What is corten steel cladding?

1. Durability – Suitable for extreme weather conditions like tropical areas with intense sun and humidity,  heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures and seaside locations where saltwater and humidity cause rapid corrosion. Although ordinary steel can deteriorate over time as a result of rust and corrosion, Corten steel is made to withstand harsh environments. The protective patina that develops on the surface serves as a barrier against moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes, enabling the material to endure for decades without degrading. decades without deteriorating.
2. Low Maintenance – When compared to conventional steel or wood cladding, Corten steel cladding can save a substantial amount of maintenance over a 20-year period.

•  Regular Steel: To stop rust and corrosion, standard steel needs to be painted, sealed, or polished regularly. It can cost $2 to $5 per square foot to repaint every three to five years, which adds up to $8 to $20 per square foot over a 20-year period. Corten steel, on the other hand, requires less care, potentially saving 60% to 80% on maintenance costs.
• Wood Cladding: To prevent rot, warping, and damage from insects, wood requires regular staining, sealing, and treatments. Maintenance every two to four years can cost $1 to $4 per square foot, which adds up to $10 to $40 per square foot over a 20-year period. due to its self-protecting patina, corten steel reduces these costs, resulting in maintenance cost reductions of 70% to 90%.

3. Aesthetic Appeal – Many people like corten steel cladding because of its eye-catching appearance. Buildings have a timeless, industrial, and modern appearance thanks to the warm, earthy tones and changing patina. Corten steel has been used in landmark projects such as the Barclays Center in New York or the Weathering Steel House in Australia. 
4. Versatility – Corten works most effectively in a variety of environments and climates. It works well with concrete and glass in urban settings, producing striking contrasts on contemporary facades and providing durability to weather and pollutants. It is a common material for outdoor sculptures, retaining walls, and fencing in rural or natural settings because of its earthy, rustic tones that blend in perfectly.
5. Cost-Effective – Even though corten steel cladding is more expensive originally than other materials, it is still a wise investment. The long-term advantages of Corten steel greatly exceed the initial cost, even if the material alone can cost $5 to $10 per square foot, while coated steel costs $3 to $6 per square foot.

Corten steel usually lasts between 50 and 80 years without any maintenance. Regular painting, sealing, or anti-corrosion treatments are no longer necessary because of the self-protecting patina.

Painted steel typically lasts 20 to 30 years before requiring significant repainting or corrosion control. The cost of repainting or re-coating every five to seven years can range from $2 to $5 per square foot, which adds up to $8 to $20 per square foot over a 20-year period.

When compared to painted steel, Corten steel can save 50% to 70% on maintenance and replacements over a 20-year period. Over its entire existence, Corten steel can save total ownership costs by up to 30% to 40% when its longer lifespan is taken into consideration.