Aluminium cladding is expected to last 40 to 60 years or more as a complete system, with the aluminium substrate lasting the life of the building and the coating requiring refurbishment at the 20 to 30 year mark depending on the coating type. That is the short answer. The longer answer requires separating two components - the aluminium itself, and the finish applied to it.
How long does the aluminium substrate last?
Aluminium does not rust. Unlike steel, which corrodes progressively when exposed to moisture, aluminium forms a thin, stable oxide layer on its surface almost immediately. That oxide layer is self-healing - if scratched, it reforms. In normal atmospheric conditions, an aluminium facade substrate will last the life of the building, typically 60 years or more.
Alloys used in facade cladding - typically 6060 or 6063 in T5 temper for extruded products, or 3mm solid sheet for flat panels - are specifically chosen for their corrosion resistance and formability. These are well-established alloys with decades of performance data behind them.
How long does the coating last?
The coating is where the real durability conversation sits. Three main coating types are used on aluminium facade products in Australia, and their expected service lives are quite different.
PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is the premium exterior coating. Products like element13 use PPG PVDF finishes, which are tested to AAMA 2605 - the highest performance specification for architectural coatings. PVDF coatings are expected to deliver 20 to 30 years of colour stability, chalk resistance, and gloss retention. In moderate climates with regular cleaning, performance beyond 30 years is common.
Superdurable polyester is the standard for high-quality powder-coated facade products. Valmond & Gibson’s interloQ rainscreen panels use Interpon D2525, a superdurable polyester powder coat designed specifically for architectural exteriors. Expected service life is 15 to 20 years before visible colour shift or gloss reduction becomes noticeable.
Standard polyester coatings have a shorter exterior life of roughly 5 to 10 years. These are not used by V&G for exterior facade applications - they are more suited to interior or low-exposure uses.
The critical point is this: when the coating reaches the end of its service life, the aluminium underneath is fine. It can be re-coated on site. The substrate does not need replacing - just the finish needs refreshing. This is a significant advantage over materials that degrade structurally as they age.
What factors affect longevity?
Not all facades age the same way. The main factors that influence longevity are:
- UV exposure - the primary driver of coating degradation. North and west-facing elevations in Australia receive the most UV and will age faster than south-facing walls. Tropical and arid climate zones impose harsher loads than temperate coastal areas.
- Coastal salt spray - accelerates surface corrosion, particularly on cut edges or damaged areas. Projects within 1 kilometre of the coast need more frequent cleaning and inspections.
- Industrial pollution - airborne chemicals and acidic deposits can attack coatings and, in severe cases, the oxide layer on the substrate.
- Cleaning frequency - regular cleaning removes contaminants before they bond to the coating surface. The standard recommendation is every 3 months with mild detergent and warm water. Coastal and industrial environments warrant monthly cleaning.
How does aluminium compare to other cladding materials?
| Material | Typical lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium cladding | 40-60+ years | Substrate outlasts the building. Coating refurbishment at 20-30 years. |
| Fibre cement | 25-40 years | Subject to moisture absorption and edge deterioration over time. |
| Render / EIFS | 15-25 years | Cracking, water ingress, and delamination are common failure modes. |
| Timber cladding | 10-20 years | Requires regular sealing and is vulnerable to rot, UV, and insects. |
Aluminium’s advantage is that its failure mode is cosmetic, not structural. When other materials reach end of life, they often need full replacement. Aluminium typically needs only a coating refurbishment.
What warranty does V&G offer?
V&G products - including interloQ, element13, 165CW, and conneQt - carry warranties of up to 20 years when installed by a qualified installer. That warranty covers both the substrate and the coating, which is worth noting. Some competitors exclude coating from their warranty coverage, meaning only the base metal is warranted.
A 20-year warranty on a material with a 40 to 60 year expected life provides a reasonable margin of confidence for building owners and developers making long-term investment decisions.
What maintenance extends the life of aluminium cladding?
The maintenance regime is straightforward. Clean every 3 months with mild detergent and warm water. Avoid solvents and turpentine on powder-coated surfaces - isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits are acceptable for spot cleaning. Inspect fixings and sealants annually. In coastal or industrial areas, increase cleaning frequency to monthly or bi-monthly.
That is genuinely all that is required. Aluminium cladding does not need painting, sealing, or treating between major refurbishment cycles. For building owners comparing whole-of-life maintenance costs, this simplicity is a meaningful factor.
Related Reading
- Aluminium Facade Warranties: What’s Covered and What’s Not
- Aluminium Facade Maintenance: A Practical Guide for Building Owners
- Colour Stability and UV Resistance in Aluminium Facade Coatings
- The Hidden Costs of Choosing the Cheapest Cladding
Last updated: 4 April 2026