I'm looking for information on and precedents of solid surface facades made Corian and similar materials.
We are considering (or are being compelled to consider) Corian or a similar substitute for external facade screens for a large higher education project in a region with severe summers. We are, however, concerned about how the material would age since it's relatively new in external applications and most precedents I have found are less than 10 years old. Do correct me if I'm wrong about this.
If you are going for the whole Kitchen Counter vibe with your facades, then why not? But skip out on Corian (that's for poor people) and go directly with IceStone. Sparkly!
DuPont has a lot of information on their website regarding this.
But you may like a little more information. The first out door installation that i know of is a shelter roof that was done for a reception at the plant over 30 years ago. It still looks like new today.
I have re-purposed some Corian that was used as a pool surround for 25 years. It looked and worked like new. In fact I joined it with fresh material and it matched in color and finish.
The largest building in Mumbai India is currently being clad in Corian. I estimate that there are between 100 and 200 buildings that are clad with Corian world wide.
some brands are described for exterior use but - especially if this is competitively bid - pay attention to those that aren't! several manufacturers' products are specifically NOT for exterior use and they won't stand behind it.
also, be careful of the substrate. if it's detailed or installed such that a substrate that expands and contracts is tight to the solid surface, the substrate material can exert enough pressure to cause the solid surface material to crack. take this into account.
Steve is right.. Typically those not for exterior use are those containing ay polyester, as it degrades in UV. Those made of just acrylic and ATH will be made for exterior use. However, as opposed to polyester, they have a significant coefficient of thermal expansion. I believe that Corian's coefficient translates to more than 1/8" of movement over 12 feet in normal temperature ranges.
Solid Surface Facades: weathering and precedents
I'm looking for information on and precedents of solid surface facades made Corian and similar materials.
We are considering (or are being compelled to consider) Corian or a similar substitute for external facade screens for a large higher education project in a region with severe summers. We are, however, concerned about how the material would age since it's relatively new in external applications and most precedents I have found are less than 10 years old. Do correct me if I'm wrong about this.
Any advice, information or wisdom is welcome.
Thanks!
If you are going for the whole Kitchen Counter vibe with your facades, then why not? But skip out on Corian (that's for poor people) and go directly with IceStone. Sparkly!
how long is the warranty on this stuff?
DuPont has a lot of information on their website regarding this.
But you may like a little more information. The first out door installation that i know of is a shelter roof that was done for a reception at the plant over 30 years ago. It still looks like new today.
I have re-purposed some Corian that was used as a pool surround for 25 years. It looked and worked like new. In fact I joined it with fresh material and it matched in color and finish.
The largest building in Mumbai India is currently being clad in Corian. I estimate that there are between 100 and 200 buildings that are clad with Corian world wide.
I hope this helps.
some brands are described for exterior use but - especially if this is competitively bid - pay attention to those that aren't! several manufacturers' products are specifically NOT for exterior use and they won't stand behind it.
also, be careful of the substrate. if it's detailed or installed such that a substrate that expands and contracts is tight to the solid surface, the substrate material can exert enough pressure to cause the solid surface material to crack. take this into account.
Steve is right.. Typically those not for exterior use are those containing ay polyester, as it degrades in UV. Those made of just acrylic and ATH will be made for exterior use. However, as opposed to polyester, they have a significant coefficient of thermal expansion. I believe that Corian's coefficient translates to more than 1/8" of movement over 12 feet in normal temperature ranges.
Is it a leed product?
Yes it is.
http://www2.dupont.com/corian/en-us/bi/article/leed-certification-points.html
Perhaps I'm wrong, but that page looks misleading - the low VOC aspect won't contribute in an application outside the envelope.
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