Designing and building residential and community buildings in coastal environments poses unique challenges due to the corrosive elements present in such areas. Coastal regions are exposed to saltwater, humidity, and airborne salt particles, which can significantly accelerate the corrosion process. To ensure the longevity, safety, and aesthetic appeal of buildings in these settings, it is crucial to consider suitable corrosion-resistant materials.
PERMALITE® aluminium cladding and structural products emerge as an excellent choice for coastal applications due to their exceptional corrosion resistance, durability, lightweight properties, and sustainability.
- Corrosive Elements in Coastal Environments
There are a number of potentially corrosive elements that can play havoc on building materials in coastal regions. - Saltwater Exposure
Coastal (and over-water) environments are characterised by the constant presence of saltwater, which is highly corrosive to conventional building materials like steel. Saltwater promotes the formation of rust and corrosion on metal surfaces, leading to structural degradation over time. - Airborne Salt Particles
In coastal regions, strong winds can carry salt particles from the sea to the land. These airborne salt particles settle on building surfaces, accelerating the corrosion process, particularly in metal components such as window frames, railings, and cladding. - Humidity and Moisture
The high humidity levels prevalent in coastal areas create a conducive environment for corrosion. Moisture-laden air can penetrate building structures, causing metal components to corrode faster than in drier environments. - Wind and Sand Abrasion
Coastal regions are often subject to powerful winds that carry abrasive sand particles. These abrasive particles can mechanically damage building surfaces, further exposing them to corrosive influences.
The PERMALITE® advantage
PERMALITE® products have a number of attributes that make them the ideal choice in aggressive, coastal environments.
- Corrosion Resistance
PERMALITE® products manufactured from marine grade aluminium alloys, such as 5052 and 5251, are specifically engineered to withstand corrosive coastal environments. These alloys contain higher levels of corrosion-resistant elements like chromium and magnesium, forming a protective oxide layer on the aluminium surface. This barrier prevents saltwater and other corrosive agents from coming into direct contact with the metal, significantly reducing the risk of corrosion and ensuring the longevity of the building. Durability and Longevity
PERMALITE® cladding, rainwater and structural products exhibit exceptional durability, even in harsh coastal conditions. Their corrosion resistance and resistance to atmospheric degradation make it them the ideal choice for long-term building solutions in coastal environments. Buildings constructed with PERMALITE® can withstand the challenges posed by saltwater exposure, humidity, and abrasive particles, ensuring minimal maintenance requirements and increased lifespan.Lysaght’s faith in this longevity is evidenced by the availability of a generous “to-perforation” product warranty
- Lightweight Properties
PERMALITE® aluminium is significantly lighter than alternate building materials like steel and concrete. This lightweight characteristic simplifies transportation, handling, and installation processes, potentially resulting in cost savings during construction. - Aesthetic Appeal
In coastal areas, architectural aesthetics often emphasize contemporary and sleek designs. PERMALITE® cladding is available in a range of both traditional and contemporary profiles enabling a modern and stylish appearance that complements the coastal landscape. These products are available in various finishes and colours, providing architects and builders with design flexibility to create visually appealing and durable facades. - Low Maintenance Requirements
The corrosion-resistant properties of PERMALITE® aluminium reduce the need for frequent maintenance. Unlike some materials that require periodic painting or protective coatings, PERMALITE® aluminium maintains its integrity and appearance without significant upkeep. This characteristic is especially beneficial for buildings located in hard-to-reach coastal areas, where maintenance access may be challenging. - Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
PERMALITE® aluminium products are an environmentally friendly material choice. It is highly recyclable, and opting for PERMALITE® in building construction aligns with sustainable practices, contributing to reduced environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
Conclusion
When designing and constructing residential and community buildings in coastal environments, it is crucial to consider the corrosive elements present to ensure the longevity and safety of the structures. Coastal regions expose buildings to saltwater, airborne salt particles, humidity, and abrasive sand, all of which can accelerate corrosion in conventional building materials.
PERMALITE® aluminium cladding, rainwater and structural products are the ideal solution for coastal applications. With exceptional corrosion resistance, durability, lightweight properties, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance requirements, PERMALITE® products can contribute to the longevity of buildings in coastal environments. Moreover, their sustainable and eco-friendly attributes make them a responsible choice for builders and developers, contributing to environmentally conscious building practices in coastal regions. By choosing PERMALITE® aluminium products, architects and builders can create resilient and aesthetically pleasing buildings that withstand the challenges of coastal living and bring enduring value to communities along the shore.