structural rust performance.
5. Other Components (Shorter Coverage)
Not every part of a steel building carries decades-long warranty protection and Buildway is upfront about that. Components such as fasteners, trim, hardware, and similar items are covered under a 12-month manufacturer defect warranty.
This coverage includes:
- Manufacturing defects present at delivery
- Issues unrelated to installation or site conditions
This coverage excludes:
- Corrosion caused by environmental exposure
- Improper installation or overtightening
- Normal wear after installation
This is standard across the steel building industry and doesn’t weaken the value of the long-term rust perforation warranty on structural steel.
What’s Not Covered (Fine Print, Explained Clearly)
This is where most buyers feel burned by warranties. Let’s be direct.
| Covered | Not Covered |
| Rust perforation | Cosmetic rust or discoloration |
| Approved coatings | Damage from aftermarket paint |
| Normal environments | Coastal salt air or chemicals |
| Factory-supplied steel | Third-party accessories |
| Proper installation | Site or foundation issues |
Specifically excluded:
- Surface rust, white rust, chalking, or mold
- Improper installation or handling
- Poor site conditions (standing water, bad drainage)
- Unauthorized field modifications (cutting, welding, drilling)
- Harsh environments (marine air, chemical plants, fertilizers, animal confinement gases)
- Extreme weather beyond engineered loads
The warranty protects the steel itself, not mistakes, environmental abuse, or neglected maintenance.
Maintenance Requirements And Why They’re Reasonable
No legitimate steel building warranty is “install it and forget it.” Steel lasts a long time but only when obvious corrosion risks are managed. Buildway’s maintenance requirements are straightforward, industry-standard, and designed to prevent avoidable problems.
To keep warranty coverage in force, owners are expected to:
- Conduct annual or bi-annual inspections to spot early signs of moisture or coating damage
- Remove debris and standing water from roof and wall areas
- Keep cut edges clean and sealed to prevent exposed steel from corroding
- Follow Buildway’s installation drawings exactly, without unauthorized field changes
- Maintain proper drainage around the building to avoid chronic moisture exposure
This isn’t busywork or fine-print trickery. These steps address the same corrosion conditions every steel manufacturer excludes from coverage. If you’re not willing to perform basic inspections and upkeep, no long-term warranty (50 years or otherwise) is going to protect you.
If you’re planning a new build, reviewing our blog on Metal Building Site Preparation: Everything to Do Before Your Kit Arrives can help ensure your site doesn’t create conditions that could jeopardize warranty coverage later.
How the Claims Process Works
If you ever need to file a claim under Buildway’s steel building warranty, the process is straightforward and documented. There’s no ambiguity about what’s required or how decisions are made.
Step 1: Document the issue: As soon as a potential warranty issue is discovered, document it with clear photos and written notes showing the affected area and conditions.
Step 2: Contact Buildway warranty support: Submit your claim using your order information, along with the supporting documentation. Claims must be reported promptly.
Step 3: Review and evaluation: Buildway reviews the submission and may request additional details or arrange an inspection to confirm whether the issue meets warranty criteria.
Step 4: Resolution: If the claim is approved, Buildway will determine the appropriate remedy, which typically includes:
- Repair or replacement of the affected materials (at Buildway’s discretion)
- Replacement materials may require the owner to cover shipping costs
- Labor, removal, and reinstallation expenses are not covered
Important conditions to understand upfront:
- Claims must be filed within 30 days of discovering the issue
- The total claim value is capped at the original purchase price of the affected materials
These terms are standard across the steel building industry. They aren’t loopholes, they define the scope of responsibility so expectations are clear on both sides.
How Buildway’s Warranty Compares to Typical Steel Building Warranties
Most steel building warranties sound impressive at first glance, but the details usually tell a different story. Across the industry, it’s common to see:
- 10-25 year limited warranties on steel panels
- Heavy prorating after the first 10-15 years, reducing real value over time
- Narrow definitions of corrosion, often excluding many real-world scenarios
- Broad environmental exclusions that limit when claims apply
Buildway’s approach is different. Not because it ignores limits, but because it bases coverage on material performance rather than marketing language.
Buildway’s 50-year rust perforation warranty reflects confidence in:
- Corrosion-resistant steel designed for long service life
- Proven aluminum-zinc coating systems
- Structural durability under normal environmental conditions
The result is a steel building warranty that prioritizes long-term structural protection instead of short-term promises. It doesn’t claim steel will never rust. It defines when rust becomes a covered failure and stands behind that line.
Is Buildway’s Steel Building Warranty Worth It?
Short answer: Yes. For the right buyer.
Buildway’s steel building warranty delivers real value when it’s paired with smart planning and realistic expectations. It’s designed to protect long-term structural performance, not compensate for poor decisions or neglect.
This warranty makes sense if you:
- Plan to own the building for the long haul
- Want protection against structural rust perforation, not just surface issues
- Care about long-term durability and resale confidence
- Are willing to follow basic installation and maintenance requirements
It’s less valuable if you:
- Build in highly corrosive coastal or chemical environments without added protection
- Cut corners on site preparation or drainage
- Expect cosmetic blemishes to be covered
- Don’t plan to inspect or maintain the building
A steel building warranty isn’t a safety net for bad choices. It’s a risk-reduction tool that rewards proper materials, correct installation, and responsible ownership.
Common Buyer Questions
Even after understanding the basics of a steel building warranty, buyers tend to have a few practical questions that directly affect their decision. These are the points that usually don’t come up until someone is close to buying and they deserve clear, straightforward answers.
Below are the most common questions prospective buyers ask about Buildway’s steel building warranty, answered plainly and without fine print:
1. Does Buildway’s steel building warranty transfer to a new owner?
Transferability depends on the specific terms outlined in the warranty. In some cases, coverage may transfer if certain conditions are met. Buyers should confirm transfer eligibility with Buildway.
2. What voids Buildway’s rust warranty?
The rust warranty can be voided by improper installation, unauthorized modifications, corrosive environmental exposure, or failure to perform required maintenance. The building must follow Buildway’s installation and care guidelines to remain covered.
3. Does salt air affect warranty coverage?
Yes. Marine and coastal environments with salt exposure are excluded from standard rust warranty coverage unless additional protective coatings or design measures are used.
4. Is the roof warranty different from wall panel coverage?
Paint warranties may vary by panel type and application. Rust perforation coverage, however, applies to approved steel roof and wall components supplied by Buildway.
5. Does Buildway’s steel building warranty cover labor costs?
No. The warranty covers repair or replacement of defective materials only. Labor, removal, and reinstallation costs are not included.
6. What type of rust is actually covered?
Only rust perforation (corrosion that creates holes through the steel) is covered. Surface rust, discoloration, or cosmetic oxidation is not considered a warranty claim.
7. How long do I have to file a warranty claim?
Claims must be submitted within 30 days of discovering the issue and within the time limits specified in the warranty. Delayed reporting may result in denial.
8. Does the warranty cover third-party components?
No. The warranty applies only to steel components supplied by Buildway. Doors, windows, insulation, and other third-party accessories are excluded.
9. What maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid?
Owners are expected to perform routine inspections, remove debris and standing water, maintain drainage, and protect cut edges from corrosion. These steps help prevent conditions that accelerate rust.
10. Is the warranty a guarantee the building will last only 50 years?
No. The warranty defines the period of coverage, not the building’s lifespan. Properly coated structural steel is commonly designed for much longer service life under normal conditions.
Conclusion
A steel building warranty shouldn’t feel vague or buried in fine print and Buildway’s isn’t. It’s designed to set clear expectations upfront, not create confusion later.
Here’s what buyers should take away:
- Buildway’s 50-year rust warranty focuses on structural rust perforation, not cosmetic issues
- Coverage is tied to approved steel coatings, proper installation, and routine maintenance
- Environmental and site-related exclusions are clearly defined, not hidden
- The warranty aligns with the real-world service life of corrosion-resistant steel
- Long-term value comes from understanding the terms before a problem ever occurs
If durability, longevity, and reduced risk matter for your project, reviewing the full warranty details is the logical next step. View the Full Buildway 50-Year Rust Warranty.
Still have questions about coverage, exclusions, or whether this warranty fits your location or use case? Contact Buildway today to get straightforward answers before you commit. Because the best steel building warranty isn’t the longest one advertised, it’s the one you understand before you need it.
