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Rust splatter removal

Grindings, drill cuttings or slivers of screws that end up on sheeting or panels may lead to rust. These rust spots or splatters can be quite difficult to remove. If they are removed - especially when this happens too late - the surface may be damaged, or you'll see cleaning spots. Timely cleaning is a must if you want to keep rust from spreading and damaging components.

Van Heemskerk has developed a special cleaning technique that does not require any polishing or mechanical treatment. We can remove rust splatters without damaging the surface or leaving cleaning spots. If the rust build-up has grown too severe, we can also recoat parts of the surface. In most cases, however, cleaning is enough.

We can remove rust from panels by well-known panel suppliers, such as Kingspan, Joris Ide, Falk, Cladding Point, Brucha, Rex Panels, Arcelor Mittal, etc. Our company is recognised by these manufacturers, and they frequently call upon our professional repair services for their products.

Have you spotted rust on your roof or façade panels? Would you like to know how to prevent rust? Feel free to contact us.

Why Van Heemskerk?

  • We have over 20 years of experience in roof and façade panels, both in the construction and renovation sector. Well-known panel suppliers often call upon our services in the Netherlands and abroad to remove rust splatters and other special types of pollution.

  • We clean surfaces using neutral detergents that do not damage the coatings. The iron particles that cause rust are removed without any mechanical processes. That way, rather than masking the rust, we make sure it stays away.

  • We receive advice from well-known panel suppliers like Falk, Kingspan, Joris Ide, SAB, Arcelor Mittal, Rex Panels, Cladding Point, Brucha, etc.

  • We are familiar with all types of panels, coatings and profiles.

  • Thanks to our knowledge and experience, we will always apply the right method to remove rust from the coating in question.

  • We always offer a suitable solution, either through cleaning, recoating or replacement. All work is performed by our own staff.

FAQ
Can I remove the rust or grinding splatters myself?

Sometimes you can, and sometimes you can't. Removing rust isn't easy. You won't get very far without intense polishing. Mechanical polishing often has too great an impact on the top coat (it removes a small layer), which will show up in the form of stains or scratches afterwards. Inappropriate detergents are similarly more likely to cause damage than to solve your issue. This will only result in more damage, which means the parts will have to be replaced or recoated.

The coated surfaces of profiles and panels are highly sensitive, and not all chemical detergents may be suitable. 

What are the risks of removal?

Every project comes with risks, no matter how small. We always make an assessment of the pollution in advance. We then usually use a sample piece to minimise these risks and make sure we're using the right product. Based on our knowledge and experience, we can avoid several pitfalls and use the right technique. The correct approach may differ from project to project.

How long can the rust usually be left?

The damage highly depends on the quality of the coating. Some coatings are more resistant to rust than others. We recommend having the rust particles removed as soon as possible.

Preventive action often yields better results, so make sure to regularly sweep the horizontal parts when panels or flashings are screwed in place. Moist weather also increases the chances of iron particles getting “stuck” on the surface. The practical reality is that it's impossible to entirely prevent rust splatters when installing steel roofs and façades. Every building has a few.

What if the rust cannot be removed?

If rust is left on the surface for an extended period of time, it will erode through the top coat and may damage the metal below. However, this process takes a long time. Most coatings are pretty resilient. If cleaning doesn't help, recoating is an excellent alternative solution. From our experience with projects like these, we know that cleaning will usually suffice.

Can you also wash and clean our property?

Our company primarily focusses on specific pollution, such as rust, PUR residues or adhesive film residues. Since we have constant projects in this sector, we often have too little manpower for “standard cleaning services”. In some cases, however, we can perform these services in combination with other projects. You can always contact us with any questions you may have.

My building was cleaned using the wrong detergent and was damaged in the process

It's a common issue in this sector: cleaning companies use the wrong detergent or method for the polluted surface. This may lead to irreparable stains on façades or other coated components, such as frames and doors.

Van Heemskerk is usually able to provide a solution for your problem, through cleaning, recoating or even replacement. Ask us about the options and send us an email with pictures of your issue. We have already brought many of those “problematic projects” to a satisfying conclusion. On top of that, we receive advice from panels and sheeting suppliers.

What causes rust?

The difficult thing about rust is that it will only start showing after a while. This means it could easily take a few weeks before a spot becomes visible. It's difficult to really pinpoint a cause. Prevention is better than cure, so be sure to take preventive measures, especially in moist weather. Possible causes include:

  • Drill cuttings from parker screws or panels and flashings.
  • Grinding work, such as on sills and mesh panels.
  • Loading and unloading of materials and trailers with metal components.
  • Metal components in the surrounding area or a location near train tracks.
  • Advertising activities, the installation of solar panels on roof panels.
  • Installing frames
  • Drilling into the façade by the installer

Other services

Special cleaning
Renovation
More information
Contact

Jutestraat 2
7461 TR Rijssen
The Netherlands

info@vanheemskerk.nl
Tel: +31 548-522040