Which aluminium joinery powder coat for which environment?

Which aluminium joinery powder coat for which environment?

The painted surface finish of aluminium joinery is called powder coating. Unlike uPVC, aluminium joinery is available in a vivid spectrum of colours. Omega Windows + Doors offers a standard range of 21 durable coating colours, but, technically the world is your oyster if you have the desire (and budget) for any colour you want.

While the colour selection is important, it is probably the easiest to specify, because as you will see, environmental conditions play a vital role in getting the right powder finish for the right environment. Today's article is related to ensuring you select the right surface finish durability for the right environment.

Did you know there are Powder coat varieties with different warranty periods?

Duralloy®

• Supported by a 10-year durability warranty* on pre-treated architectural aluminium when applied by Omega Windows and Doors as a Dulux Registered Applicator
• Suitable for developments further than 100 metres from saltwater
• Extensive colour and gloss range available
• Excellent colour retention

Duratec®

• Supported by a 20-year durability warranty* on pre-treated architectural aluminium when applied by Omega Windows + Doors as a Dulux Registered Applicator
• Suitable for developments further than 10 metres from saltwater
• Durable polyester
• Excellent colour retention
• Smooth film appearance
• Hard-wearing/serviceable finish

Electro™

• Supported by a 20 year durability warranty* on pre-treated architectural aluminium when applied by Omega Windows + Doors as a Dulux Registered Applicator
• Suitable for developments further than 10 metres from salt water
• No solvents or emissions
• Durable polyester technology
• Excellent colour retention
• Smooth film appearance

Due to the longevity associated with the warranty periods, and the environmental considerations, all Duratec and Electro warranties must be applied for BEFORE the job goes ahead. There is an application form, and this is what provides the warranty for marine or prestigious project environments. 

When working through your joinery specification, consider this powder coat specification checklist:

• Environmental aspect and project type
• Product features, including performance and colour range
• Design and installation considerations
• Warranty terms and conditions

If you do have a specific warranty period outside of the generic 10 years, ensure the specification of the chosen finish is clearly in line with the below points:

• Specify the Dulux “Product Name and Code” to meet
• Specify the durability warranty period

When decided which powder and which warranty, what's important to consider?

Environmental Considerations

Conditions in each location can vary greatly and this will affect the performance of various finishes. So it is vital that before specifying a given powder coating, the environmental influences on the project are understood.

The resistance of each powder coating to the physical and chemical extremes of these climates determines the most suitable product.

Mild ( To Moderate )

• Remote from coastal, heavy industrial or tropical locations
• With very light marine proximity, such as sheltered bays which are well away from coastlines
• Sheltered from marine coastal locations or from industrial fallout

Tropical

• In high humid locations, typically 65% – 100% all year round
• Remote from coastal activity

Severe

• In marine locations, directly in the path of sea spray
• In heavy industrial locations
• Extreme

Some environments are so extreme, that the performance of any surface finish may be compromised. For severe environments, whether they are marine and/or industrial, we recommend that you contact Omega Windows + Doors and ask "which powder" before quoting a job that you think may fall into this category. This ensures the site meets with Dulux's service and warranty conditions.

Project Considerations

Residential properties are typically easy to maintain, given their height and access.

High–rise projects are less sheltered from neighbouring buildings, raising their exposure and reducing their ease of maintenance.

Monumental projects attract the most attention and have the highest standards required to uphold the reputation expected from landmark sites.

Who is responsible for the specification?

I would argue the architect for any given project, as the architect generates the design and specification documentation and are the registered, LBP for any design. 

Please note: the Omega Windows + Doors is not accredited for Fluoroset coatings.