Storm Copper - Exceptional Products, Exceptional Customer Service

Problem Solved Comments Off
Aug 102010

By Frank Ross
There is a time-worn axiom in the nautical world, “The ship that never goes aground never leaves port.”

That may be comforting to captains at the helm of industry as well, but the critical issue on land or sea is what you do once you realize that you’ve buried the bow into an immovable object. Some obstinate types are prone to apply more throttle in an attempt to bulldoze through and continue upon the intended path, not a great deal unlike the phrase made famous by Admiral David Glasgow Farragut; “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” While that may make for a colorful Naval career if the battle is won, it’s the astute captain that takes immediate and appropriate action to correct the course and restore any damage as quickly as possible.

That’s one of the things I like most about working with Storm Copper Components. They’re not perfect, although they spend a great deal of time and money toward that goal, by putting quality control and customer service standards under the microscope on a daily basis. When something goes wrong with an order, they make it right quickly and don’t spare the horses. And if their error has negatively impacted a customer’s production schedule, overnight red label shipping is always an option.

Recently a customer in Iowa sent an email, following receipt of their order, to explain their problem.

Good afternoon,

Thanks for very prompt shipping of my order from Storm Copper Components. Appreciated.

Unfortunately, what I received is a bit different from what I ordered. I ordered two (2) 8 oz. tubes of NO-OX-ID A-Special (item 10202), and the packing list shows two (2), but I only received one of the tubes (along with one (1) 8 oz. tin of the same product, as ordered).

Storm Copper Components Sales Manager, Charlene Miller, responded immediately, offering a credit on the item or UPS Red shipment if it was time critical for a project. His reaction is typical of Storm Copper Components customers across the board.

Charlene,
Thanks for the fast response. I understand mistakes happen – it’s how a business responds that tells much about a business. I’m positively impressed with your organization.

Shipping the “missing” tube using the lowest cost shipping method is fine with me. I do not need the 2nd tube right away.

Thanks,
J. Woestman

If you are looking for metal products, and more importantly, a company that is quick to admit a mistake and make sure that a customer’s needs are met, consider Storm Copper Components. Their bow doesn’t get buried in the sand often, but you can be sure of one thing; the helm is manned by a crew that understands “all back-full”.

If you’re in the market for No-Ox-Id A Tube Special use this link . I can assure you they’ll treat you right!

Posted by Frank Ross at 11:58 am Tagged with:

Copper Sheet for Roof Flashing, a wise decision that buys peace of mind

Problem Solved Comments Off
Jun 032010

By Frank Ross

The most common places for damaging water leaks in residential construction occur where roof flashing is installed, and poor installation is most often the cause of failure.

Flashings are the critical material that forms the barrier between the primary roofing material (asphalt shingles, ceramic tiles, etc.) and objects that don’t get covered by that material. Regardless of the roofing material, the critical areas with the highest potential for leaks are these transitional areas.

Pliable metal flashing is used to direct water away from valleys or dormers created by changes in the roofline, plumbing or fan vents, a chimney, or a skylight installation. Copper is the preferred material, though there are other cheaper materials being used today and is practically leak proof when installed properly. Poor installation of non-copper metals that depend on caulks or roofing cement to seal out moisture are certain to leak over time as constant exposure to the elements slowly destroys the adhesive and elastic qualities of these chemical sealants.

Depending on the material used, the lifespan of a roof can range dramatically, and this means that the flashing in these critical areas of exposure must meet or exceed the life span of the roofing material. When flashing metals are used it is critical that they must be easily shaped and soldered, brazed or welded readily. And while some installations can be done using crimps, a permanent seal is the most secure option.

Soldered joints will stand the extreme temperature swings and the resulting expansion and contraction that a roof is exposed to. The most troublesome areas are where flashing must be formed around a corner such as a chimney or dormer, or where two pieces must be spliced together. Traditional flashing metals include copper, tin coated steel, lead and galvanized steel.

Copper flashing is the preferred metal because it performs far better than other metals in all areas of concern. It is malleable and easily formed, easily soldered and is very durable. Copper sheeting used for roof flashing is also known as 16-ounce copper because the .0216” thickness required for this application weighs about 16 ounces per 12” x 12” sheet. Tin coated steel and galvanized steel will eventually rust and corrode. While it is possible to paint tin and galvanized metals, it is very difficult to get paint to adhere properly due to oils on the surface from the manufacturing process. Cleaning the surface is required, special primers and several coats of the finish paint are best but seldom used, so peeling or flaking paint will eventually give way to rust and flashing failure. Aluminum cannot be soldered, and if it is used to flash around a chimney or a brick wall, it will corrode rapidly. The chemical composition of the mortar will attack and destroy the aluminum!

Valley flashings are generally divided into two categorize, open and closed. As implied by the name, open valleys are visible when completed and closed valleys are not. When open valleys are installed, long sheets of 16 oz. (minimum) copper are cleated to the sheathing and underlayment before any shingles are applied. Adjacent sheets of copper are overlapped a minimum of 8″. The sheets are nailed only at the top and copper or bronze nails are used.
Closed valleys are constructed as the shingles are installed by inserting copper flashing squares between successive layers of shingles. These flashing squares are folded on the diagonal.

When slate or tile is used for the primary roofing material, 20 oz. plain or lead coated copper is recommended for use in valley flashing. But keep in mind that building codes vary widely across the U.S., so you should check with your local codes before beginning any project.

Once you’re ready to start, remember that StormCopper.com has an extensive stock of copper sheeting in all sizes and thicknesses that are appropriate for roofing flashing. Give our friendly customer service staff a call for a price quote that won’t send you through the roof!

Call toll-free: 1-888-334-2177

Posted by Frank Ross at 2:10 pm Tagged with: , , , ,

New circle shear machine rounds out Storm’s copper capabilities.

New Products, Press Releases, Problem Solved Comments Off
Apr 142010
Storm Copper's circle shear slowly turns out another perfect copper circle.

Storm Copper's circle shear slowly turns out another perfect copper circle.

No matter what size, shape or physical profile of copper cut you may need, Storm Copper Components can make it happen fast and to exact specifications. This capability now includes a circle shear machine that produces perfect copper circles and rings.

Copper circles are commonly used for a variety of crafts and metal art, including metal spinning of ferrules, bowls, cups or most anything round. Copper circles are also used as fence post caps, heat diffuser plates, pipe-end caps and as round plates used in tube heat exchangers.

For fast-order response for these common uses, Storm stocks a wide range of copper circles from 3-1/2” to 35” in diameter, cut from copper sheet from .002” (20 gauge) to .125” (8 gauge) thick.

For OEM’s, Storm produces made-to-order copper circles that can be used as spacers, or essentially large washers or ring gaskets for high-end Ultra High Vacuum (UHV), where extreme vacuum systems require special seals and gaskets used between components to prevent even trace leakage.

Other industrial uses for copper gaskets include heat exchangers, compressors, condensers, pumps, valves, and general industrial applications in all sizes & shapes.
According to plant industrial engineer, Steve Crumley, “Storm’s circle shear works like a giant can opener, slowly turning a piece of square copper sheet while heavy pressure is applied to the round cutting wheel. For thicker copper sheet, several revolutions may be required to insure a precise, even cut.”

Crumley adds, “by cutting a 35” circle, then readjusting the Circle Shear to cut a 33” circle from the original, you end up with a 35” ring, or washer up to 1/8” in thickness, and that’s a pretty serious washer!”

It’s important to understand how cutting made-to-order circles or ring gaskets is only the final part of a production process based on a set of specifications put forth by the customer and by Storm’s quality engineering team. For example, copper gaskets used in UHV have to meet pre-set vacuum ratings as well as temperature ranges. Gaskets or seals can be produced for single or multiple uses, with precise inner and outer diameters.

The circle shear machine is just one part of the overall capability Storm Copper maintains to provide custom cutting, shaping, punching, milling and plating of copper to meet the most diverse customer requirements and production schedules.

When you need copper, call the experts at Storm Copper Components. They’ll give you a great price on copper circles, without giving you the run around!

Posted by Frank Ross at 6:00 pm Tagged with: , , , , ,

Soldering Copper Tubing

Do It Yourself, Problem Solved Comments Off
Dec 172009

This video, prepared by the Copper Development Association, teaches the proper techniques for soldering copper tubing; however, the same techniques would apply to soldering sheet copper as well.

Posted by Frank Ross at 10:34 am Tagged with: , ,

Problem Solved, Happy Customer and a Fulfilling Day at Storm

Do It Yourself, Problem Solved Comments Off
Dec 162009

Charlene Miller,

Charlene Miller, Online Sales Manager

Charlene Miller, Online Sales Manager

I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it is dealing with Storm Copper. It’s, unfortunately, unusual these days to call a company, speak immediately to a human being who is interested in helping you and actually does help you. The few companies doing that really stand out. Storm Copper is one of those companies.

Our involvement several months ago started with my wife having an idea to use a copper sheet as a backsplash that could hide a circuit breaker box and could slide in and out allowing access to the box. She called Storm Copper and met Tina Hicks. Tina went out of her way to help including sending several samples of different patterns on the sheeting. She was impressed with the service as well as the friendly attitude. She commented to me at the time what a positive experience she had in her conversation with Tina and how she did everything she said she would and quickly.

We ended up buying a sheet which looked great until I sprayed on the protective coating. I will spare you the details but I spoke to Tina, explained the problem and the procedure I followed per Storm Copper instructions and sent some pictures. The short story is that the sheet was replaced pre-sprayed at no cost to me. I installed it behind the sink and it looks great. Not only was the outcome perfect but the whole process was a pleasant one thanks to Tina.

Although Tina is the most memorable, I did have occasion to speak to some other Storm Copper people prior to placing the original order and they were also easy to deal with and very pleasant. My compliments to whoever does the hiring as well as the environment that exists to encourage people to make the customer truly feel like a customer.

If you ever need a testimonial to what a great company Storm Copper is, feel free to contact me.

Take care,

Ron S.

Posted by Frank Ross at 8:22 pm Tagged with: , , , ,

Fixing Laptop Computers, in a Round-About Way.

Problem Solved Comments Off
Dec 082009

When a customer contacted Storm’s customer service staff looking for a solution, he thought it was a “strange request”, but it turns out he is only one of many with this same problem.

Call for a quote on custom cut copper sheeting of any thickness.

Call for a quote on custom cut copper sheeting of any thickness.

His email stated, “This may be a strange request but I’m having trouble finding what I need and you seem pretty versatile. Basically, all I need is a square-inch of 12-gauge copper sheet with both surfaces polished (smooth edges would be a nice touch).”

It turns out this individual repairs computers and the HP Laptop Models dv2xxx, dv6xxx, and dv9xxx all have a common design flaw involving the GPU (graphics processing unit), which causes it to overheat and become detached – making the laptop fail completely. These laptops come with a small thermal pad which wears out and doesn’t transfer heat very well. He stated, “It is possible to reflow the solder under the chip, which gets the laptop working again, but it is just a matter of time until it happens again. Replacing the thermal pad with a copper shim as described above greatly improves heat transfer and firmly secures the chip to the logic board which effectively makes the repair permanent.”

Fortunately, a solution was readily available because Storm has been getting numerous requests for this item every day. Copper transfers heat or cold readily, so it didn’t take long for technicians to start calling. Storm can custom fabricate any metal order, large or small, and usually it’s out the door in 24 hours.

Log on to the web site and click the link on the left-hand side of the page for Storm’s online Text and Chat Support, where you can arrange a custom cut to fit any metal requirements. Storm Copper 12-Gauge Sheet

Posted by Frank Ross at 3:52 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,
© 2011 Storm Currents News-Blog Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha