RHEINZINK®-Surfaces

RHEINZINK is a natural material, which is not coated or surface protected in any way. The material is very stable in the atmosphere. Initially, the zinc surface reacts with oxygen in the air, forming zinc oxide. With the effect of water (rain, moisture), zinc hydroxide is formed, which reacts with carbon dioxide from the air to form a thick, quick hardening, water insoluble surface layer of basic zinc carbonate (patina). This protective layer is responsible for the high corrosion-resistance of zinc.  The formation of a natural patina not only protects the material, but is also self-cleaning through natural ageing and contact with rainwater.

Patination does not occur simultaneously in all places. Both drop-shaped and two-dimensional areas of patina are formed, which join together as the protective layer develops, resulting in the well-known, uniform patina.  Larger slightly discolourd areas are also the result of accelerated patina development, which is caused by puddles which gather from to time time and then dry up.  The differences in patina brightness will continue to blend in these areas.

All substances, which are present either on the surface, or, somehow affect the surface, are incorporated into patina development.  If there is dirt on the surface, or if it has been treated with chemicals, the appearance of the surface changes.   This variation in colour only ceases, once the patina is fully developed.  There are many ways to clean the surface.

Normal cleaning

The material is washed with pure water using a sponge or a cloth, without the addition of detergents. Light soiling such as dust, bird droppings etc. can be removed in this way. Oily dirt (remnants from the cutting process) can be removed with a cloth lightly moistened with ROTOL FORM A2.

Light soiling

For light dirt and changes in colour caused by dust contamination, bright-rolled surfaces can be cleaned with stainless steel wool or SPONTEX scouring wool and water. Steel wool, which has begun to rust and/or is mixed with detergent (AKO pads), is not suitable, as brown rust particles from steel wool remain on the surface and detergents corrode the surface. ROTOL FORMULAR A2 cleaning oil is then applied to the dry surface.  This oil also contains cleaning properties.  It protects the material after it has been cleaned, until the patina begins to develop.

This cleaning method can also be used for soiling, which has been caused by combustion residue from oil heating systems.

Please note:  In the case of "preweathered" surfaces, abrasive cleaning gives the surface it's shiny new look again.

For the treatment of RHEINZINK-"preweathered pro", we recommend the cleaning material Sika Remover-208.  Light soiling as well as adhesive residue on the coating can be removed with the solvent-based detergent.  Surfaces are wiped with a clean cloth moistened with Sika Remover-208. The surface is then wiped with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.

Adhesive Residue

To remove lighter soiling as well as adhesive residue from RHEINZINK surfaces, we recommend the solvent-based cleaner, Sika Remover-208. The surface is wiped with a clean cloth moistened with Sika Remover-208. The surface should then be wiped with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.

Heavier soiling

If the surfaces are quite dirty as a result of construction work, the entire bright-rolled surface can be cleaned with water and stainless steel wool or with SPONTEX "Spirinett" stainless steel spiral abrasive.   Steel wool, which has begun to rust or is mixed with detergent (AKO pads) is not suitable, as brown rust deposits from steel wool remain on the surface and detergents corrode the surface.  ROTOL FORMULAR A2 cleaning oil is then applied to the dry area. This oil contains additional cleaning properties.  It provides temporary protection for the material after it has been cleaned and until the patina begins to develop.

The surface after cleaning

As a result of the abrasive treatment of the surface through the use of brushes/sponges or metal spirals, the surface appears to be very shiny.  When "preweathered" surfaces are cleaned, the ex-works surface is rubbed off. The shiny appearance following cleaning, will be transformed into a weathered surface as the patina develops.  Depending on the application, this process takes anywhere from a few months up to 5 years. Abrasive cleaning of facades cannot be done without long-term damage to the surface appearance and should therefore be avoided. Such applications require the services of a RHEINZINK consultant.

Before cleaning large surfaces, a smaller area should be tested to see if acceptable results are achieved using the method in question.

ROTOL® FORMULAR A2

ROTOL is a product manufactured in Milan, Italy, by a company called Treffer. It is available through roofing dealerships as per the RHEINZINK supply program. ROTOL is an acid-free oil and is biodegradable, causing no ill effects to the environment.

SPONTEX Cleaning Agents

SPONTEX Deutschland GmbH, Mönchengladbach,  offers special scouring fleece and stainless steel spiral wool for cleaning metal. These products are suitable for cleaning RHEINZINK surfaces.

http://www.spontex.de/