Aluminium solar shading systems are made from a robust material and will withstand the harshest of weather conditions. However, they do need some regular maintenance in order to continue to perform well and look their best.
Inspect Fins and Fixings Twice a Year
Spring and Autumn: Check Fixings for any Sign of Movement. Walk around the system and check all fins for any signs of bending or cracking. Check all fixings for any sign of movement. A simple push on each fin should confirm that they are solidly fixed. Over time, the thermal movement of the building can cause the fixings to work loose. Early detection of any such movement can prevent serious structural problems.
Clean with Mild Detergent and Soft Brushes
Use a mild detergent and water and scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Avoid using abrasive pads, wire wool or other cleaning solutions that contain solvents as these can strip the aluminium of its protective coating and cause it to corrode. After cleaning the aluminium solar shading panels rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry before checking the surface finish.
Check Drainage Channels for Blockages
These small gaps collect everything from leaves and moss to grit and twigs. Make sure these are cleared of any blockages from time to time using your hands or a low-pressure hose. When using a hose always work from bottom to top to prevent any debris being washed back into the gap and forming a blockage. Moisture that is trapped by blockages in drainage channels can seep down into the masonry and cause corrosion of fixings and staining of surrounding paintwork.
Spot Corrosion Before It Spreads
Check for any white powdery marks or rust streaks coming from steel fixings on the surface of the aluminium. Brise Soleil systems in coastal or town centre locations may benefit from the annual application of a wax type protective coating to prevent such deterioration. A small area of deterioration is easily treated and will be cost effective in the long run as opposed to replacing a complete section.
Keep a Maintenance Log
Record the date of your inspection, any work you do and the products you use. This will be your evidence in the event of a claim against your warranty. Also, it will be required by local authority when submitting for approval any alterations to a building. These could be structural or external and would require approval under the building regulations as if for a new building. For Brise Soleil, see //alusystems.uk/brise-soleil-solar-shading.
By following this simple maintenance regime, it’s rare for you to need to call in specialists to deal with problems on your Brise Soleil.