The
Rust Concept
Like a cancer that spreads, rust is an industrial disease
without a cure. While the traditional method of sandblasting
and priming may restore corroded structures until the
problem inevitably occurs again, it is not long before
the process of repeatedly restoring corroded structures
exceeds the original cost of the structure.
Caused when corrosive elements in the atmosphere such
as acidic fumes, sulfur particles, caustic dust, chlorine
and salt collect on painted surfaces and are activated
by dew and condensation, rust weakens underlying metals
considerably. Temperature changes exacerbate the problem
when contraction and expansion of the structure cause
surface paint to crack and split, exposing the underlying
metals to the corrosive elements. |
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While rust and corrosion may be minimized through sandblasting,
priming and sealing, the effects of oxygen and moisture continue
to weaken the integrity of structures to the point of failure.
A 1997 report published by the Canadian
Institute for Research in Construction states that
concrete fails when its reinforcing steel or rebar corrodes,
and is one of the primary causes of premature deterioration
in North American bridges, parking garages and other concrete
structures. Particularly prevalent in areas where road salt
is applied to bridge decks, highways and other road surfaces
during winter weather conditions, such corrosion leads to
costly repairs: The annual repair bill for approximately 600
problem garages in Canada alone amounts to more than $200
million.
Conventional products such as zinc dust and epoxies may offer
a short-term solution, however, when the coated surfaces begin
to crack and peel from atmospheric conditions and wear-and-tear,
rust sets in beneath the surfaces, eventually spreading over
the entire surface underneath the seemingly undamaged
finish. When discovered, the entire surface must be sandblasted
to white metal, and the whole application process repeated.
But UPCI will change all that. |
