5 Common Causes of Weathering in Plastic Exterior Materials
Plastic materials such as window frames, façade panels and garden furniture are popular because of their durability in use (lifespan) and ease of maintenance. Yet over time, even these materials can show signs of soiling and weathering. But what exactly causes this soiling and/or weathering, and more importantly, how can you prevent and remedy?
1. UV Radiation: The Silent Enemy
One of the biggest challenges for plastic outdoor materials is constant exposure to sunlight. UV rays penetrate the material and slowly break down its molecular structure. This process, called photodegradation, leads to:
- Discolouration (often yellowing or fading)
- Material hardening
- Loss of shine and dullness
Window frames on the south side of your home are especially vulnerable to this type of damage. A regular cleaning with the Super Plastic Cleaner helps to maintain the protective top layer and removes the surface layer where UV damage manifests itself.
2. Air pollution and industrial precipitation
In urban or industrial areas, fine dust particles, soot and industrial emissions deposit on plastic surfaces. These particles are not only unsightly, but can also react with the material, causing permanent discolouration.
Light colours of plastic in particular, such as white window frames or cream-coloured cladding, quickly show grey or black streaks due to this type of contamination. Super Plastic Cleaner is specially formulated to effectively remove this stubborn dirt without affecting the material.
3. Biological Attack: More than Just an Aesthetic Problem
Green deposits, moss growth and mould are common on plastic surfaces in humid environments. These microorganisms do more than just affect appearance:
- They retain moisture against the surface
- They produce acids that can damage the plastic
- They can cause microscopic scratches where dirt collects.
The deep-cleaning action of the Super Plastic Cleaner penetrates the pores of the material and completely removes this biological attack, including the invisible traces that would otherwise quickly return. But what do you do with green deposits on plastic? The best solution is to fight these green deposits with an algaecide.
For example, with the Super Green Fouling Remover. This product contains an active ingredient that breaks down algae. A big advantage of this product as a plastic cleaner is that you don't need to scrub and/or scrub. So if there are plastic sheets, roofs or other hard-to-reach areas, it is convenient to spray the super green deposit remover on with a pressure pump/sprayer. The green deposit cleaner will then remove the algae and dirt from the plastic.
Order online via our partners
Ordering SuperCleaners products online is easy and fast via the webshops of our official sales partners.
4. Temperature fluctuations and material stress
Plastic materials expand and contract with temperature changes. Over time, this natural process can lead to surface hairline cracks, especially where the material is under stress.
These minuscule cracks are called ‘crazing’ and are perfect gathering places for dirt. The Super Plastic Cleaner, available in a handy spray bottle, is ideal for treating precisely these hard-to-reach areas thanks to the penetrating action of the formula.
5. Incorrect Maintenance: Well Intentioned, Poorly Executed
Perhaps the most common cause of premature weathering is improper maintenance. Many people make these mistakes:
- Use of abrasives causing microscopic scratches
- Application of aggressive chemicals that damage the top coat
- Cleaning in direct sunlight causing cleaning agents to dry too quickly and leave streaks
- Insufficient rinsing, leaving residues that attract dirt
The Super Plastic Cleaner is danger symbol-free and specially developed to prevent all these problems. The formula is powerful enough to remove stubborn dirt, but at the same time mild enough not to damage your valuable plastic surfaces.
The solution: preventive maintenance
The key to long-term preservation of outdoor plastic materials lies in prevention and regular maintenance. By cleaning your plastic surfaces twice a year with the Super Plastic Cleaner, you not only remove surface dirt but also protect the integrity of the material.
This versatile cleaner is suitable for all types of hard plastic, including trespa, plexiglass, protex, keralit and roof domes. Moreover, the product is also excellent for degreasing plastic panels installed with sealants, making it a truly multi-purpose solution for both maintenance and preparation for installation work.
Through preventive maintenance with the right products such as the Super Plastic Cleaner, you can ensure that your outdoor plastic materials not only last longer, but also retain their aesthetic value. This will keep your home or outdoor space looking cared for for years to come, without costly replacements or repairs.
Order Super Plastic Cleaner and protect your plastic materials from soiling and weathering
Locations
Here you can find the shops where our products are sold!
