Wall-mounted attachments – rusting of fixings

Cause

Lack of cleaning

Repair

  • remove the attachment(s) and repair/repaint the wall cladding if necessary
  • wherever possible, avoid fixing attachments to exterior walls
  • many wall cladding manufacturers recommend that their products be cleaned and checked at least once every 6 to 12 months to remove dirt and any organic growths. Wall cladding product warranties typically only apply where this is carried out. Fixing anything hard against the wall may make regular checking/cleaning difficult or impossible to achieve
  • anything to be fixed to a wall (a garden hose etc.) should be on a framework so it sits away from the wall, or can be swivelled away from the wall to allow water to drain off the wall properly and the wall to be visible and accessible for cleaning
  • fasteners should be appropriate for the environment. As this is likely to be an exposed setting, they should ideally be stainless steel, and 316 stainless steel in locations close to the coast or geothermal areas. Fixings could be bedded in a perimeter bead of sealant to support weathertightness
  • check and clean the wall at least once a year

Cause

Insufficient original corrosion protection to steel

Repair

  • as for the first repair above, using stainless steel fixings and 316 stainless steel in locations close to the coast or geothermal areas

Cause

Very corrosive environment – near the sea or a geothermal area

Repair

  • as for the first repair above, using stainless steel fixings and 316 stainless steel in locations close to the coast or geothermal areas
  • clean the wall and the attachments regularly as required for the environment

Cause

Fixings are through CCA treated timber

Repair

  • as for the first repair above, using stainless steel fixings and 316 stainless steel in locations close to the coast or geothermal areas