Cleaning and Restoring
Cleaning and Restoration
Architectural
metal surfaces can become discolored or damaged over time. Surface discoloration
can be the result of environmental contaminant accumulations such as hydrocarbons
and airborne particulate, corrosion, paint, marker pens, embedded iron, improper
fabrication or handling, run-off from surrounding materials, and other factors.
Surface damage is usually the result of improper cleaning methods, inappropriate
cleaning products, accidental scratching, wind borne abrasives, or vandalism.
TMR Architectural Metals Consulting will evaluate the finish, determine the
cause of the problem, and recommend procedures for cleaning and restoring
stainless steel finishes. We also evaluate cleaning products and provide specifications
if finish replacement is required. TMR Consulting is not a cleaning contractor
or a manufacturer of cleaning products and provides independent evaluations
of these products and services.
Surface Evaluation
A surface
evaluation determines if the finish can be restored or if finish replacement
is required. It is important to evaluate the cause(s) of stainless steel surface
finish deterioration before undertaking a cleaning, restoration, or replacement
program.
If the cause of the surface deterioration is not known, an on-site evaluation
of the environment and surface finish is recommended. This may be followed
by an evaluation of a sample in our laboratory. If the cause has been identified,
clients can send a representative surface finish sample to our laboratory
for evaluation. We encourage you to discuss the problem with one of our specialists
to determine the most appropriate approach.
Site Evaluation
If the
stainless steel finish deterioration is caused by corrosion, a site and design
evaluation is recommended before a cleaning procedure is developed or material
replacement is considered. Our consultants determine whether corrosive industrial
and urban pollutants and chlorides (swimming pools and coastal and deicing
salts) are present and their concentration. Corrosion can also be caused by
exposure to inappropriate cleaning products or by cleaning or construction
near the installation. A site assessment allows a metallurgical engineer who
is an expert in architectural metal corrosion to identify sources of corrosion
that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.
An evaluation by TMR Architectural Metals Consultants is cost-effective. Our
experienced metallurgical engineering staff has the expertise to evaluate
the source of the problem, determine if reoccurrence can be avoided, provide
solutions, and, if replacement is being considered, to predict the relative
performance of common architectural metals.
Cleaning Procedures
TMR Architectural
Metals Consulting has developed standard maintenance and remedial cleaning
procedures for both new and existing stainless steel structures.
A standard maintenance cleaning procedure typically includes recommendations
for removal of surface contaminants that may be encountered over the life
of the structure including dirt, oil and hydrocarbons, fingerprints, paint,
marker pens, food, light corrosion staining, and other problems identified
by the client.
A remedial cleaning procedure is developed when there has been significant
surface deterioration. This may be the result of a particular incident such
as vandalism, improper cleaning, or exposure to Muriatic (hydrochloric). Remedial
cleaning may also be necessary if the surface has not been cleaned for some
time and there is corrosion and/or significant surface deposits. Clients who
request remedial cleaning procedures are encouraged to also ask for a standard
maintenance cleaning program so that the problem does not reoccur.
Finish Restoration
If significant
stainless steel surface finish deterioration has occurred, it may be necessary
to restore the finish through a combination of cleaning and refinishing. TMR
Architectural Metals Consulting can provide information on refinishing alternatives,
provide a refinishing specification, and help to evaluate and/or identify
qualified contractors. Our consultants provide unbiased assessments because
we do not refinish surfaces or sell cleaning products.
We can also advise whether finish restoration is a practical option or whether
replacement should be considered. We have considerable expertise in stainless
steel finishes and can suggest alternatives that are more appropriate for
the application, obtain surface finish samples, and suggest potential finish
suppliers.
Services
Each architectural metal has unique characteristics that can impact its performance, design, and selection under different conditions. Retaining the assistance of a metallurgical engineer who understands the unique requirements placed on architectural metals can mean the difference between a successful application and an unsightly problem.
TMR Architectural Metals Consultants provides objective, unbiased advice on the use of stainless steel, titanium, nickel-based alloys (nickel-silver, Monel®), aluminum, and copper-based alloys in architectural applications.
