Products Description
Corten steel (also known as weathering steel) is widely used in architectural façades and exterior cladding due to its unique rust-like patina, which develops naturally over time and provides both aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance.
Proper fixing methods are crucial to ensure long-term stability, controlled weathering, and thermal movement accommodation.
| Parameter | Recommended Value / Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Thickness | 1.5 mm – 6.0 mm | Common façade panels use 2–4 mm depending on building height. |
| Support Spacing | 600 mm – 1200 mm | Distance between sub-frame supports, adjusted for wind load. |
| Thermal Expansion | 1.2 mm/m @ 100°C ΔT | Corten expands slightly under heat; fixing must allow movement. |
| Allowable Wind Load | Up to 2.5 kPa | Depending on panel thickness and anchor design. |
| Corrosion Resistance Life | 40–80 years | In typical urban or rural atmospheres. |
Common Fixing Methods
Visible Fixing System (Screw / Bolt Fixing)
Stainless-steel screws or rivets are used.
Easy installation and maintenance.
Typically used in industrial or rustic architectural styles.
Must use isolating washers to avoid galvanic corrosion between Corten and stainless fasteners.
Concealed Fixing System (Hook or Bracket System)
Panels are hooked or clipped to a sub-frame (usually aluminum or galvanized steel).
Provides a clean and seamless aesthetic, ideal for modern façades.
Allows thermal expansion and easy panel replacement.
Requires accurate substructure alignment (±2 mm tolerance).
Curtain Wall Integration System
Corten panels integrated with unitized curtain wall systems using back support frames.
Common in high-rise projects.
Typically designed according to EN 13830 or ASTM E330 façade performance standards.
Recommended Material Pairing
| Component | Recommended Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Fasteners | A2 / A4 Stainless Steel | Corrosion resistance |
| Substructure | Aluminum Alloy 6063-T6 / Galvanized Steel | Lightweight, strong |
| Isolation Layer | EPDM / Neoprene Pad | Prevents bimetallic corrosion |
| Sealant | Neutral Silicone (Non-acidic) | Weather sealing |
| Insulation | Rock Wool (≥120 kg/m³) | Fire resistance and sound insulation |
Installation Process
Sub-frame Preparation – Ensure flatness deviation ≤2 mm/m.
Bracket Installation – Fix adjustable brackets with stainless-steel anchors.
Panel Fixing – Hook or bolt panels as per layout drawings.
Joint Treatment – Maintain 8–12 mm expansion joints between panels.
Surface Runoff Control – Design top and bottom drip edges to prevent streaking.
Final Inspection – Check alignment, torque of fasteners, and drainage path.
Proper fixing of corten steel cladding is the key to achieving both aesthetic durability and structural performance. By following EN and ASTM façade standards, and incorporating materials such as stainless-steel fasteners and thermal-isolated brackets, architects can ensure decades of reliable performance and natural visual transformation.
