The process of anodising aluminium cladding enhances its already natural corrosion resistance. As well as protecting against weathering, the aluminium oxide layer that forms on the base material during the anodising process enhances the aesthetic appeal of aluminium and its ability to resist chemical attack, making it one of the most versatile cladding surface finishes available.
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Anodising of aluminium involves thickening and toughening the naturally occurring protective oxide outer layer of the material. It creates a hard, barrier-like surface that is more durable than the untreated aluminium. In fact, this aluminium oxide layer is rated 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond.
Here in our regular blog, we look at some of the common questions asked by architects about anodised aluminium cladding:
Yes, we offer a range of standard and bespoke anodised finishes for aluminium cladding. Our Natural Silver and Anolok greys remain popular choices, whilst new finishes such as Gold, blues and red range spectrums allow architects to use colour on an anodised facade to compartmentalise and &#;box out&#; elements to add more interest.
For example, we recently supplied a project in the heart of Hatton Garden, London, with bespoke, sparkling bronze anodised aluminium rainscreen cladding panels. Karakusevic Carson Architects specified a bespoke United Anodisers Bronze (540) finish for upper levels of the building, including the new extension.
We supplied the Bronze (540) anodised aluminium material on our Proteus HR system, which is a lightweight, strong and versatile cladding panel. The integrated modular rainscreen panels feature an aluminium honeycomb core, structurally bonded between two thin gauges of lightweight metal skin to create an optically flat surface. Perfect for the way that an anodised finish plays with natural light.
It won&#;t fade because part of the anodising process involves etching tiny pores into the surface of the aluminium. These microscopic pores are then impregnated with pigment before being permanently sealed. That&#;s why anodised colours are so durable &#; it becomes part of the metal. Also, because the anodised colours are below the surface they won&#;t fade, chip, flake or peel, which makes them ideal for use on cladding projects.
All honeycomb cladding panels in our Proteus HR range, metal face materials, and Proteus SC single skin aluminium, achieve a minimum of A2 classification to EN . This classification confirms that the panels are of very limited combustibility. That means they can be used in facades of all heights (including those over 18m) without further testing provided that all the other materials within the wall are also A2 classified or better.
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Yes, they can. In fact, anodising a perforated façade can create a really stunning building. Take a look at this project for the BskyB headquarters which is partially powered by a designer wind turbine with a mast clad in our perforated anodised aluminium Proteus SC panels. The Proteus design team worked with Facade Engineers, Wintech Group, on a solution for the design and positioning of the turbine&#;s single-skin panels using a Proteus installation system.
Yes, we can manufacture a full range of façade elements from anodised aluminium including architectural fins. For instance, we manufactured extruded vertical and horizontal architectural fins in the same anodised Bronze (540) finish as the cladding panels on the Record Hall Project at Hatton Garden. The anodised architectural fins look like they float as they are connected from the rear of the extrusion back to the primary structure, creating a really striking minimalistic aesthetic. There are a number of ways to create architectural fins and subject to the method they can dictate what a client will achieve in depth and aesthetic.
In addition, we can manufacture an extensive range of other fabrications, all of which can be supplied anodised or in any of our other materials and finishes. These include flashings, fascia&#;s, rooflines, copings & capping&#;s, column casings, soffit panels and balcony/balustrade panels.
A good fence is much more than a barrier between those in your backyard or pool area and the world outside &#; it is an important design component of your backyard area&#; a safety device, a tool to protect your privacy and much more.
If you decide to have fencing installed around your pool, you need the best fence, but to be able to make the best choice, you also need to know what the most important aspects and parameters to consider are.
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In what follows, we would like to present some of the essential features that make for a good backyard fence or pool fence, so that you can start looking for the best option right away.
Most states have very strict safety regulations when it comes to pool fences. Pool fences are usually required to be at least four feet tall (48&#;) with 2 horizontal rails and four and a half feet tall (54&#;) for a fence with 3 horizontal rails.
Anything under those heights would be too easy to climb. The taller the fence, the more difficult it becomes for toddlers and infants to climb over which of course minimizes liability and maximizes safety. Also, trespassing becomes limited, so the more height it offers, the more comfortable you&#;ll ultimately feel.
The latch is a component that is often forgotten when the most important features of pool fences and backyard fences are listed. However, if you come and think of it, without a good latch, your fencing cannot fulfill its role, so having the right type of latching mechanism is an absolute must.
Self-closing gates with magnetic auto-latching latches are best, especially if you have young children looking for a moment when they are left unattended to sneak into that pool area. When used with self-closing hinges, these latches will close and latch the gate automatically, leaving no room for mistake.
Ensuring that your fence is powder coated and not just painted is very important. Painting will ultimately need be re-painted and if it&#;s steel, will over time, ultimately rust&#; regardless of what kind of coating they use.
How often does a fence work out to be exactly 72.5&#; on-center all the way to the end? Not very often. That means the section/s (at least one per run) will need to be cut down to size. When that happens, the coating is now gone and touch up paint just won&#;t stop the rust. Aluminum however, never rusts&#; even if it isn&#;t powder coated.
The powder coating helps to ensure that the black, bronze or white stay black, bronze and white. Many companies skimp on this and use inferior grades of powder coating or import their extrusions where the powder coating is inferior and tends to gray over time. No warranty is going to cover graying, but you can minimize that by knowing where the materials come from.
Whether the fence that best suits your tastes and requirements is aluminum or another material, one thing is sure: you need a sturdy construction. Your fence must resist any bending, breaking or warping and it must also be able to resist the effects of the often very harsh weather conditions.
Weather resistance is very important, especially if you&#;re in a coastal community that needs extra protection from the sun and salt spray. Sturdiness is best determined by your application. If it&#;s just going in your backyard or around your pool, residential aluminum is more than adequate.
If however, this is for a community pool or at a restaurant or park, commercial grade with wider aluminum components would usually be the better option.
Fences come in many different heights and styles&#;. from the basic 2 rail fence to the more ornate, decorative 3 and 4 rail styles. Function or style&#; what&#;s important to you? If it&#;s just a matter of meeting a specific pool code and keeping the costs down, the most basic 4&#; tall fence with 1 horizontal rail at the top and 1 at the bottom will do the trick. If it&#;s a matter of style, then there are many different styles to fit your taste.
At Aluminum Fences Direct, we have the most variety you&#;ll see available online&#;. All while meeting your specific tastes and budget.
Make sure you consider these aspects, and your fence will surely be exactly what you want: a reliable installation that protects your backyard area, is attractive to look at, adds to the value of your home and will last for as long as you live in your home and beyond! Click here for: Top 5 Things to AVOID when installing your own aluminum fence.
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