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Your questions & our answers

Topics
Ordering products - how to order, payment, shipping, etc.
General Questions - thickness, gage, weight, etc.
Aluminum
Copper
Galvanized Steel
Stainless Steel
Steel


ORDERING PRODUCTS

How do I place an order?

Use iStudio (our web store), give us a call at 510.841.4033or fax us at 510.841.7799.

What are my payment options?

We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Cash and local checks are accepted only from walk-in customers.

Is it safe to use my credit card over the Internet?

We use a secure server. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology ensures the security of your online transaction. The industry standard for encryption, SSL technology creates a secure transaction environment for commerce on the Internet.

Will I be taxed?

Only on orders shipped to a California address.

How long will it take for my order to ship?

All of our products are built to order. Standard items purchased from iStudio ship within one week. You will receive an email confirming your order, and another when your order ships. Custom orders take anywhere from 1 - 6 weeks depending on our workload and the complexity of the project.

How and where do you ship?

Deliveries to the 48 contiguous states will be made via FedEx Ground or by common carrier depending on the overall weight of your order. The shipping costs are calculated for you during your online purchase. Please contact customer service for a rate quote if you would like to ship outside the 48 contiguous states, or require expedited shipping.

What is common carrier?

A common carrier is a freight company (we use FedEx Freight) that provides curbside delivery. You may need to assist the delivery driver in unloading larger items. Customers will be contacted via telephone 1-2 days prior to delivery to schedule a delivery appointment. You will need to be present to sign for the item. Inside delivery can be arranged at an additional cost by contacting us at 510.841.4033.

What if something arrives damaged?

Please inspect your purchase immediately upon receipt. We do our best to design and package products so that they arrive in good shape, but sometimes damage does occur. If there is any damage or if any product is defective, contact us within 7 days to arrange for a replacement to be sent to you. If you are present at time of delivery please note any damage when signing for your item. Keep all of the original packing material.

What if I am not completely satisfied with my purchase?

We want you to be happy with your product and we are ready to do what it takes to make it right. If you are missing parts we will replace them, if you need instructions send us an email.

If you would like to return your standard item you must contact us within 7 days of receiving the item. You must contact us before returning theitem. If the product is damaged or defective we will replace it or issue a full refund for the order once we have received the item. The product must be unassembled and in its original packaging. If the return is not due to damage or defect the customer is responsible for the initial shipping charge as well as the shipping cost back to us. Cusom orders may not be returned.

Do you offer trade discounts?

If you have a valid resale license give us a call at 510.841.4033.

What is your privacy policy?

We do not sell your information to other companies. When you purchase a product online, your credit card is charged only when your order is shipped, and your credit card information is never stored or re-used.

How do I contact Quasimodo Metal Works?

Address :
Quasimodo Metal Works
1010 Carleton St., No. 4
Berkeley, CA 94710

Email:
sales@quasimodos.net

Voice & Fax Numbers:
510.841.4033 (v)
510.841.7799 (f)
Mon. - Fri. 9:00am - 6:00pm (PST/PDT).

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GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is 'gage'?

It is a measure of thickness. See our Gage Chart for inch equivalents and weights of various gages.

How can the original color of the metal be protected from weathering after installation?

There is no permanent protection system that will protect most metals from weathering. There are clear coatings that will provide short-term protection for exterior applications and longer-term protection for interior applications. Stainless steel does not weather noticeably.

How can the staining of materials by oxidizing metals be prevented?

The natural weathering of most metals results in the formation of salts or oxides. These salts or oxides are then mixed with rain water and if allowed to run on to other materials will cause stains. To prevent such stains, the use of overhangs, sloping of metal surfaces away from other materials, gutters, and drip edges are all recommended. The use of a clear, silicon-based coating on cementitious surfaces is also useful to help protect the surface during the initial and most aggressive weathering of metals. Stainless steel in most cases will not stain other materials.

What is galvanic corrosion and how can it be prevented?

Metals are rated according to their nobility ratings. When dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the presence of oxygen and moisture, the more noble metal will corrode the less noble. Contact between dissimilar metals should always be avoided. If contact cannot be avoided, the adjacent surfaces should be painted with bituminous or zinc chromate primers or paints. Taping or gasketing with non-absorptive materials is also effective.

 

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ALUMINUM

How strong is aluminum?

Pound for pound it is stronger than steel. However, since it is less dense than steel, thicker sections are required for equivalent strength.

Does aluminum rust?

No. The surface of aluminum will oxidize, giving it a dull look, and the thin layer of oxidation protects the metal beneath. Generally aluminum will only break down when exposed to hostile environments (saltwater) or electrolysis.

What is anodized aluminum?

Anodizing will protect aluminum parts by making the surface much harder than natural aluminum. Aluminum oxide is grown out of the surface during anodizing and then becomes aluminum hydrate that is extremely hard. The porous nature of the anodized layer allows the product to be dyed any color that is required. Type II anodizing (room temperature) gives an anodized layer of .0002" to .001" (half which is grown into the surface and half out of the surface). Parts anodized will become slightly larger by about .0005" Type III (hard coat) anodizing is done at much colder temperatures and at higher current densities and can reach thicknesses of .002". Type III anodized surfaces can typically only be dyed black or dark green due to the denser pore size.

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COPPER

Can the naturally occurring green patina of copper be accelerated by artificial chemicals?

Due to the precise temperature, humidity and chemical requirements, it is generally not recommended that copper be artificially patinated in the field. However, there are field applied prepatination systems that, with proper training, have proven successful.

Why does copper change color?

The natural weathering of copper is a direct consequence of the corrosive attack of airborne sulfur compounds. This leads to a gradual change in the surface color until equilibrium is reached and the change is stabilized. The final color is different and depends on the location and local weather. Salt, moisture, sunlight and orientation can effect the final color. In general, copper changes in hue from a natural salmon through a progression of russet browns, grays and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina.

What are the advantages of using copper?

Copper offers beauty, low maintenance and a long service life.

What is the service life of copper?

A service life of over 80 years has been common for copper flashing.

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GALVANIZED STEEL

What is galvanized steel?

It is steel with a thin coating of zinc on the surface to prevent rust.

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STAINLESS STEEL

What is stainless steel?

It is steel alloyed with nickel and/or other elements to prevent it from oxidizing (rusting).

What are the advantages of using stainless steel?

Stainless steel is highly resistant to oxidation or rust. It is very hard and scratch resistant. It will maintain its lustre for many years.

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STEEL

Does steel rust?

Yes.

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