Why does Anodized Aluminum Vary in Color?

In my experience with anodizing any of our aluminum products, I have learned that the words “variation” and “shade” go with the territory. Unlike factory paint, which is a color specific finish, Color Anodizing is a difficult and varied aspect of our trim business. When a particular paint is specified, the architect issues a manufacturer name and product number which is then pulled and duplicated by any factory paint facility. If a paint number is not provided, then a color swatch or sample can be issued to the factory and they can duplicate it flawlessly.

Unfortunately, Color Anodizing is not so flawless when it comes to color matching. The anodizing process does not allow for the exact matching of a color since most of the colors (7 in our facility) are produced based on the length of time the material is set into the anodonic bath. Chemicals influence the difference between Clear Anodized and Gold, however the range between Champagne and Black is based on the length of time a product is left to setup in the tank. This process can thus produce many “shades” along the same rainbow of the basic color of Bronze. Many anodizers do not produce a Black Anodized; they only go to Dark Bronze as their darkest color. Some may call Black, “Dark Bronze” or vice-versa.

We offer a sample bar to show the several Anodized colors, however the anodizer has the right to return material to us within a certain “range” of color. This is what I often refer to as a “variation in shade.” A Light Bronze can push the very limit of medium bronze while in another run it can have a shade variance that is closer to the lighter champagne color.

Variation in shade can be attributed, but not limited to the following factors:

1. The exact aluminum alloy of the product being anodized may cause some variations. Some aluminum trims have a different alloy depending on what their particular use might be.
2. The current exterior temperature of the anodizing facility can cause variations. Most anodizing facilities operate in an “open-air” manner due to the chemicals involved in the anodizing process (this is true for our anodizer). This means that the tank temperature can be influenced by the extreme hot or cold climate that a facility may be subject to.
3. The differences in production practices between one anodizing facility and another can cause variations. This is the most common cause in color variation that we have experienced, which is why we try to utilize only one facility for all of our anodizing production.

Written By: Gary Jayne

Is an Aluminum Splice truly a "Connection to Perfection?"

It has been several years now, since Flannery first developed aluminum splices for many of its trims. While we have always offered vinyl splices for our Channel Screeds, it was not until 2007 that we began to offer what we advertised as a "Connection to Perfection." It seemed, at first, that these new splices might not have been as well received as we might have hoped for.

However, within the last year, we have seen a remarkable interest in them amongst the contractors that we have contact with. The Splices that seem to be the biggest hit from our perspective, have to be the ones we developed for our drywall trims, such as the Drywall Reveal, Drywall F Mold, and the Drywall Shadow Mold (a.k.a. Z-Metal).

Are Splices truly necessary for our Aluminum Trims? No, but as my boss often tells me, "you don't always need the right tool, if you're not going to do the job right." He also likes to tell me that I never "have enough time to do a job right, but I always have enough time to do it twice." I could go on with his construction clichés, but that is not what I want to discuss.

Clean cuts can allow an installer a nice clean butt joint with any aluminum trim, but a splice ensures that the joint will be lined up correctly. Many installers take the installation of our trims seriously and that is why they will use a laser level to ensure a proper installation. The Alignment Splices that we provide with our trims makes sure that their extra care and attention to detail will not go unaided.

By the way, our Aluminum Alignment Splices are still no additional cost.

Written By: Gary Jayne

Is Your Weep Screed Green?

When most people think of the "Green" movement they usually think about Global Warming or recycling. The Green movement is not just about recycling, especially when you are discussing building products and sustainable building practices. While building products are evaluated by the LEED system for their recycled content as well as sustainability, they are frequently overlooked by some for their energy efficiency.

A discussion about Weep Screed and its effectiveness as an energy efficient trim and potential Green product is important to any building with a cement plaster exterior. Foundation Weep Screeds are typically installed to allow moisture to weep out from behind the plaster coat; however, the possible energy loss from them can be overlooked at times.

If there is a space between the bottom flange of the Weep Screed and a building's foundation (frequently caused by an offset sheer panel), the possibility of airflow between the interior and exterior of a building, and vice versa, may exist. Due diligence must be exercised to ensure that weep screeds are resting against the foundation. Failure to do so will allow hot or cold air to enter or escape at will. Insects and small rodents may also have the same opportunity.

Weep Screeds are available with an extended lower sloped flange that will close the gap created by sheer panels or uneven foundations (click her for an example). Local codes may require filling all visible gaps, yet weep screed gaps are not visible unless you get on your knees and physically make a proper inspection.

In extreme hot or cold climates, a closed cell backer rod could be added to form a seal between the foundation and the weep screed. Choose a backer rod sufficient in size to fill the void between the "V"-shaped weep screed and the foundation with a minimum 1/4" compression (backer rod is not recommended when Weep Screeds are perforated). Weep Screeds and backer rod should be installed at the same time.

Exterior stud walls that require sheer panels in certain areas and open framing for the balance of the wall should be furred out at each stud with furring strips that are the same thickness as sheer panels. The furring strips will ensure a straight wall as well as a uniform stucco thickness.

When discussing the Green movement within the building industry many architects and contractors think about potential LEED Credits that certain building products and designs will bring to their project. The energy efficiency of a building can be greatly enhanced with the proper installation of all Foundation Weep Screeds. Do your part to contribute to the Green Building Movement and be sure the gap is filled.

Written by: Gary Jayne

Are Holes Necessary in a Foundation Weep Screed?

ASTM C 1063-03, 6.3.2 states the following:

"This accessory shall have a sloped, solid, or perforated, ground or screed flange to facilitate the removal of moisture..."

According to the ASTM listed above, a Foundation Weep Screed may or may not have holes. What it does require is a sloped edge for the evacuation of moisture that may reach the water resistive barrier.

One must keep in mind that during the curing process, cement plaster will shrink away from the sloped flange of the weep screed approximately 1/32 inch. This space is sufficient to create a passage for moisture to escape.

Contrary to popular belief, holes in Foundation Weep Screeds are not weep holes. The holes are typically plugged with stucco. In fact, the holes in weep screeds could inhibit weeping since moisture could pool above these plugged up holes. If moisture does find its way through the perforations on the screed flange, it may be directed back towards the foundation where the Weep Screed's lower flange rests against it.

Written by: Gary Jayne