Agree on galvanized, but I'd be cautious about ag supply places.
"They often stock higher-quality galvanized panels at competitive prices..."
True sometimes, but I've seen batches stored outdoors for ages, already showing early rust spots. Always inspect closely before buying.
Good point about checking for rust spots—I've definitely seen that too. Another thing to watch for is how they're stacked or stored. Even good-quality galvanized sheets can get scratched up if they're piled carelessly, and those scratches become rust magnets later on. Ever had issues with scratched panels rusting prematurely, or is it mostly just weather exposure you've noticed?
I've noticed scratched panels rusting way faster, especially when they're stacked carelessly. Had a situation a few years back where we ordered a large batch of galvanized sheets for a roofing replacement job. Everything looked great at first glance—no obvious rust or anything—but once we started installing, we found tons of tiny scratches that must've happened during transport or storage. Sure enough, within months, those little scratches turned into rust streaks running down the panels. It wasn't terrible structurally, but it definitely didn't look good and caused some headaches with the owner.
Weather exposure definitely plays a role too, but in my experience, it's those initial scratches that seem to kick-start the rusting process. Makes me wonder—do you think certain coatings or finishes hold up better against minor damage like that? Curious if anyone's tried something different that's worked out well.
I've seen similar issues before, and from what I've noticed, panels with aluminum-zinc coatings (like Galvalume) seem to handle scratches a bit better. Not perfect, but definitely slower rusting than standard galvanized sheets. Maybe worth checking out next time?
Totally agree on Galvalume handling scratches better—seen that myself. One thing I'd add is that proper installation makes a huge difference too. I've noticed even Galvalume sheets rust faster if screws are overtightened or edges aren't sealed properly. Also, if you're near the coast or somewhere humid, consider panels with a thicker coating (AZ55 instead of AZ50). Costs a bit more upfront, but saves headaches later...
