Alinel maintenance: The do’s and don’ts

In the world of facade cladding, aluminium is known for its remarkable durability. Especially when compared to other common materials, such as wood. Aluminium is low-maintenance, but not maintenance-free. In other words: periodic maintenance is needed to keep your cladding looking like new.

Alinel recommends PURApro cleaning products, available in the Benelux. These are specifically designed for cleaning and maintaining aluminium exteriors. They have low acidity and are therefore highly suitable for cleaning aluminium, but with a wide range of applications.

First maintenance

After installation of your facade cladding, initial maintenance is usually required. This is to ensure that contamination from other work is removed. It is essential to remove these residues as soon as possible to prevent them from burning in. This is where cement and slurry stain removers come in handy. The product can be sprayed on or applied with a slightly damp cloth to clean effectively and safely.

Please note: It is important to properly protect all materials that are not acid-resistant while using cement and slurry stain removers. Also make sure the product does not come into contact with your skin.

Low-maintenance, but not maintenance-free

First, make it easy on yourself by regularly cleaning your aluminium cladding with water and a damp cloth. Additionally, Alinel recommends cleaning the facade once a year with dedicated maintenance products. This keeps the appearance of the coating at its best and prevents small problems from developing into bigger issues.

Annual maintenance can be done with a periodic cleaner and protector. Use a soft sponge, such as the miracle sponge. Avoid abrasive materials, such as Brillo sponge, that would damage the aluminium surface.

In longer intervals (2 to 3 years), Alinel recommends cleaning the cladding with a deep cleaner. Using a slightly damp cloth or a miracle sponge, your cladding will be as good as new again.

Tip 1: Make sure you always pre-rinse the cladding with water to remove loose dirt.

Tip 2: Make sure to also rinse with clean cold water afterwards to ensure all residual detergent is removed.

The effects of sunlight, heat and other weather conditions

Although aluminium is naturally a durable and weather-resistant material, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause slight discolouration of the cladding. Please know that this is a natural ageing process, which can reduce the gloss of the powder coating or vinyl film.

  • UV radiation (invisible element of sunlight) affects the resins of the coating, causing it to chalk and age.
  • IR radiation (heat from sunlight) greatly raises the temperature of the coating surface, causing burn-in of contamination. Dark colours absorb heat faster and are therefore more susceptible to discolouration.

This process can be slowed down by periodically maintaining your cladding with a UV and dirt protector. This blocks UV and IR rays and maintains colour fastness even during prolonged sun exposure.

Maintenance of Alinel PVC-foiled aluminium facade cladding

Have you chosen Alinel Type B Wood, our charming wood-look coating variant? This type has all the maintenance advantages of aluminium cladding but with the natural look of wood. This cladding is coated with a PVC film, available in two wood tints (Oak Malt and Oak Toffee). Thanks to a multi-layer PVDF and PMMA film, this vinyl coating offers high resistance to UV radiation and chemicals. Maintenance of this type consists of cleaning with PVC maintenance products.

Deep damage to coating

Is the coating of the facade cladding damaged and does it need to be touched up locally? Contact us. We offer a retouching pen, available in all RAL colours: matt, satin, high gloss, and metallic textured paints.

Retouching pens and spray cans can be ordered using the contact form.