There are joints: then there are really good joints!

The cheapest way to join two aluminium profiles together is a mechanical method, usually screwed or crimped. It’s a quick, efficient, and cheap manufacturing process that requires fewer fabrication steps to produce. But it’s not the best way.

One of the significant down-sides of using mechanical fixing systems is that the finished appearance is always much lower than a welded, mitred joint. It results in a poorer look.

All of Hideaway’s products are cut, welded, ground smooth, inspected, and then powder coated in your choice of colour. This results in a superior aesthetic and totally different looking product than the cheaper screwed together components that show lots of Tek screw heads.

Here’s why Hideaway Covers specifies welded, mitred joints for all its products:

STRENGTH        AESTHETICS         DURABILITY

Welded construction is extremely strong. When combined with the added strength of a reinforcing centre rib inside all slats used by Hideaway Covers, you know that you are getting a product that will last for decades.

When profiles such as doors, gates or panels are mechanically fastened together (Tek screwed) you’ll see the corner connections every time. It doesn’t matter if they are butt jointed or mitred, they become part of the finished look of your cover or enclosure.

If they’re not aligned perfectly, (and remember that aluminium expands and contracts with the temperature), then you will see shadow-lines at the joins.

Worse still, you may even see exposed raw edge aluminium at the join where the end has been cut. This is particularly noticeable, the darker the colour.

Welded finishes on the other hand, bind the two profiles together as one single piece.

After welding, the weld is ground down to a smooth finish ready for powder coating. The result is a clean, seamless line at the mitred joint which actually enhances the look of your cover or enclosure. There are no noticeable or offending lines at corners.

Enhanced protection against corrosion

When profiles are mechanically fastened (screwed), the mitre or butt cut expose the raw aluminium cut of the profiles. If these end cuts are not factory sealed with a liquid guard or similar sealer, the exposed aluminium can oxidize and creep under the powder coating or paint, causing potential failure such as peeling or flaking. This is a particularly critical issue if the project is within 5kms of the ocean.

With a welded system, by definition, there are no exposed butt or mitre joints. This eliminates corrosion at the connections.

Technical Summary

Welded construction systems cost more than a clip together or screwed together system.

This is due to the additional attention to detail: the extra labour cost in welding, grinding, smoothing, and inspection, to ensure it is perfect.

The cost of powder-coating is also more for a fully welded component such as a door or panel when compared to a single long run of aluminium profile which is simply cut into required lengths by the fabricator.

Welded, mitred joints for doors and panels have enhanced corrosion protection and provide a far superior finish and aesthetic look of your enclosure or cover. You only invest once in a cover of enclosure, so select the best finish.

That’s why Hideaway Covers specifies welded, mitred joints for all its products. It is in-keeping with our philosophy of delivering excellence to our customers. See: www.Hideaway.Covers-com.au