Why Specify QUALICOAT for Residential Installations?
Typical residential aluminium extension
Over the last decade members of the Association have seen a huge rise in QUALICOAT specifications for powder coating on a wide range of bespoke installations across the UK and Ireland. More wide ranging than BS EN 12206, the QUALICOAT Specification differs from the recently updated British Standard, requiring twice yearly, third party accreditation visits for all its licensed members which ensures that the latest QUALICOAT specification is being followed.
Not only are specifications on the increase, QUALICOAT membership of the UK & Ireland Association continues to grow with a further four new coating members likely to be awarded their licences in 2022.
The vast majority of UK and European aluminium systems companies source their powder coating through QUALICOAT licensed powder coaters which ensures commercial projects, where systems companies are working directly with the specifiers, get the right detailed coating specification. Systems companies are also aware that there is a vertical supply chain behind QUALICOAT licensed powder coaters which includes QUALICOAT approved powders and approved pretreatment systems. Recently introduced, QUALICOAT have now created a specification for the aluminium alloy itself, known as ‘QUALICOAT 3.0’, the specification aims to obtain the best possible substrate for the powder coating process further enhancing sustainability of the finish.
The importance of the QUALICOAT specifications vertical integration is to ensure the very best possible life expectancy for all coated architectural aluminium. The longer the coating lasts, the longer the installation offers an aesthetic appearance.
A QUALICOAT specification is not just aimed at commercial projects, the specification is relevant to all architectural aluminium powder coating requirements, commercial and residential. It is crucial therefore that aluminium residential installations receive the same care when choosing and specifying the right surface treatment.
Whilst systems companies products will generally offer a QUALICOAT approved powder coating, applied by a licensed coater, the Association recommends that if in doubt, all home improvement companies seek confirmation that they are receiving a QUALICOAT powder coated product. In fact, the specification should appear in all home improvement contracts with homeowners, which it turn, will offer purchasers further peace of mind when choosing aluminium.
Whilst supplying a standard QUALICOAT approved coating is suitable for most residential applications in the UK there are some some options which we should be aware of. It is obvious that a colour reference is required, but there is also gloss levels to consider, the range reference is generally as follows:
Matt Powders are usually between 20% and 30% gloss level
Semi-gloss Powders are usually around 60 to 65% gloss level
Gloss Powders at least 80% but can be up to 85% gloss level
Gloss levels are easily checked using a hand held Gloss Level Meter, colour can be measured using a hand held Colour Meter.
On more complex home improvement projects it may be necessary to colour/gloss match different products such as pressed cills, column casings and spandrel panels. A close match can be obtained by careful specification, but any QUALICOAT powder coater should be able to take a range of unfinished profiles and pressings from various providers and powder coat the complete project in one batch, which ensures a high quality colour and gloss consistency.
Finally, one important area which has caught out many a home improvement installer, is obtaining the correct specification when powder coated products are installed close to the coast. Contrary to popular belief, a powder coating finish is microporous, so if the pretreatment is not properly applied, corrosion under the surface can occur, which will lead to premature surface coating failure. A QUALICOAT Seaside Class of coating ensures that the pretreatment system is applied in a more robust way and offers a better life expectancy in these harsh environments. A quick call to your local QUALICOAT powder coater, given the location of the installation, they will be able to advise and if needed, offer the home improvement installer a ‘Seaside Class’ coating specification and warranty for the homeowners and installers peace of mind.
Getting the coating specification correct for any project does not take long but it does ensure that as a provider of home improvement systems you are offering your customers the very best of what is achievable. Also important, the level of coating problems or possible failures you may be experiencing will drastically reduce as a result.
The worldwide QUALICOAT Specification is continually and incrementally revised in real time with regular update sheets, the specification is completely rewritten at year end to include all updates. The Specification, its appendices and any update sheets are always freely available for download at www.qualicoat.net. For details on the availability of various colours and finishes contact any QUALICOAT UK & Ireland member for more information. For updated information about the use and specification of QUALICOAT in the UK and Ireland, please visit the UK & Ireland Association website at www.qualicoatuki.org.