Protective Sealers
BUILDING EXTERIORS
Aluminum has become the major building material for the curtain wall skin of commercial buildings. Curtain wall aluminum is usually installed with an anodized finish or a fluoropolymer painted coating.
Anodized aluminum was first used in exterior curtain wall construction in 1950 as a low cost material. Known as curtain wall construction, this new method did not use the exterior wall of the building as a supporting load bearing part of the structure.
Anodized aluminum curtain wall manufacturers did not envision the corrosive effects increased amounts of pollution would have on the anodizing. This deterioration and corrosion is the cause of bleaching, actually oxidation, of the anodized aluminum.
Chemical attack is a more destructive type of corrosion found on anodized aluminum curtain walls. When the pollution builds up on the aluminum, it forms a corrosive layer on the surface. These elements are a combination of pollutants and aluminum oxide, and will cause oxidation/pitting of the anodized surface if not removed.
Like all metals exposed to pollution in the atmosphere, painted aluminum and steel are not maintenance free. Manufacturers recommend that painted aluminum and steel be washed on a periodic basis, to remove the pollution build up. Rarely are these recommendations carried out. When the cleaning is done, it is often done with caustic materials that cause more harm than just leaving the surfaces as is.
Diamond Metal Refinishing has maintenance programs and protective coatings for the maintenance, restoration and preservation of commercial building curtain walls. Improper use of chemicals, and unprofessional cleanings can cause the beauty of your building to be distorted.
Please contact Diamond Metals to discuss your needs and our Programs.