Building Metal Restoration: The Right Touch

Dirt, sun, heat, pollution, moisture, cool weather — all affect how the metal on a building looks. Over time, these elements cause metal window frames and metal panels to look faded, aged, stained, pitted, corroded and oxidized.

To properly restore metal surfaces, including anodized or painted metal, HSG usually begins with a light “blocking.” Says HSG Field Estimator Oscar Sanchez, “For proper metal restoration, it’s important to have the right touch — to be careful not to remove any color that’s been applied to the surface, especially along the edges.” This light touch removes 95% of the oxidation and pollutants and exposes the finish’s natural luster beneath. If metal surfaces are extremely damaged, dented or scratched, HSG can provide services to remedy those issues.

If a structure’s ground floor metal or the concrete on a pre-fab building has silicate deposits (hard water spots) that come from nearby sprinklers, those spots can be removed with a special cleaning solution and similar blocking process.

Once the stains are removed and the natural metal is restored, HSG applies, by hand, a clear coat of protective sealer to protect the metal.

“The toughest problem we face,” says Oscar, “is when buildings have not been maintained on a regular basis. The more consistent the maintenance, the easier it is to keep the building surfaces looking like new.”

What can managers and owners do to protect their properties? Ongoing, consistent maintenance is priority one. Wiping down lower level windows and frames that get sprayed with water reduces hard water staining and calcification. Also, regularly-scheduled, carefully-executed, metal cleaning and maintenance keeps damage to a minimum. HSG recommends that, in addition to cleaning all of the building’s windows, metal restoration should also be performed at least once a year.

Besides servicing high rise commercial properties, HSG also works on new construction to remove stucco and paint overspray on windows and metal surfaces. This type of service also requires a skilled touch to remove the residue without scratching or damaging the glass.

Field Estimator Oscar Sanchez joined HSG in 1986.

HSG provides: Waterproofing | Metal & Curtain Wall Restoration | High-rise Window Cleaning | High Pressure Cleaning | Bird Control Installation |Glass Scratch Removal | Denka Lift Rental and Repairs | OSHA Roof Rigging Requirement & OPOS Consulting

Established in 1980, HSG promotes safety, knowledge and training of its staff and superior customer service and communication. For more information, visit HSG Inc. or call: 323-733-8552.