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Home > Materials & Applications > Masonry > Masonry Construction > Aluminum Frames in Masonry Walls
Education
Aluminum frames make attractive windows and doors in
MIT Concrete masonry buildings. Inset shows a close-up of a joint filled with
Sustainability Hub caulk between the frame and masonry wall.
Masonry Walls and the Ensuring a good quality installation of aluminum-framed windows and doors includes proper
Importance of Mockups material selection and correct construction practices.
Segmental Retaining
Walls Materials
Verifying Compressive
Strength of Masonry This cut-away section of a masonry wall is a typical construction
detail, which includes a gap for caulk all around the frame.
White and Colored
Masonry Mortars
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association
Masonry Contractors'
recommends using only coated windows for
Corner
installations involving any cement-based materials,
Masonry Design including masonry. The coating materials may be
Masonry Disaster either organic, such as paint, or inorganic, such as
Resistance anodized aluminum. Currently, organic-type coatings
Stucco are the most widely used finishes for architectural
aluminum. For exterior use, the AAMA recommends
Architectural and high-performance coatings (fluorocarbons, siliconized
Decorative Concrete acrylics, siliconized polyesters) that are capable of
Concrete Technology weathering outdoor exposure for at least 20 years.
Some coatings are only able to protect up to a pH of about 11. Fresh mortar can stain frames
coated with these materials, and if allowed to rest on the frame, the mortar can also lead to
corrosion or other surface damage. To prevent this, fresh mortar droppings should be removed as
quickly as possible from aluminum frames.
Organic coatings on extruded aluminum window and door frames are categorized as pigmented,
high performance, and superior performing coatings. For light commercial and residential
applications, the "pigmented" category is acceptable. The coating should be at least 20 microns
thick. Chemical resistance of the organic finishes is sufficient to withstand the mild cleaners (acid
or alkaline) or other corrosives associated with the construction process or cleanup. AAMA
Standards 2603, 2604, and 2605 provide test methods and performance criteria (including
chemical resistance and corrosion resistance) for pigmented, high performance, and superior
performing organic coatings, respectively.
Inorganic coatings, such as anodized finishes, convert the outer layer of aluminum to aluminum
oxide, producing an extremely durable surface. Applying a clear (organic) coating can further
protect the anodized surface. To prevent staining, alkaline building materials such as wet mortar,
plaster, or concrete should be removed quickly from anodized surfaces.
Construction
Masonry walls should be built well in advance of inserting frames into the wall to protect aluminum.
This allows time for the mortar to cure and dry, which reduces the movement of alkalies. The frame
is then attached with screws at the bottom, top, and sides (see Fig. 2).
Anything that directs moisture away from the frame reduces alkali exposure. Therefore, if it is
possible to separate the frame from direct contact with the mortar by a sheet material (flashing),
this can help reduce corrosion as well. Plastics, rubbers, and vinyl materials resistant to UV
degradation and attack by alkalies are all acceptable.
If the masonry wall is to be cleaned following construction, the aluminum must not be subjected to
harsh chemicals and must be rinsed thoroughly. Clear water should remove any products used to
clean the wall and any alkalies washed off the building face.
For specifications and other information on aluminum coatings, visit American Architectural
Manufacturers Association.
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