How Long Will Aluminum Last Outside? (Important Informatio)

According to the research by Chardon Laboratory, aluminum is estimated to comprise 8% percent of earth crust — the second most plentiful metallic element on the earth.

This has become one of the most widely used non-ferrous metals compared to other metals like steel.

Aluminum can last from 10s – 100s years when exposed to outside. It’s designed to withstand the outside weather conditions. However, aluminum will decompose after many years to form crust of the earth.

Aluminum does last long when outside because of the oxide feature built into them. Irrespective of your project either for roofing or any other outside project, you’ll find quality aluminum that last long.

Generally, the way aluminum is kept outside is what determines how long it will last. When aluminum is waterproof, it lasts longer compared to when it is not waterproof.

What Makes Aluminum Last Long When Outside?

Aluminum is able to provide reliable and functional service for over 40 years when outside.

Aluminum forms a self microscopical thin surface layer when outside. These features make aluminum to last longer that you expected. The microscopical thin layer is the oxide that prevents aluminum from rust and corrodes easily.

Aluminum oxide is the layer that makes it last longer. The oxide act as an insulator that prevents it against any corrosion.

You can’t measure the layer because it is so thinking — it’s measured to be an atom size. 

The air-formed film on new aluminum surfaces is about 2.5 nm thick, while the film on aluminum that is several years old may be 10 or more nm thick.

The film is composed of two parts:

• A thin, inner barrier layer
• Thicker bulk outer layer 

The thin layers are not easily permeable compared to the more thicker inner barrier layer. These two layers prevent corrosion from taking place, while making the aluminum to last longer that you may be expected.

Aluminum Last Long Because It Doesn’t Get Rust

Aluminum can easily get rustier than corrode with the soil when it’s exposed to weather conditions.

The robustness of aluminum simply means the change in color and consistency, which make it easy to spot.

Aluminum easily corrodes when it is exposed to outer weather conditions. The corrosion state of aluminum is highly subtle.

Even though aluminum is highly reactive metal, mostly when it is in pure state without being treated with any paint, it can easily dissolve when exposed to water. 

The durability of aluminum when exposed to oxygen in the air, water, or soil, makes it to form a thin coating of aluminum oxide that is chemically bonded to its surface.

The bold that’s chemically formed prevents aluminum from rust rather than corrode with weather conditions. 

Aluminum lasts longer because of its ability not to rust but corrode. Corrosion gradually affects aluminum while rust and takes a few times to destroy metal.

Aluminum that’s exposed to outer weather conditions lasts longer irrespective of the climate conditions that’s prevailing — aluminum hardens into metal as a grayish-white powdery substance for corrosion. 

Rust exposes metal to more flakes, while corrosive form oxide seals that prevent aluminum surface from reacting to the weather conditions faster.

Is Aluminum Coated?

Aluminum materials are not coated but still have the capacity to withstand the outside weather climates.

It can only get corrodes because it isn’t coated to prevent the outer weather conditions. 

When aluminum is exposed to outside climates, it forms oxide that prevents aluminum from rust but keeps it from rust.

Steel materials are coated to prevent rust and corrosive effects. However, aluminum when outside lasts longer even when it is coated. 

Does Galvanic Corrosion Affect Aluminum?

Corrosive occurs when aluminum is exposed to weather elements. Aluminum is not coated against corrosion. 

However, aluminum oxide is a layer which protects against rust and makes aluminum to renew itself.

Galvanic corrosion is the highest form of corrosion that affects aluminum when it comes in contact with other metals. 

When aluminum is placed side by side with a metal object to the point of forming an electric circuit, then Galvanization occurs. Aluminum is weak compared to steel, therefore it creates negative and positive reactions that affect it.

Another factor that cause Galvanisation corrosion of metal is when aluminum come in contact with extreme pH level soil. Such contact causes corrosion that damage aluminum easily.

The pH soil can easily break the protective oxide of aluminum and expose it to destruction. Typically, aluminum falls well in a pH between 4.5 and 8.5, potentially causing an issue in climates with clay soil.

Does pH Cause Aluminum To Corrode?

pH does cause aluminum to corrode. No matter the level of the pH level, it does cause corrode.

The acidity and alkalinity of the soil do react with aluminum to cause corrode. The extent at which it affects the aluminum depends on the level. 

If the acidic and alkalic is low the significant effect at which the corrosion will occur will be very minimal.

For example, aluminum is quite resistant to concentrated nitric acid. But when aluminum is exposed to alkaline conditions, corrosion occurs. 

Also when the oxide film is perforated locally, corrosion acceleration increases because aluminum is attacked more rapidly when the oxide is perforated compared to when it’s not. 

The result is pitting. In acidic conditions, the oxide is more rapidly attacked than aluminum, and more general attack should result.

At What Degree is Aluminum Corrosion Resistant?

Corrosion resistance of aluminum varies from one company to another. Some aluminum are more corrosion resistant than others.

Aluminum that is made of high purity aluminum wires and ribbons, which is produced with tightly controlled purity refining standards. 

Aluminum 1199 (99.99% min. purity), as well as 99.999% and 99.9999% aluminum are widely produced with specialty electronic and chemical applications. 

The applications include vacuum deposition of thin films and coatings used in the manufacturing of electronic devices, integrated circuits and optical products.

Aluminum 1199 has excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, low mechanical properties and good workability.

Aluminum 1199 doesn’t get rust easily when it exposed to weather conditions. However, when the aluminum is well care for and position in cool place, hardly will the aluminum get corride.

With the right protection, aluminum can stay for many years. Then you can also give aluminum extra protection by faultifies it with extra corrosion-fighting power. The corrosion fight power will make the aluminum to last longer that you expected when you use it on a building.

Conclusion 

Aluminum can last longer even when it is exposed to weather conditions outside. Hardly will the aluminum get rust but can easily get corrode.

Using aluminum in your house project or any other project will last longer than you expected especially the fortified one with extra corrode fighting power.