Understanding Oxidisation and Its Impact on Metal Cladding

In the world of property management and maintenance, maintaining the integrity and appearance of your building is paramount. One of the most common challenges faced in this realm is dealing with oxidisation and its resulting effects, such as rust and corrosion, particularly on metal cladding.

What is Oxidisation?

Oxidisation is a chemical reaction that occurs when a material, usually a metal, comes into contact with oxygen. In simple terms, it’s the process that leads to the deterioration of metals. This reaction is accelerated by the presence of moisture in the air, making outdoor metal surfaces especially vulnerable. This means constant vigilance is necessary to prevent and mitigate damage to metal elements in their properties.

Understanding Rust

Rust is the most recognisable form of oxidisation on metal surfaces. It occurs when iron or steel reacts with oxygen and moisture to form iron oxide, a reddish-brown compound that can significantly weaken the metal. Besides being unsightly, rust can compromise the structural integrity of metal cladding, leading to costly repairs if left unchecked.

A Real Example: Hanson Springs Project

Recently, our team undertook a project at Hanson Springs in Rochdale. This project presented a unique challenge that perfectly illustrates the process of oxidisation and how it affects metal cladding.

Hanson Springs, a company specialising in spring manufacturing, uses a variety of metals in their production process. During manufacturing, small metal shavings are inevitably released into the environment and collected in special containers. However, tiny metal particles sometimes escape and settle onto external structures, such as the building’s cladding sheets. Over time, exposure to oxygen and moisture caused these particles to rust and attach themselves to the metal cladding, leading to visible corrosion. In this case it was an extreme case of oxidisation due to the nature of the operations carried out at this premises.

Our Solution

Our expert team addressed this issue by carefully washing down the affected areas to remove the rust particles. Once the surface was clean, we recoated the cladding sheets with a high-performance protective coating. This not only restored the appearance of the building but also provided a barrier against future oxidisation and corrosion.
By using specialist coatings, we ensure the longevity and durability of metal surfaces, protecting them from the elements and maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Our coatings are backed by a minimum 10-year guarantee, providing peace of mind for property managers and building owners.

Our teams carried out a full cladding refurbishment to this large industrial unit however the area of cladding where this oxidisation process was taking place was one of the most extreme cases we have been required to attend to. It cleaned up really well and we were all pleased with he result.

Prevention and Maintenance

To prevent oxidisation and rust, regular maintenance and timely interventions are crucial. Implementing a routine inspection schedule can help identify early signs of corrosion, allowing for prompt action. Additionally, applying protective coatings can significantly extend the life of metal surfaces.

Understanding oxidisation and its impact on metal cladding is essential for property managers, facility managers, and building owners. By recognising the signs of rust and taking preventive measures, you can protect your investments and maintain the integrity of your properties. If you’re facing similar challenges, consider exploring our expertise in cladding refurbishment and maintenance.

If you are concerned about oxidisation, corrosion or rust at your property then please contact us for a free site survey and quotation. Our experienced surveyor can help by offering advice and suggestion appropriate solutions which are suitable to your exact needs. Our friendly and experienced team is ready to assist with all your cladding and roofing needs.

Learn more about cut edge corrosion here