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build right

Whats what with


by Dr John Duncan,
BRANZ Manager,
Building Industry Research aluminium windows
Over time the appearance of
aluminium joinery will degrade
as a result of weathering and
other environmental effects. On
economic grounds alone it is to
the owners advantage to have
high maintenance standards.

I
n most exterior architectural
applications aluminium joinery is
protected by either anodising or
powder coating. But even with these
protective treatments the joinery will
still require maintenance. Given this,
either type of coating when properly
applied is expected to be durable and
aesthetically acceptable for at least
20 years in most environments.

What is anodising?
Aluminium has natural corrosion
resistance provided by a thin, adherent
oxide film over the surface. Anodising
is a process that thickens this film. A
dense, thin barrier layer is formed with
a tough, thicker porous layer above.
Pigments or dyes could be
introduced to the pores (for particular What is powder coating? choice for exterior applications
colours) before they are sealed, but the This is a factory process for applying because of their good weathering
accepted method for colouring is a paint film to metal surfaces. A resistance. Epoxy powders are more
deposition through an electrolytic specially formulated powder is applied chemically resistant, but are used
process (i.e. silver and bronze metallic). to the metal using an electrostatic mainly for interiors as they can be
The thicker the anodising layer, the spray gun. The powder particles are more easily degraded by the suns
more the aluminium will resist electrically charged and the item to be ultraviolet radiation. The minimum
corrosion. For outdoor exposure a coated is earthed so that it attracts the powder-coating thickness for exterior
25-micron anodising layer is usually powder particles. The coating is cured environments is 60 microns.
recommended. Lower thicknesses are under a carefully controlled
only suitable in particularly benign temperature cycle so that the powder Colour stability
environmental conditions or for cross-links and flows into an even Powder-coating finishes are available
interior applications. film. Polyester powders are the usual in a larger range of colours than

12 BUILD > OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2003


anodising. Pigments in the coatings or in industrial areas, a monthly cycle hand-tightening is recommended, as
on anodised aluminium and powder- is recommended. too much force may strip the thread of
coated aluminium may fade over Clean water and a clean sponge the aluminium section.
time due to exposure to ultraviolet and/or a soft non-abrasive brush is
light, and if this is a potential usually adequate. If necessary, a mild Window hardware
problem (e.g. when using corporate detergent may be added to the water. Many aluminium windows use friction
colours in dcor) this issue should be Always rinse thoroughly with fresh, stays on the sides of windows where
discussed with the supplier at the they will never get rain-washed. In a
clean water. Acid or alkali cleaners,
outset and any necessary warranties marine environment windborne salts
strong detergents and abrasive
obtained. Some colours are much and other contaminants may deposit
cleaners must not be used because
more stable than others. Strong on these stays. A wipe with a damp
colours will generally deteriorate these can damage the aluminium
finish, the glass, or both. cloth once a month will help keep the
faster than lighter, pastel colours. stays operating smoothly. All other
Mitred corners hardware, both internal and external,
Maintenance should be cleaned when the joinery
Maintenance cleaning to preserve Many windows and doors have mitred
is cleaned. ><
the surface appearance should start corners. The aluminium sections are
as soon as the joinery is installed. often cut after anodising or powder-
Rain-washing aids some of this coating, leaving unprotected surfaces in
cleaning but some areas, such as the joint. A fine joint sealant is applied This article was drawn extensively
under over-hanging eaves, will not before the two sections are screwed from BRANZ Bulletin 422
be exposed to rain and a positive together, but with continual use the Maintenance and refurbishment of
cleaning routine should be followed. mitres often open up a fraction, aluminium joinery, which provides
The aluminium should be cleaned as compromising watertightness and more information than supplied
often as the glass. In areas regularly allowing corrosion in the joint. It is here. Further information is also
washed by the rain, cleaning may only good maintenance practice to given in Bulletin 349 Finishes for
be necessary every 6 months. For occasionally (say, yearly) check that any aluminium and Bulletin 366
other situations, a 3-monthly cycle accessible screws holding joints in sash Installing aluminium windows
should be the minimum. Near the coast frames have not come loose. Only light and doors.

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