MATERIAL  POLICY

Materials, Finishes, Warranty & Installation Responsibility

At PJ Metal Craft LLC, we work exclusively with premium architectural metals selected for their beauty, durability, and long-term performance. Unlike manufactured finishes, architectural metals are natural materials that evolve over time, creating unique character and timeless appeal.

Each product is individually handcrafted, and slight variations in color, texture, and finish are a natural part of custom metal fabrication—not imperfections.

Materials & Finishes

  • 🟤 Copper – Naturally ages to a beautiful patina.
  • ⚪ Lead-Coated Copper – Elegant matte gray finish with classic architectural appeal.
  • 🔘 Zinc – Modern appearance; generally not recommended within 1 mile of saltwater.
  • ⚫ Stainless Steel – Highly durable and corrosion resistant.
  • ⚪ Aluminum – Lightweight, corrosion resistant, and available in painted finishes.
  • 🎨 Custom Patina – Hand-applied finishes with unique variations and character.

Natural Material Characteristics

Copper, lead-coated copper, zinc, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, and other architectural metals naturally vary in appearance from one sheet to another.

Differences in color, grain, texture, surface finish, and natural markings may occur between:

  • Material batches
  • Production runs
  • Samples and finished products
  • Product photographs and actual materials

These natural variations are part of the beauty and authenticity of architectural metals and should not be considered manufacturing defects.

Copper & Natural Aging

Copper is a living material that naturally changes as it is exposed to the environment.

Over time, copper typically transitions through rich brown tones before gradually developing its distinctive natural green or blue-green patina. The speed and appearance of this aging process vary depending on:

  • Climate
  • Moisture
  • Sun exposure
  • Air quality
  • Building orientation
  • Surrounding environmental conditions

Because every installation environment is unique, the color, timing, and appearance of natural aging cannot be guaranteed.

Applied Patina Finishes

PJ Metal Craft also offers handcrafted patina finishes designed to create or accelerate an aged appearance.

Because patina is created by hand through carefully controlled chemical reactions, every finish is unique.

Natural variations in:

  • Color
  • Tone
  • Texture
  • Depth
  • Mottling
  • Aging characteristics

are expected and contribute to the authenticity of the finished product.

Even after installation, exposure to sunlight, rain, humidity, runoff, and environmental conditions will continue to influence the appearance of the finish.

For this reason, exact color matching or permanently uniform patina finishes cannot be guaranteed.

Lead-Coated Copper

Lead-coated copper features an elegant matte gray finish that provides a distinctive architectural appearance while offering the durability of copper.

Over time, lead-coated copper may naturally develop:

  • Surface variations
  • Oxidation
  • Handling marks
  • Slight tonal differences

These characteristics are normal and are considered part of the material’s natural aging process.

Zinc

Architectural zinc is valued for its clean appearance and self-healing protective patina.

However, zinc performs best in appropriate environments.

Because coastal air contains elevated levels of salt, zinc is generally not recommended for projects located within approximately one mile of the ocean or other high-salt environments.

Architects, contractors, and property owners are responsible for confirming that zinc is appropriate for the project’s location and environmental conditions.

Stainless Steel & Aluminum

Stainless steel and aluminum provide exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and low-maintenance performance.

Minor surface variations resulting from manufacturing, fabrication, grain direction, or finishing processes are considered normal characteristics of these materials.

Fabrication Considerations

Each architectural metal has unique forming, soldering, fastening, finishing, and fabrication requirements.

PJ Metal Craft selects fabrication methods based on the specific material, product design, and intended application.

Certain materials—including zinc and lead-coated copper—may have limitations regarding welding, soldering, bending, finishing techniques, or environmental exposure.

Our fabrication methods are chosen to provide the highest level of structural integrity, appearance, and long-term performance.

Warranty & Installation Responsibility

Installation Responsibility

PJ Metal Craft LLC is primarily a manufacturer and custom fabricator of architectural sheet metal products.

Unless installation services are specifically included within a written quotation or contract, installation is the sole responsibility of the customer, contractor, roofer, or installer.

When installation is performed by others, PJ Metal Craft LLC is not responsible for:

  • Installation methods
  • Waterproofing or flashing performed by others
  • Field modifications
  • Structural conditions
  • Roof conditions
  • Improper handling or storage
  • Damage occurring during installation
  • Maintenance after installation

Installers are responsible for verifying all job-site conditions and following accepted industry installation practices.

Engineering & Code Compliance

Unless specifically included in writing, PJ Metal Craft LLC does not provide architectural, structural, or code engineering services.

Project-specific requirements—including structural attachments, fastening methods, waterproofing details, wind-load calculations, snow-load requirements, and local building code compliance—must be reviewed and approved by the project’s architect, engineer, contractor, or other responsible design professional.

Limited Workmanship Warranty

PJ Metal Craft LLC proudly stands behind the quality of our craftsmanship and fabrication.

If you believe a product has a manufacturing or fabrication defect, please contact us immediately before the product is installed, modified, painted, repaired, or altered.

To properly evaluate the concern, we may request:

  • Photographs
  • Project information
  • Shop drawings
  • Product measurements
  • An opportunity to inspect the product

If a workmanship issue is confirmed within our scope of fabrication, PJ Metal Craft LLC will determine the most appropriate corrective action, which may include repair, replacement, or another reasonable solution.

Limitation of Responsibility

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, PJ Metal Craft LLC shall not be responsible for:

  • Natural aging or weathering of architectural metals
  • Patina color variations or continued oxidation
  • Improper installation
  • Damage caused by handling, transportation, or storage after delivery
  • Job-site conditions
  • Structural movement
  • Water infiltration resulting from installation by others
  • Maintenance performed by others
  • Consequential, incidental, or indirect damages
  • Project delays or downstream costs outside our control

Our responsibility is limited to the fabrication of products in accordance with the approved quotation, shop drawings, and project specifications.

Our Commitment

Every product leaving the PJ Metal Craft workshop reflects our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and architectural excellence.

By understanding the natural characteristics of architectural metals and following proper installation practices, your handcrafted metalwork will provide decades of beauty, durability, and performance.

If you have questions regarding material selection, finishes, maintenance, or installation, our team is always available to help you choose the best solution for your project.

Acceptance of These Policies

Approval of a quotation, purchase order, shop drawings, payment of a deposit or invoice, or acceptance of delivery constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of the PJ Metal Craft policies published on this website at the time the order is placed.