Correctly specified aluminium profiles will provide a very long service life in outdoor environments with minimal maintenance – in many cases exceeding 50 years. The naturally forming aluminium oxide layer provides continuous corrosion protection in both inland and coastal environments without any surface treatment. In particularly aggressive coastal environments or applications involving prolonged contact with saltwater, anodised or powder-coated finishes will extend surface appearance and performance further. The key considerations for longevity are avoiding prolonged contact with dissimilar metals (which can cause galvanic corrosion) and ensuring adequate drainage to prevent standing water accumulation.
