Utilizing Cor-ten Steel for architectural cladding, as well as artistic applications, has an abundance of benefits from reducing overall material costs to meeting LEED credit requirements for Green Building.
Low Maintenance
Periodic cleaning and inspection should be the only maintenance required when using exposed weathering steel. Periodic cleaning consists of rinsing the rusted surfaces with water to clear off any natural debris or contaminates. If applied properly, strong rains can provide the regular cleaning to the weathering steel members. In addition, scratches and dings are benefited by the oxide structure and will heal through their own natural development without the need for replacement.
Long Term Cost Savings & Performance
Long term cost savings are realized by the material’s durability, which can be seen by the various structures and buildings built nearly up to 50 years ago. Throughout the world, DOT’s and transportation structures utilize the material because of it’s long term cost savings and durability. Utilizing the living, protective nature of this material also eliminates the expensive costs associated with painting and the whole life costs associated with onsite paint maintenance. In instances where access for future maintenance is dangerous or difficult, or where traffic disruption needs to be minimized, corten steel is an ideal cladding material.
Environmental Benefits (LEED Credits)
Reducing the environmental impacts associated with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions from paint coatings and cleaning functions required with painting, positions weathering steel as a sustainable building product that provides a range of LEED certifications. Exceeding LEED requirements for MR 4.1/4.2, MR 2.1/2.2, MR 5.2/5.2 credits, in addition to other green qualities such as 100% recyclable and made from recycled content makes using our product an environmental benefit. (All environmental benefit information will be supplied per project specifications.)
Dynamic Appearance and Texture
Aged weathering steel brings a multi-dimensional aspect to a buildings appearance. The patina can transform multiple times on a daily basis from a state of dry to wet (and back again) and with it brings a sense of depth and wonder. The weathered steel becomes something more than was originally perceived. You will begin to recognize the subtle appearance hiding behind the exposed surfaces, waiting to be experienced anew. Very few materials provide a depth that can dramatically transformed with the ambient environment. Rich in deep tones and a variegated character, the patina continues to blend and improve with age. As the oxide layer further develops, deeper and more earthy tones are naturally brought out of the oxide structure.
Minimizing Cost & Lead Time
For the most streamlined, minimal cost application, using raw corten steel will reduce the overall costs and lead times associated with cladding materials. When cladding in raw corten steel, the initial flash rust that develops will run off and bleed onto adjoining surfaces. To mitigate this, a gutter or catch system can be incorporated into the design to hide or transfer the loose ferrites. If run-off and staining is undesirable, our pre-weathered Goethite Steel is designed around reducing the bleeding associated with corten.