Naturally, you want to make a COR-TEN® façade look as good as possible during the years. Since COR-TEN® is self-protecting it needs no regular attention or maintenance, as is the case for almost all other façade materials. When installing COR-TEN® there are some things to consider:
The perfect patina
1.
The patina that protects the steel and gives it its distinctive color is formed when COR-TEN® is subjected to alternating wet and dry conditions.
2.
To maintain an even color, it’s recommended that water can run off freely and not stay on the surface.
3.
In a sheltered location with damp conditions, COR-TEN® may not adopt the intended color and protective patina.
4.
Direct contact with earth, snow or vegetation also might affect the color. Therefore COR-TEN® is not recommended for building foundations or socle walls.
5.
COR-TEN® is sometimes perforated for aesthetic purposes. In these cases, it’s possible that run-off from these holes can affect the color of the patina.
The speed of change and the final color of the steel depend on the atmospheric conditions of a site and the surrounding air quality. Sulfur dense atmospheres will speed up the oxidation process and result in a darker patina. Frequent cycles of wet and dry weather conditions will also speed up oxidation.
Best practice in the case of lap joints is to avoid direct contact between steel surfaces and leave a ventilation gap between steel sheets. Use screws of acid proof stainless steel in screw connections and EPDM or neoprene gasket to avoid galvanic corrosion.
COR-TEN® weathering steel sheets can be perforated in any way you like. Create your design using round, square, rectangular holes, customized texts, logos and images. Anything is possible. In these cases, it’s possible that run-off from these holes can affect the color of the patina.
Installing a beauty
6.
COR-TEN® is very resilient when coming in contact with most other materials. A word of caution is to avoid prolonged contact with wood, copper or other noble metals, chemicals or de-icing salts.
7.
When installing COR-TEN® on a building, ensure a free airflow together with water running off freely and moisture escaping from the metal’s surfaces and back side. Ventilation space should be full-length and at least 30 mm in width.
8.
Before installation, COR-TEN® should be stored in dry conditions to ensure a similar patina formation on all steel plates.
9.
Use screws of acid proof stainless steel in screw connections and EPDM or neoprene gasket to avoid galvanic corrosion.
10.
For best result, remove welding splashes or any other impurities from the surface.
11.
Best practice in the case of lap joints is to avoid direct contact between steel surfaces and leave a ventilation gap between steel sheets.
Inspiring you, inspiring others
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Genuine
Genuine COR-TEN® steel is produced by SSAB under a license from US Steel Corporation. Using genuine COR-TEN® steel ensures that appearance, longevity and mechanical properties of the material fulfills your expectations, as well as the expectations of your clients.