Stiffa® Aluminium Access
Characteristics of Aluminium
LIGHT WEIGHT – HIGH STRENGTH – CORROSION RESISTANCE – RECYCLABLE
Due to its unique combination of propertys Aluminium is the second most widely used metal after iron. Aluminium has a density approximately one third that of steel. Stiffa® products are therefore significantly lighter than typical galvanised steel access and this light weight makes for safe manual handling and easy assembly on site.
Minimise weight on your roof by installing Stiffa® ladders, stairs, step-overs and platforms to access plant and equipment for routine inspection and maintenance.
Using the correct alloy provides a high strength to weight ratio and Stiffa® Profiles are made using high 6082 T6 alloy suitable for building and construction.
Mill finish 6082 T6 Aluminium has very good corrosion resistance in most environments, in fact, even in highly sulphurous and marine atmospheres the durability of aluminium is generally superior to that of carbon steel and galvanised steel.
Aluminium spontaneously forms a thin but effective oxide layer that prevents further oxidation. Aluminium oxide is impermeable and adheres strongly to the parent metal and if damaged mechanically repairs itself immediately. The oxide layer is stable in a pH range between 4 and 9.
Galvanic corrosion should not be exaggerated and will only occur where there is contact with a more noble metal whilst at the same time there is an electrolyte between the metals. In environments with high chloride levels e.g. in areas bordering the sea the risk should be taken into account, however it is generally considered that once inland beyond 1 kilometre the risk is no greater than in rural areas.
Prevention by way of good design is key, there should be no water traps, crevices or permanent exposure to damp conditions. Using the correct grade of aluminium and fixings along with good maintenance practice will minimise the chance of corrosion.
Stiffa® profiles use the 6082 alloy providing high strength and good corrosion resistance. In addition high quality A2-70 and A4-80 stainless steel fixings are used throughout.
Pitting
Pitting is the most common form of corrosion and is primarily an aesthetic problem that, practically speaking, never affects strength. It occurs only in the presence of electrolyte and shows itself as extremely small pits in the surface that reach a maximum penetration of a minor fraction of the metals thickness. Regular cleaning with water and a mild detergent followed by thorough rinsing usually keeps pitting at bay.
Crevice Corrosion
Crevice corrosion may occur in narrow, liquid filled crevices, the likelihood of which is very small. In practice adjacent pieces of material tightly clamped (bolted) do not suffer unless exposed to extreme pH levels.
in principle all aluminium can be recycled over and over again and the recycling process uses only 5% of the energy used when producing the primary aluminium.
Aluminium presents no health hazard and is non-toxic.
Life expectancy and Warranty
In mind of the above information and properly installed, Stiffa® products have a life expectancy in excess of 20 years*.
Stiffa® products are guaranteed for 5 years against faulty materials and manufacturing defects.*
Note* Subject to normal use with Recorded Inspection and Maintenance by competent persons.
Guarantee limited to the value of the replacement part(s).
