QUALICOAT UK & IRELAND
QUALICOAT - Future Proofing Facades
By Angus Mackie - QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Chair
Members of QUALICOAT UK & Ireland are delighted to announce the launch of the 2022 Conference aimed at professionals working in the Construction Industry . The conference is to be held at the Building Centre , Store Street , London on Tuesday , 14th June . The one day conference will be free to attend by invitation and potential delegates will be asked to register their early interest . Further details available on the QUALICOAT website .
Architectural powder coating has advanced a great deal in the last few years , to such an extent that a powder coated window or facade can last the lifetime of the building if correctly specified and coated . The aim of the conference is to inform delegates the extent of recent developments in powder coating technology , ensuring that future project specifications offer the best protection .
Angus Mackie - QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Chair
Extensive work has been completed by QUALICOAT working groups , all of which are formed by QUALICOAT members from across the globe . The conference will offer delegates an insight into this ongoing work including the recent launch of the QUALICOAT 3.0 specification , plus topics such as aluminium pretreatment options and how to specify the various classes of powders available today . The conference will also discuss fire resistance of facade coatings and confirm their safety for use on any facade .
The conference will be opened by Ivo Vermeeren , QUALICOAT President and Angus Mackie , Chair of QUALICOAT UK & Ireland . Together with the conference schedule will be a break-out area offering delegate refreshments and an exhibition area of QUALICOAT UK & Ireland member ’ s products and services .
The global QUALICOAT standard continues to be incrementally revised with update sheets and a reprint of the standard every year . The standard is freely available for download at www . qualicoat . net . For details on the availability of various colours and finishes contact any QUALICOAT UK & Ireland member for more information . For updated information about the use and specification of QUALICOAT in the UK and Ireland , please visit the UK & Ireland Association website at www . qualicoatuki . org .
Minimise the Effects of Weathering
By Angus Mackie - QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Chair
All materials when exposed to the elements will age in some form and change in appearance over time . Materials like stone and brickwork tend to age very well and offer an aesthetic look for many years with virtually no maintenance . Other materials such as copper take on a patina , a bright green colour in the case of copper , as the surface weathers and builds up a protective surface oxidisation . The effects of UV radiation and pollutants in rain can also have deleterious effect on many building materials often leading to premature failure . These finishes are often coated finishes and require careful specification .
First of all , it is important to consider the design of any facade or roof . It is important to consider run-off of rain , as , if allowed to concentrate in any area , this can lead to localised staining , even on brickwork . An example of a run-off detail is the use of drip cills under windows which allow rainwater to run off the facade rather than run down the facade .
Window and facade longevity starts with a high quality aluminium substrate pretreatment and powder coat finish as provided by a licensed QUALICOAT applicator . To identify a licensed QUALICOAT applicator in the UK or Ireland , simply go to the website www . qualicoatuki . org which is kept up to date with current licence holders .
Often overlooked in the specification process is the choice of pretreatment system on the aluminium substrate , this is crucial as it needs to completely seal the aluminium surface whilst offering a good key for the powder coating to adhere too . Despite the powder coating being of a consistent thickness , coatings are air permeable and as a result , if the pretreatment is poorly applied , oxidisation of the aluminium substrate over time could cause the finish to lift . UK and Ireland QUALICOAT applicators are routinely inspected by independent test house , IFO , to ensure that the latest QUALICOAT Standard is being adhered to which ensures that a robust pretreatment has been applied .
Prior to handover of any new installation or building , coated aluminium fenestration will be cleaned down professionally to ensure that the finish is not damaged . It is crucial at this time to have any areas of impact or abrasion damage repaired , should it be present . During cleaning , all the protective tape must be removed from the inside and
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8 FEBRUARY 2022 twitter : @ surfaceworldmag