Basic Metals 101
As we all know from basic knowledge of metals, aluminum will never rust in the outdoors but will eventually corrode or show signs of corrosion, but don't let this scare you... Most fixtures can still operate for years and years even though they have experienced and show corrosion.
How long before my aluminum corrodes?
This can take anywhere from 2 months to 5 years. It really depends on the following conditions:
1) Your environment (ie. salt air, humidity, excessive heat, etc.)
2) Composition of the soil (ie. certain chemicals, minerals, fertilization, etc.)
3) Physical placement of fixture (ie. direct contact with water from sprinklers, hard water opposed to soft water, etc.)
Any reputable company that will not disclose this is basically deceiving you. So you may ask,
Why is aluminum offered for outdoor fixtures at all?
Simple. Cost. Sometimes aluminum costs less than other materials such as brass, copper and our new composite fiberglass material. Don't get us and other companies wrong, we still sell thousands and thousands of aluminum fixtures every year for the outdoors. This is just something that we feel you should be aware of. So you may decide to purchase aluminum fixtures based on the lower prices and live with the fact that it will eventually corrode (once again, most fixtures will still operate even though they have experienced and show corrosion.) If this is not an option, then we highly suggest that you purchase outdoor fixtures that are made of brass, copper or composite fiberglass. Unfortunately not all fixtures are offered in a choice of these two materials.
 |
