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Alumitec Ltd.

312-920-6300
  • About
  • Services
    • Anodized Aluminum
      • Metropolitan Park
      • Corporate Technology Center
      • The Fairwinds Building
      • Presidents Plaza
      • 230 West Monroe Street
      • First Source Bank/Marriott Hotel
      • Harbor Point Tower
      • One Prudential Plaza Restoration
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      • 150 North Michigan Ave
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      • Lincoln Park Center Chicago IL
      • Northbrook IL
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      • 550 West Jackson
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Cleaning and Restoring Anodized Aluminum

Anodized aluminum is an extremely durable and resilient material that was used significantly in the design of the exterior facades of commercial buildings beginning in the 1950’s. The rise in the appeal of this unique material was the result of a surge in the use of curtain wall in the design of monumental commercial office buildings.

Anodizing is an electrochemical process for producing aluminum oxide coatings on aluminum and its alloys for both decorative and protective purposes. The oxide coating is integral with the aluminum therefore it will not chip, peel or flake. The oxide coating creates a surface that is harder, abrasion resistant, increases the natural corrosion resistance of the aluminum and allows the finish to be decoratively colored.

Initially, anodized aluminum was marketed as a maintenance free material by the aluminum manufacturers and finishers. It became readily apparent that architectural aluminum was affected by weathering and exposure to natural elements and atmospheric pollutants. The combination of surface soil and these contaminants can accelerate the surface roughening, staining and discoloration of the finishes. In advanced stages of exposure, corrosion in the form of pitting may develop.

Building Maintenance is Key to Architectural Preservation

The decorative metallic appearance of these finishes can only be preserved by periodic cleaning and maintenance. If the aluminum curtain wall has been neglected for extended periods of time, a labor intensive restoration cleaning will be necessary. Restoration cleaning may require the use of abrasive cleaning methods to remove the heavy pollutants, contaminants and oxidation that have developed over a period of years followed by the application of a clear surface protectant. This proprietary protectant improves the weathered appearance of the finish and protects it from environmental and atmospheric pollutants and surface degradation. Implementation of a technically sound restoration and maintenance program will ensure that the surface appearance of these Class 1 architectural finishes can be preserved indefinitely.

Chicago's Prudential plaza

One Prudential Plaza

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Image representing One Union Square

One Union Square

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First Bank St Louis

First Bank

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Blue Cross Blue Shield Eagan

Blue Cross Blue Shield

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Howard Miller Anodized Aluminum Restoration

Howard Miller

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Spectrum Hospital Anodized Aluminum panels

Spectrum Hospital

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Interco Corporate Tower St Louis

Hanley Corporate Tower

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Metropolitan Park Seattle

Metropolitan Park

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Corporate Technology Center Anodized Aluminum Restoration and Cleaning

Corporate Technology Center

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The Fairwinds Orlando

The Fairwinds Building

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Presidents Plaza Anodized Aluminum Panels

Presidents Plaza

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230 West Monroe Street Anodized Aluminum Restoration and Cleaning

230 West Monroe Street

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First Source Bank/ Marriott Hotel Anodized Aluminum

First Source Bank/ Marriott Hotel

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Harbor Point Chicago

Harbor Point Tower

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4115 W. Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60651
312-920-6300
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