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Stainless steel is a remarkably durable construction material that, when properly specified and installed, will last indefinitely.  However, the accumulation of dirt and other contaminants warrant occasional cleaning in order to maintain stainless steel’s original appearance.  While exterior applications not subjected to pedestrian contact will seldom require frequent cleaning, high traffic areas undoubtedly require more attention. 

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Our philosophy regarding architectural metals is to select a product that will last the useful life of the building with little or no maintenance.  This usually results in the least long-term cost to the building owner (see Life Cycle Costing ). 

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Sheet metal flatness is a big issue in architectural metals.  If the incoming material has errant shape, the panel manufacturer or fabricator cannot avoid producing a panel that exhibits oil canning (repeating undulations in the panel surface), concave or convex profiles or buckles at the corners.  Architects and building owners have been more or less forced to accept these conditions since ASTM standards allow sufficient shape deviation to create these visual disturbances. 

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Solid zinc sheet is a popular architectural metal with designers and builders because of its natural atmospheric corrosion resistance and the aesthetic warmth of the natural gray patina that forms over time with exposure to the environment.  From a metallurgical standpoint the gray patina that develops in most temperate environments is zinc carbonate, ZnCO₃.

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Our philosophy regarding materials is to select a product that will last the useful life of the building with little or no maintenance.  This usually results in the least long-term cost to the building owner.  It also limits environmental impact (see Environmental Responsibility).  The Federal Highway Administration issued a report in 2001 estimating that in the United States alone, we spend $550 billion per year combating metallic corrosion. 

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Aside from catastrophic damage, metallic corrosion is clearly the chief cause of metal building panel failure.  When architectural metal panels corrode, there are undesirable consequences that go beyond cosmetics.  Corroding panel systems will begin to leak, causing potentially significant damage to the interior of a building.  Repair costs can be substantial, usually involving removal and replacement.

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Severe marine environments like the Persian Gulf suggest that duplex stainless steel or titanium would be appropriate material choices for exterior building panel applications. These metals can be expected to last the life of the building with little or no maintenance. In most market conditions, stainless steel has an economic advantage compared to titanium. Additionally, titanium’s corrosion resistance in severe environments is unquestionable.

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Before selecting architectural metals for any project, it is first necessary to define the environment in which the building will be located.  Among the factors that must be considered are: 

• Atmospheric contaminants/pollution

• Proximity to salt water

• Nearby application of deicing salts

• Airborne abrasives (sand, soil, debris)

• Ultraviolet exposure

• Humidity range

• Externally induced fire risk (airborne sparks or brush fires)

• Frequency of maintenance on the part of the owner

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Thermal conductivity of architectural metals used to clad the exteriors of buildings is a significant factor in energy efficiency.  The purpose of insulating materials is to limit the transfer of heat in or out of the structures, so as to maintain a comfortable temperature at a reasonable cost.  Popular cladding materials like aluminum, copper and carbon steel are very efficient conductors of heat. 

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While the concept of thermal expansion is well understood among architects and engineers, occasionally there are problems relating to insufficient thermal expansion allowances.  If expansion joints are not properly located or fastening points for metal panels do not allow linear expansion, permanent damage can occur to the panel work that otherwise has nowhere to go as it expands. 

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Before selecting architectural metals for any project, it is first necessary to define the environment in which the building will be located.  Among the factors that must be considered are: 

• Atmospheric contaminants/pollution

• Proximity to salt water

• Nearby application of deicing salts

• Airborne abrasives (sand, soil, debris)

• Ultraviolet exposure

• Humidity range

• Externally induced fire risk (airborne sparks or brush fires)

• Frequency of maintenance on the part of the owner

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Some degree of ventilation is always a good idea when designing architectural metal panel systems.  The exchange of air on the back side of panels will reduce the risk of corrosion propagated by trapped moisture vapors.  While stainless steel and titanium are quite forgiving in this regard, zinc is not.

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Before selecting architectural metals for any project, it is first necessary to define the environment in which the building will be located.  Among the factors that must be considered are: 

• Atmospheric contaminants/pollution

• Proximity to salt water

• Nearby application of deicing salts

• Airborne abrasives (sand, soil, debris)

• Ultraviolet exposure

• Humidity range

• Externally induced fire risk (airborne sparks or brush fires)

• Frequency of maintenance on the part of the owner