Linetec provides architectural coatings with Microban® technology in nearly any imaginable color with antimicrobial protection that exceeds other conventional finishes on metal building products’ surfaces. Antimicrobial protection can be specified for high-touch, architectural aluminum products’ exterior and interior surfaces, such as handrails, doors, windows, curtainwall, entranceways, light shelves, wall panels and column covers.
Anywhere that the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria is a concern, buildings can benefit from this extra level of protection. This can be especially important for high-traffic public buildings including health care facilities, educational campuses, apartment buildings and senior living facilities.
The need for microbial control stems from the fact that there are an estimated 4.5 million bacterial and fungi species throughout the planet, many of which travel and migrate via the constant ebb and flow of human foot traffic through an ever-changing population of people visiting public buildings. Under the right conditions, some microbes can double in number every 30 minutes or faster.
Microbes (or microorganisms) are living cells that are only visible once they have multiplied to the millions. Types of microorganisms include bacteria, algae, fungi and mold. Once microbes have multiplied to a large enough number on a surface, they may begin to cause stains, odors and even deterioration of the metal surface.
Unfortunately, by the time you can see an area of microbe build up, the damage is already underway, so prevention is the best form of protection.
How can a finish stop microbes from causing odors, stains and even deterioration to metal?
The most prevalent microbial threats to surfaces – bacteria and mold – need moisture to flourish. The ion exchange mechanism in Linetec’s antimicrobial finish is activated by the presence of moisture, causing it to release silver cations. The silver disrupts microbes’ metabolism and reproduction. If a microorganism can no longer eat or reproduce, it will not grow or damage the architectural metal products.
Antimicrobial protection is infused into select polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) finishes to inhibit the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria on the coating of aluminum surfaces. Linetec relies on a liquid fluoropolymer finish containing 70% PVDF resin-based architectural coatings with antimicrobial protection. This three-coat system meets requirements of AAMA 2605, the most stringent specification for architectural coatings. Finished to these specifications, the coated aluminum product offers a durable, nonporous surface that is easy to keep clean with minimal maintenance.
How does an antimicrobial work?
An antimicrobial agent in a coating is designed to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and help prevent product deterioration of the coating from mold and mildew. It does not replace normal cleaning practices nor is it intended to protect users from disease-causing microorganisms. Microbes that land on surfaces treated with antimicrobial coatings are not killed; rather, the silver-based particles emit ions that interfere with the microorganism’s metabolism, reducing its ability to reproduce.
Coupled with regularly scheduled cleanings, antimicrobial-based coatings create an inhospitable environment for microbial growth by damaging the microbes’ cell walls. In addition, this interferes with the conversion of nutrients into energy, inhibiting reproduction. The microbes die off and are not replaced within the population.
Please remember: Normal cleaning practices must be maintained. This coating is not designed to replace normal cleaning practices. The Microban® protection that is built into these antimicrobial coatings during the manufacturing process works continuously for the useful lifetime of the coating.
How Is It specified?
Linetec recognizes the need for high-performance coatings with Microban® protection for use in public buildings to help prevent the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. Specifiers, owners and architects can realize the benefit of Linetec’s Antimicrobial Coatings as a reliable finish that meets the AAMA 2605 specification that is based upon a 70% PVDF resin-based system. These may be specified as: PVDF-based, AAMA 2605, fluoropolymer finish containing minimum 70% PVDF resin, three-coat system with Microban® antimicrobial protection, [paint code].
Contact us to learn more or to request an estimate.