Case 2

Introduction

Exposure of Base Metal

Type of Building: Commercial Building

In this case, corrosion of the base metal occurred due to coating failure. Lack of prompt maintenance worsen the case. Corrosion is defined as the destruction or deterioration of a material because of its reaction with the environment or by other means other than mechanical action. It refers to the deterioration of the base metal and not to the coating. Both aluminium and steel, which are common metals used for façade, are susceptible to corrosion. However, the corrosion of aluminium is more difficult to detect since rust stains are not as evident as in the case of steel corrosion. Corrosion does not affect only the cladding metal. It can also occur on metal extrusions and brackets forming the sub-frame of the system.