Preserving Your Backyard Investment: Understanding Powder Coatings and Aluminum Railings

Backyard spaces are where we go to relax after a long day and the place, as homeowners, we are capable and willing to put in the work to improve our outdoor experiences. The sweat equity you add to your home is rewarding but when it comes to the deck improvements and aluminum, or glass railing, these are usually investments you leave to the professional.

Aluminum Railings: The Final Touch

Aluminum Railings are the final touch on your deck space and a homeowner generally spends a lot of time looking for the right design and type of aluminum railing. But have you considered what the aluminum railing is coated in and how that will stand up to the harsh hot summers of the South Okanagan?

Understanding Powder Coating Methods

Aluminum railings are a great option that require minimal maintenance and can look great for many years to come. But did you know that the powder coating method and type of powder used can extend that investment much farther into the future? Unfortunately, not all powder coating is the same. Most homeowners don’t think of this and the railing they choose is typically one of the last items to purchase and often, the cheapest system wins out.

Choosing the Right Powder

Research the options out there and ask questions to ensure your investment on your outdoor space doesn’t look all faded and cracked after only a year or two in the hot Okanagan sun!

Spending thousands of dollars on an aluminum railing system for your outdoor space is a big investment. You want to make the right choice in design but also want your investment to last the long hot summer days we enjoy in the South Okanagan.

Some powder applicators use untested and uncertified powders, while others use the minimum AAMA 2603 grade powder, which is typically an interior grade powder that is certified to stand up to 1 year of exposure in high UV environments. Only some of the premium railing systems use an AAMA 2604, which are exterior grade powders formulated to withstand a minimum of 5 years of sun exposure in high UV exposure areas.

Decoding the AAMA Certifications

It is important to know the levels of powder coating and the types that manufacturers use in the industry.
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association or AAMA is a North American regulatory board that all powders must comply with.

An AAMA 2603 powder is what you would find on most u-build or economy systems that you may find at a hardware store or the online do-it-yourself system. It is rated to not chalk or fade within the 1st year and is an interior grade powder.

Reputable BC manufacturers use an AAMA 2604 powder, while some certified powder applicators can offer a custom order 2605 powder which has a rating range of 10 years for gloss retention. This certification can only be achieved by passing annual destructive product testing and maintaining a measurable quality control process. These AAMA 2605 powders provide great protection and longevity for projects that are situated in close proximity to the ocean and where the railings are subjected to high UV exposure each year.

Importance of Aluminum Preparation: Submersion or Spray?

But what is just as important is how the aluminum is prepared prior to powder coating.

The industry uses 2 techniques, submersion or spray. Spray is when a cleaner solution is used to spray the railing as it is hung from hooks. This is typically a 1 step system, and this method involves a person to ensure that every corner and spot is effectively cleaned properly and can have a human error component to it. Another disadvantage to this method is that the interior of the railing is left unprepared and untreated.

Submersion is by far the best as it involves up to a 5-step bathing system where all the material is submersed into 5 tanks of cleaner, rinse and sealant ensuring every spot, including the inside of the railing has been effectively cleaned and coated. Filtration of the water supply is also a big factor in removing the impurities by not introducing them into the cleaning and rinsing solutions.

Aluminum railings preparation is key to a long lasting UV resistant powder coating protecting your investment.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor or Supplier

Some simple things you can ask your contractor when they are quoting your railing system:

1. Which powder coating is used, and it is approved by the AAMA
2. What is the aluminum prep process? Submersion or spray?
3. And finally, what is the warranty offered on the powder coating and what in fact does the wording of the warranty actually cover? Full coverage or limited or prorated?

Conclusion

A few simple questions can protect your investment long term so that you can enjoy your back yard haven for years to come!!