What is natural weathering & colouration?

Rockpanel Natural weathers and changes colour through exposure to natural elements such as UV light, wind, rain and the surrounding environment, for example trees in the immediate area.

Examples of natural weathering are:

• the rusting and tarnishing of metals such as steel, aluminium, Cortenstaal and zinc
• the discolouration of stone and concrete
• the natural discolouration (greying) of wood

Rockpanel Natural combines the natural appeal of wood with a number of additional benefits such as high dimension stability and water resistance.

Things to keep in mind! 

For a perfect final result with Rockpanel Natural it is important to work carefully during application and in detailing. Bear in mind the following points:

• Through proper detailing, adhesion of algae can be prevented. The structure should be designed in such a way that the boards drain properly, do not retain capillary moisture and dry quickly through proper ventilation. It is recommended that overhanging vegetation near the facade be avoided.
• Take into account in the detailing that dirt on Rockpanel Natural does not wash away as easily as from a coated Rockpanel board. For example, by using an aluminium water runoff with a front panel or double roof trim so that dirt from drainage water leaves no tracks.
• Any dirt can be removed with a wire brush. However, this also removes a portion of the weathered surface, which at first is visible on the board. After cleaning, the cleaned portion will weather again and merge into the rest.
• The weathering effect of Rockpanel Natural occurs in the top layer. Any scratches or nicks are at first visible, but will weather again and merge into the rest.
• If the board is applied directly on to an aluminum support structure, at the locations of the aluminum rails the heat of the façade is more quickly dissipated than the rest of the board (the ‘span’). Because of this, at the beginning of the ageing curve the difference between the location of the support structure and the span is visible and the support structure can be distinguished. Over the course of time this effect will disappear as the ageing curves of the span and support structure approach each other.
• Due to the weathering in the top layer, We advise using 10 mm where 8 mm is normally used and 8 mm where 6 mm is normally used.