| 1. What is Aluminum?
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Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust. It
is always found combined with other elements such as
oxygen, silicon, and fluorine. Aluminum as the metal is
obtained from aluminum-containing minerals. Small amounts
of aluminum can be found dissolved in water. |
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Aluminum metal is light in weight and silvery-white in
appearance. Aluminum is used for beverage cans, pots and
pans, airplanes, fencing, siding and roofing, and foil. Aluminum is
often mixed with small amounts of other metals to form
aluminum alloys, which are stronger and harder. |
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Aluminum compounds have many different uses, for
example, as alums in water-treatment and alumina in
abrasives and furnace linings. They are also found in
consumer products such as antacids, astringents, buffered
aspirin, food additives, and antiperspirants. |
| 2. Does Aluminum accumulate in the environment? |
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Aluminum cannot be destroyed in the environment, it can only change its form. |
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It can dissolve in lakes, streams, and rivers depending on the quality of the water. |
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Aluminum is not accumulated to a significant extent in most plants or animals. |
| 3. Is Aluminum better for fencing or railings? |
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In southern climates where snow isn't a concern aluminum is an excellent fencing material. |
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In climates where snow is a factor aluminum is better used for smaller applications. An Aluminum Railing, for instance, works well in a Canadian winter but an Aluminum fence is not recommended because of the snow load. |
| 4. What makes Fence-All Aluminum different? |
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Our custom made Aluminum railings offer maintenance-free strength and elegance - complete and ready for easy installation. |
| 5. Why is powder coating better than traditional painting? |
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With powder coating, a dry powdered plastic is sprayed onto the steel, and an electro-static charge is used to keep the powder on the steel long enough to get it in an oven. In the oven, heat melts the plastic to evenly cover all of the steel. |
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Advantages of powder coating that make it particularly envAluminummentally friendly, are that it does not require solvents and it captures it's own over spray. |
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Further advantages are that the plastic contains UV stabilizers which will provide longer lasting shine, the heating process offers better adhesion to the steel (it's baked right in), and once cooled down the plastic offers better protection against scratches. |
| 6. Does powder coated Aluminum require maintenance? |
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Once installed, maintaining the powder coating is a simple matter. It's much like washing your car--use a coating of soapy water with a neutral detergent and rinse with clean water. This should normally be done at least once every six months to get rid of the pollens and pollutants that accumulate over time. Aluminum in marine and industrial environments needs to be cleaned more often. |
| 7. How long should the powder coating last before I need to re-paint? |
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When powder coated items are installed properly and they are maintained regularly, they should be relatively permanent. Correctly applied powder coatings will not crack, chip or peel like traditional wet paints. |
| 8. Does this mean that my Aluminum Railing will last forever? |
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No. But it should be good for at least 20 years. |
| 9. Are all Aluminum Railings powder coated? |
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No. Traditional wet painting is something that can be done at less cost than hiring a professional with a special electro-static painting oven, so many companies choose to offer products that look the same at time of delivery and cost them less. |
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This is not a problem for the first 1 to 2 years, but then the disadvantages of wet paint will start to show, and the re-painting begins. |
| 10. Are all Fence-All Aluminum products powder coated? |
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Yes.
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| 11. Is all powder coating the same? |
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No. As we all know the durability of any finish depends as much or more on the pretreatment than on the finish coat. |
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The steel needs to be cleaned properly before it is coated and the coating has to be put on evenly and at the right thickness. |
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Unfortunately a consumer really can't predict the durability of a finish - all they can go by is the reputation of the supplier. |
| 12. Is powder coating only available in Black? |
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No. Powder coating, just like traditional paint, is available in any colour. |
| 13. Can I let vines grow on my new Aluminum fence? |
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Certain vines or plant life will cause an un-even paint finish if left over time. |
| 14. What do you recommend for helping the Aluminum posts last longer? |
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Other than basic common sense (e.g., keep corrosive materials like fertilizers or salt away from any exposed aluminum surfaces) no special care is necessary. |
| 15. Can Aluminum Railings handle changes in grade? |
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Yes! We recommend Aluminum as one of the best railing solutions for stairways.
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| 16. Who benefits most from an Aluminum Railing? |
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It's one of our most family friendly products from tots all the way on up to older folks. Everyone can appreciate the security and confidence one gets from grasping a steady railing, especially in icy or rainy conditions.
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