Architectural Cladding

Corten steel is popularly sought after for architectural cladding and as exterior feature facades, for its rustic appearance. When rusted, Corten weathering steel develops a rich deep brown-red oxide surface through the use of alloy additions.  The added alloys encourage a very dense layer to develop on the exposed surfaces, enough to protect the underlying metal structure from corroding.  The layer protecting the surface develops and regenerates continuously when subjected to the influence of the weather.  Thus Corten needs not to be treated in any way prior to installation for longevity.

Pierre Le Roux Design uses 3mm hot rolled sheets and plates for exterior cladding projects.  There are a number of fixing methods available when cladding in Corten and we work with the architect or designer to achieve the desired facade.

Welded/corked fixings and joins are suited to buildings which command a seamless design.

External fixings protruding from the face of the Corten, give a raw industrial feature to a façade.

Concealed fixings using counter sunk screws & express joints.

The use of Corten weathering steel in construction presents several challenges. Ensuring that weld-points weather at the same rate as the other materials requires special welding techniques or materials. Corten steel is not rustproof in itself. If water is allowed to accumulate in pockets, those areas will experience higher corrosion rates, so provision for drainage must be made. Corten steel's normal surface weathering can lead to rust stains on nearby surfaces.  Staining can be prevented if the structure can be detailed so that water does not drain from the steel onto concrete where stains would be visible.