Aluminium joinery – pitting

Causes

Exposure to air-borne salt, dust or dirt 

Run-off from cement plaster/grout, CCA-treated timber, copper or lead

Lack of sufficient cleaning

End of serviceable life – the expected life of anodised finishes is typically around 20 years but may be less in corrosive environments

Listed under: Interior, Exterior, glass, metal, aluminium, doors, windows, durability, corrosion

Cause

Exposure to air-borne salt, dust or dirt 

Repair

  • clean frames regularly with warm water and mild detergent to remove dust, dirt and air-borne salts; rinse off thoroughly. Do not use solvents, harsh chemicals, abrasive or caustic cleaners to clean aluminium, do not use a metal scraper or abrasive pad
  • if corrosion is not severe, finishing options include:
    • painting: sand lightly, apply an aluminium primer, then paint in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
    • wax finish: apply car wax to the clean, dry anodised surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  • ensure that weep slots, drain holes, roller assemblies and tracks are unclogged – door thresholds and window sills are particularly susceptible to corrosion if not kept clean.

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Cause

Run-off from cement plaster/grout, CCA-treated timber, copper or lead

Repair

  • clean frames regularly with warm water and mild detergent to remove dust, dirt and air-borne salts; rinse off thoroughly. Do not use solvents, harsh chemicals, abrasive or caustic cleaners to clean aluminium, do not use a metal scraper or abrasive pad
  • if corrosion is not severe, finishing options include:
    • painting: sand lightly, apply an aluminium primer, then paint in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
    • wax finish: apply car wax to the clean, dry anodised surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  • ensure that weep slots, drain holes, roller assemblies and tracks are unclogged – door thresholds and window sills are particularly susceptible to corrosion if not kept clean.

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Cause

Lack of sufficient cleaning

Repair

  • instigate a regular cleaning regime: clean frames with warm water and mild detergent to remove dust, dirt and air-borne salts; rinse off thoroughly. Do not use solvents, harsh chemicals, abrasive or caustic cleaners to clean aluminium, do not use a metal scraper or abrasive pad
  • if corrosion is not severe, finishing options include:
    • painting: sand lightly, apply an aluminium primer, then paint in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
    • wax finish: apply car wax to the clean, dry anodised surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  • ensure that weep slots, drain holes, roller assemblies and tracks are unclogged – door thresholds and window sills are particularly susceptible to corrosion if not kept clean.

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Cause

End of serviceable life – the expected life of anodised finishes is typically around 20 years but may be less in corrosive environments

Repair

  • clean frames regularly with warm water and mild detergent to remove dust, dirt and air-borne salts; rinse off thoroughly. Do not use solvents, harsh chemicals, abrasive or caustic cleaners to clean aluminium, do not use a metal scraper or abrasive pad
  • if corrosion is not severe, finishing options include: (a) painting: sand lightly, apply an aluminium primer, then paint in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; (b) wax finish: apply car wax to the clean, dry anodised surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  • instigate a regular cleaning regime
  • ensure that weep slots, drain holes, roller assemblies and tracks are unclogged – door thresholds and window sills are particularly susceptible to corrosion if not kept clean

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