Care & Maintenance

Required Maintenance

Freshwater cleaning

GTO Aluminum requires freshwater cleaning and maintenance quarterly to prevent corrosion from accumulated deposits.

Wiping the surface

Start by wiping the surface gently with a wet sponge or microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt and debris.

Products should be cleaned

All GTO Aluminum products should be cleaned with either a soft cloth or a brush, using a solution of mild soap and warm water. The best type of soap to use for this purpose is one that has emulsifiers that can break down the most common types of stains.

Pressure washing

Pressure washing is an efficient method of cleaning. The pressure washer should be used on a low-pressure setting with filtered water. Recommended not to use unfiltered tap water or groundwater.

Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners

Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners – Powder coatings can be damaged by harsh solvents.

Keep a maintenance log

Customer is required to keep a maintenance log of all routine maintenance performed on GTO Aluminum material(s). Log must be submitted on an annual basis to (info@gtoaluminum.com).

Keep Your GTO Aluminum Installation Looking Great for Years to Come

Our finishes require minimal maintenance, but periodic cleaning is recommended to keep the product looking its best. While our coating finish withstands corrosion, fading, and normal wear, neglect and harsh conditions can affect the surface finish. These effects do not impact the structural performance but may cause permanent markings if not addressed.

Recommended Care & Maintenance Guidelines

Aggressive/ Hazardous Environments

Clean and inspect every month.

Chlorinated Swimming Pools

Clean and inspect every 3 months.

Tropical Environments

Clean and inspect every 6 months.

Coastal Environments

Clean and inspect every 3 months.

Industrial Environments

Clean and inspect every 3 months.

Non- Aggressive Environments

Clean and inspect once per year.

Precautions to Take

Never use aggressive acid or alkaline cleaners on GTO Aluminum finishes. Avoid cleaners containing Tri-Sodium Phosphate, Phosphoric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, fluorides, or any other reactive compounds.

Always follow the cleaner’s instructions for dilution. Undiluted cleaners may damage the coating. Test a small area before cleaning large sections.

Clean GTO Aluminum products on shaded days to avoid rapid drying of cleansers or dirt. Do not clean in freezing temperatures as this may cause adverse reactions.

Avoid allowing cleaners from other surfaces to drip onto GTO Aluminum products, especially acidic substances.

Do not use repetitive and abrasive pressure when scrubbing stains, as aggressive scrubbing can wear down the finish. Also, avoid using alcohol cleaners, as they can weaken the coatings at an accelerated rate.

You may Require Additional Care & Maintenance When...

Clean GTO Aluminum products immediately after installation to remove construction soils like oils or concrete residue.

Cleaning should be done in mild weather

Cleaning should be done in mild weather and never in direct sunlight. Always test the detergent on a small area first.

Light Surface Soil Level

Start from the top and work down using moderate water pressure. Use a soft sponge or brush with mild detergent for stubborn dirt, rinsing thoroughly with water.

Medium Surface Soil Level

For stubborn dirt, use a nylon cleaning pad with soft pressure, following the grain pattern. Rinse thoroughly.

Heavy Surface Soil Level

Use solvents for heavy soil, but test a small area first. Never mix cleaners, and always rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning.

Additional Care & Maintenance is Required When...

Coastal Regions

Locations near the coast are prone to fog and salt spray, which can lead to heavy dirt and salt buildup. Regular cleaning is essential.

High Rain Frequency

Urban areas with frequent rain should clean more often due to smog and industrial dirt.

Metropolitan Areas

Urban environments require more frequent cleaning due to higher levels of dirt and pollutants.

Dry Regions

Areas with little to no rain need scheduled cleaning more frequently due to the lack of natural rain washing.

PLEASE NOTE

Avoid strong solvents such as thinners or solutions with chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, or ketones. Do not use abrasive cleaners or cutting compounds.