This past summer, my family decided to put together an aluminum gazebo in our backyard in quarantine. But how long can something as light and malleable as aluminum last, especially in the oncoming winter months? Luckily, aluminum has chemical properties that will allow our gazebo to last for a fairly long time.
Aluminum gazebos can last 15-20 years. During self-passivation, aluminum develops a thin oxide film that shields itself from corrosion. Commercial aluminum is anodized to accelerate this process. Regular maintenance and environmental conditions will also affect the gazebo’s lifespan.
This article will tell you all about aluminum, self-passivation, and why it is good for hardtop gazebos. Take a look at how maintenance and the environment can positively and negatively affect your gazebo. Lastly, if you’re thinking of buying your own, I have a great recommendation to get you started.
What Makes Aluminum Gazebos Last Long
The Development of Commercial Aluminum
The history of commercial aluminum goes back over two hundred years. In 1807, chemist Sir Humphrey Davy, of the Royal Institute of London, theorized the possibility to extract the element, aluminum, from alumina salts. From that point on, multiple chemists would attempt this feat, including Hans Christian Ørsted and Friedrich Wöhler.
However, putting aluminum’s resilience to use took time. Fortunately, by the later half of the nineteenth century, Paul-Louis-Toussaint Héroult and Charles Martin Hall discovered an electrolytic reduction process of alumina (Al₂O₃). It became the model of modern anodization.
Self-Passivation and Anodizing Aluminum
Self Passivation is the key to aluminum’s corrosion resistance. This natural process occurs as aluminum oxidizes and creates a microscopically thin film of protection.
As time passes, this oxide layer can increase from a thickness of 2.5 nanometers or 9.8425e-8 inches to 10 nm or 3.937e-7 in. The barrier itself contains a thin inner layer and a thicker, more permeable outer layer. Manufacturers can manually replicate this process through anodization.
The anodizing procedure is quite thorough. Step by step, aluminum is lowered, from a crane, into multiple tanks. Each tank serves a unique purpose in this process. Here is a quick overview:
- Cleaning: First, the aluminum, or work, is soaked with a water-based solution to remove any fabrication oils or buffering compounds. Besides water, the solution consists of mild acids or alkalis, dispersants, and detergents.
- Pretreatment: Pretreatment helps the work maintain a sleek finish while it is anodized. Common methods utilize a bright dip and satin or matte finishes to give the work a clean shine.
- Anodizing: This is the step that recreates the self-passivation process in aluminum. The work is soaked in a bath of water and acids, while a direct electrical current is passed through it. This electrolytic reduction causes the water to break down, while the oxygen from the water attaches itself to the aluminum, thus creating a protective film.
- Coloring: This is an optional process that can be completed by two methods. If the anodizing tank is modified a certain way, the process can provide the aluminum with a specific tint. Alternatively, a powdered dye may be applied to the pores that develop in the aluminum after anodization.
- Sealing: When aluminum is anodized, its oxide surface will develop pores. Sealing is done to close off these pores and ensure corrosion resistance. This step also helps maintain color by sealing powdered dye into the pores of the oxide layer.
For a more in-depth look at anodizing aluminum, check out this video from AITAL (Associazione Italiana Trattamenti superficiali Alluminio):
Why Aluminum Is Great for Gazebos
According to Frederico M Mazzolani, aluminum offers three structural benefits: lightness, corrosion resistance, and functionality of structural shapes. They lend themselves perfectly to hardtop gazebos.
Aluminum’s lightness makes it easier to transport and assemble. This, in turn, makes ordering aluminum gazebos online a breeze. Plus, its practical assembly will save you the cost of hiring a building crew.
The corrosion resistance provided by self-passivation will be vital as your gazebo encounters abhorrent weather. While not as impenetrable as copper, brass, or stainless steel, aluminum provides a strong resistance for a much lower price.
Lastly, aluminum’s functionality lends itself well to the creation of interchangeable parts. This reduces the number of screws and tools needed for assembly.
Factors That Will Affect The Lifespan of an Aluminum Gazebo
Environmental Conditions
Aluminum cannot rust due to its absence of iron. However, it can corrode over time, even with its protective oxide layer. Therefore, it is important to understand what conditions can cause corrosion.
Corrosion is a chemical reaction caused by environmental factors that break down metal. Furthermore, while aluminum is incapable of rusting, certain conditions can break the metal down. If the corrosion occurs consistently over time, the aluminum’s oxide layer will break down without having a chance to regenerate.
Rain, humidity, and other natural weather events can also corrode your gazebo. Therefore, it is best to invest in a gazebo cover to protect it during inclement seasons.
Additionally, Salt can break down the aluminum oxide layer, so erecting an aluminum gazebo close to a shore or coastline is a bad idea.
Even though it’s mostly not something that is applicable for Gazebos in your garden, unbalanced pH levels will cause corrosion as well. Chardon Laboratories recommends that the pH of the surrounding area should be between 4.0 and 8.5. This will provide stability for the protective oxide layer to survive.
Maintenance
Besides anodizing and the natural self-passivation process, regular maintenance of your aluminum gazebo is the strongest defense against corrosion.
There are many ways to maintain an aluminum gazebo. Covering your gazebo during off-seasons is a great start. It can also be washed with mild detergent and warm water.
For more specific abrasions, spot treatments with white vinegar or fresh lemon juice can clear discolorations, and paint can cover up scratches. Furthermore, auto wax or silicone spray can add a protective layer to the aluminum, as long as the metal is clean before application.
Important: Pretty much all available aluminum gazebos are painted, so the aluminum itself is protected from the elements. So you should check on the paint regularly and treat damaged spots regularly, as described above.
If this article convinced you to purchase an aluminum gazebo of your own, why not consider Sojag’s Messina Hardtop Sun Shelter?
Recommended products on Amazon: Gazebos from Sojag
This product touts a durable aluminum frame that is easy to put together. However, its frame is protected by an impenetrable steel roof.
I love Sojag’s products because they provide sturdy and manageable gazebos at a competitive price point.
Shipping is fairly simple, as the gazebo comes packed in a couple of boxes. While fairly heavy, they can be moved by two people.
Assembly is practical and can be done with a minimum of two people. The screws you need will be provided along with two Allen keys. All you will need is a power drill. Certain parts, like the roof panes, are malleable and securely fit together without much effort. Even better, Sojag has an instructional video on youtube that will guide you through the process, step by step.
The shelter includes a mosquito net that will keep out pests on hot summer nights. Sojag also sells multiple accessories for their gazebos, including curtains, covers, and more.
Once finished, you will have an elegant gazebo that will perfectly accent your garden or patio!
Conclusion
Aluminum gazebos last a fairly long time due to their protective oxide layer formed during self-passivation. This process is replicated by anodizing the aluminum during production. Certain environmental conditions can corrode through this oxide layer, making regular maintenance a must. However, its structural qualities make aluminum gazebos a great buy for your outdoor space.