Does Aluminum Rust? Get Answers to All Your Exterior Access Doors Questions Posted by Best Access Doors Canada on 21st Aug 2024
When choosing exterior access doors, a common concern is finding rust-resistant options. Aluminum access doors, known for their durability and lightweight properties, are a popular choice, but they often raise questions about their rust-resistant qualities.
In this article, we'll discuss whether aluminum rusts, outline its benefits for exterior access doors, and address common questions to provide you with all the essential information.
Does Aluminum Rust?
Aluminum doesn’t rust because rust forms on iron and its alloys, like steel. Rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture, creating iron oxide.
Aluminum interacts with oxygen to create aluminum oxide, a thin, protective layer that clings to the metal surface and stops further oxidation. This natural process, known as passivation, gives aluminum its excellent corrosion resistance and makes it an ideal material for exterior applications.
Benefits of Aluminum Exterior Access Doors
Aluminum offers many more benefits than any potential concerns. Here are some of them:
Durable
One of the benefits of aluminum exterior access doors is their durability. Aluminum oxide formation prevents rust and corrosion and creates a hard surface that resists damage. This makes aluminum doors a long-lasting option for commercial buildings, where durability is crucial.
Lightweight and Easy to Install
Aluminum's lighter weight than steel makes access doors easier to handle and install. This is especially beneficial in commercial construction projects that require significant time and labour costs. Additionally, aluminum's lightweight nature reduces the structural load on buildings, which can be advantageous for specific architectural designs.
Low Maintenance
Aluminum requires minimal upkeep compared to other rust-resistant metals. Cleaning aluminum doors is straightforward; typically, a wash with mild soap and water is enough to keep them looking new.
Polished and Sleek
Aluminum exterior access doors can be manufactured with various finishes and coatings, offering aesthetic versatility to match different architectural styles. From sleek, modern designs to traditional looks, aluminum doors can increase the visual appeal of any commercial building.
One product that not only provides insulation but also enhances the space's appearance is the BAC-PAL insulated aluminum access door. Its high-quality white powder coat finish from DuPont gives it a sleek and clean look.
The BAC-PAL access door has 1" fibreglass insulation and a neoprene gasket to minimize sound and air transfers between partitions. This makes it an excellent choice for maintaining privacy and energy efficiency. Its robust all-aluminum construction ensures longevity and is ideal for large wall or ceiling openings, particularly in areas where corrosion and moisture are concerned.
Its aluminum continuous piano hinge ensures smooth and reliable operation, while the neoprene gasket around the perimeter offers a tight seal to prevent air and sound leakage.
Energy Efficient
Modern aluminum doors can be manufactured with thermal breaks and insulation to improve energy efficiency. This design helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, preventing the need for heating or cooling and high energy bills.
Practical Advice for Selecting Aluminum Exterior Access Doors
Choosing the right access doors is important for the success of the commercial construction project. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.
1. Consider the Environment
Evaluate the specific environmental conditions where the doors will be installed. Aluminum is ideal for coastal areas and locations with high humidity due to its corrosion resistance. However, for areas with extreme temperatures, look for doors with thermal breaks or additional insulation to enhance energy efficiency.
2. Evaluate Finish Options
Aluminum doors come with various finishes, including anodized and powder-coated options. Anodizing increases surface hardness and resistance to wear, while powder coating offers multiple colour choices and additional protection. Select a finish that aligns with the space’s aesthetic and the functional demands of your project.
3. Consider Customization
Many manufacturers offer customization options for aluminum doors. You can specify dimensions, hardware, and additional features to meet the needs of your project, whether for security, accessibility, or aesthetic integration.
4. Assess Security Features
Evaluate the security features of the aluminum doors. Look for robust locking mechanisms, reinforced frames, and other security enhancements to protect the building and its occupants.
5. Inspect Hardware Quality
Pay attention to the quality of the hardware used in the doors, such as hinges, locks, and handles. High-quality hardware ensures smooth operation, durability, and security. Ensure that the hardware is compatible with your projects.
To Sum Up
Aluminum exterior access doors offer a range of benefits for commercial construction projects, from their resistance to rust and corrosion to their aesthetic versatility and low maintenance requirements. These features make aluminum an excellent choice for durable and attractive access solutions.
At Best Access Doors Canada, we prioritize using high-quality materials like aluminum to ensure our products meet your requirements. Our access doors are built to endure harsh conditions, providing longevity and visual appeal for your construction projects.
Request a quote to discover our range of aluminum access doors and identify the ideal options for your needs. You can also contact us at (800) 483-0823 for further assistance and to speak with our knowledgeable team.