Rust Staining
Rust run-off staining the facade surface — a diagnostic sign, not just a cosmetic problem.
A Survey Should Come Before a Specification
Before any system is recommended, a condition survey establishes whether refurbishment is appropriate for your specific building — substrate condition, corrosion extent, ingress sources and adhesion performance. A survey is the evidence base for every decision that follows.
Already Have Survey Data?
If a condition survey has already been carried out, submit your details and we will review the findings, determine the appropriate system and connect you with a suitable approved applicator.
What Is Rust Staining?
Rust staining is brown or orange discolouration running down the face of cladding panels, typically originating from a point source: a corroding fixing, an untreated cut edge, or a localised breach in the protective coating. It is important to understand that rust staining is a symptom, not the primary problem. The stain itself can be cleaned or overcoated, but without treating the active corrosion source, the staining will return — often worse. The diagnostic value of rust staining is significant: it tells you where active corrosion is occurring and allows a targeted treatment response before more expensive structural corrosion develops.
What Causes It?
Steel self-drilling fixings are a common source — when the coating on a fixing head fails, the steel corrodes and the run-off washes down the panel below. Cut edge corrosion is another frequent source, with rust tracking down from panel edges. In older buildings, through-panel corrosion from the inside out can also occur, particularly where condensation has been present on the inner face for extended periods.
How Serious Is It?
Severity: Moderate. Plan intervention within 6-12 months. While not immediately critical, this problem indicates coating degradation that will progress without treatment.
What Happens If Ignored?
Rust staining indicates active corrosion. Without treating the source, staining recurs and underlying corrosion spreads, potentially leading to perforation or structural issues.
How Is It Assessed?
Forti Nova's assessment process includes: visual survey of affected elevations, identification of corrosion sources or ingress routes, adhesion testing where coating failure is present, substrate condition inspection, and documentation with photographic evidence. For this issue, a site assessment determines whether refurbishment is appropriate or whether mechanical repairs are required first.
What Are The Refurbishment Options?
Refurbishment is appropriate when the corrosion source has been identified and can be treated — whether by fixing replacement, cut edge treatment, or localised coating repair. Once the source is addressed, the stained areas can be incorporated into a wider coating programme. This is a case where targeted repair before full refurbishment matters.
When Is Replacement Necessary?
Rust staining caused by internal structural steelwork corroding through the cladding cannot be resolved by external treatment. If staining patterns suggest through-panel corrosion at multiple locations, a structural survey is required before specifying a coating approach.
What Happens Next?
Addressing rust staining requires a structured approach. Follow this diagnostic pathway to ensure the correct remediation strategy is specified for your building.
Commission Professional Survey
A qualified surveyor must assess the extent of the problem, identify the root cause, and determine substrate condition. This is a critical first step before any system is specified.
Learn About SurveysReview Survey Findings
The survey report provides a detailed analysis of the building's condition, including photographic evidence and testing results. This report forms the basis for all specification decisions.
Roof Condition SurveysRequest a Specification & Assessment
Based on the survey findings, Forti Nova's technical team and approved applicator network will develop a detailed specification and provide project pricing. This is the final step before programme commencement.
Request AssessmentRecommended Survey Type
Professional survey identifies the extent of the problem, root cause and appropriate remediation strategy before any system is specified.
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Need an Assessment?
If you're experiencing rust staining, a site assessment can help determine the right refurbishment approach for your specific building.
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