COR-TEN® IS A CLASSIC CHOICE OF STEEL FOR BUILDINGS AND ART
COR-TEN® is a licensed brand and a part of the family of SSAB Weathering steel.
COR-TEN® is high strength, low alloy weldable structural steel with exceptional weathering resistance. The chemical composition of the steel allows for the creation of a layer of rust that coats a building without altering the mechanical characteristics of the steel. This rust layer, not only protects architectural steel products against the elements, but also delivers a unique finish that stops most people in their tracks. What’s more, it’s also more environmentally-friendly than traditional steel.
Few things can compete with SSAB Weathering and COR-TEN® steels for an architect or artist that wants to create a building or sculpture with impact. A tower of rust in a city of glass and concrete or a field of green is a thing of beauty and contrast that will stand for decades, will require minimum upkeep, and will leave a lasting impression on all who see it.
Designing uniqueness into every architectural project and art work
Many architects choose to work with SSAB Weathering steel – be it architectural steel panels, architectural steel roofing or COR-TEN® steel tubing – because of its unique design properties.
Unlike conventional steel, weathering architectural steel has a matt surface, which reduces typical metal reflections. The distinct bronze-like appearance, which changes over time as the surface ages, is created by the weather and climatic conditions of a site. This oxidation process ensures that every project is unique.
The COR-TEN® patina formation process
At first, the steel begins to rust in the same fashion as ordinary mild steel once it’s exposed to wet and dry conditions. However, as time passes, the rust layer transforms into a patina layer, and the color changes from fresh, newly developed orange-brown, to light or dark brown.
The speed of change and the final color of the steel are dependent on the atmospheric conditions of a site and the level of pollution – sulfur dense atmospheres will speed up the oxidation process and result in a darker patina. Frequent cycles of wet and dry conditions will also speed up oxidation.
However, if conditions are consistently wet or dry, a uniform patina will not form – for this reason, weathering steels should not be used indoors. The entire oxidation process usually takes between 2 – 6 years.
Great for painting
A painted surface on SSAB Weathering and COR-TEN® steels usually lasts twice as long compared to paint on ordinary steel. When painted, the weathering steel texture ensures a great finish regardless of color.
High strengths structural steel
SSAB Weathering steels are ideal for strong and light structures that last. They have a yield strength from 500 - 960 MPa and a tensile strength up to 580 - 1000 MPa.
Environmentally- friendly steel
SSAB Weathering and COR-TEN® steels are strong, long-lasting and environmentally-friendly.
They are 100% recyclable and unlike other steel types, they do not require corrosion protective treatment. In fact, in some applications, they are used as a substitute for impregnated wood.
Additionally, if weathering steels are not painted they require minimum maintenance throughout their life.
COR-TEN® steel, what else ...
COR-TEN® is a well-known weathering steel brand for buildings and structures, and a favorite facade material among architects and designers. The combination of high-strength, aesthetic appearance, low maintenance and flexibility, make it an ideal choice for projects of all shapes and sizes.
COR-TEN® is a licensed brand and a part of the SSAB Weathering steel family.
COR-TEN® is a licensed brand and a part of the SSAB Weathering steel family.
SSAB Weathering and COR-TEN® need virtually no maintenance
SSAB Weathering and COR-TEN® steels are usually not painted when used for buildings and artworks. If painted, the surface will stay intact much longer than ordinary steel. If the surface is scratched the self-healing properties minimize the spread of corrosion under the paint.
Designers guide
As with all architectural materials there are recommendations to application use of SSAB Weathering steels.
In general the guidelines apply to all uses, be it COR-TEN® roofing, COR-TEN® steel retaining walls, or COR-TEN® panels.
Weathering steel in architecture projects
No matter what stage of oxidation SSAB Weathering steels are at, the patina affect gives any building a distinct look and feel that cannot be replicated any other way. They perform equally well and look equally stunning when used for an office block, a public building or a house.
COR-TEN® façade features in impressive office building in Warsaw
A distinctive building on Łukasza Drewny Street in Warsaw attracts attention from afar – in daylight by its interesting form and colors, at nighttime with special lighting accentuating the building’s architectural solutions. It’s the office of Intop Warszawa, a company in the construction sector and, at the same time, their best showcase. The building has a façade made of COR-TEN® steel produced by SSAB, concrete and stone, and has already received a couple of awards and accolades in the world of architecture.
If only Gustave had waited for SSAB Weathering steel
Back in 1889 construction was finalized on one of the world’s most iconic structures – the Eiffel Tower. At a total height of 324 meters and a weight of 7,300 tons it was an architectural and engineering masterpiece. Gustave Eiffel’s material of choice was wrought steel. But what would have happened if the Eiffel Tower had been made of weathering steel?
Well, if they hadn’t painted it, they would have saved 8.6 tons of paint a year and all the man-hours that entails. That’s a staggering 1,092 tons of paint to date. That’s a lot of paint when rust works perfectly well.
Full range of sizes and shapes
SSAB Weathering steels can be ordered as hot rolled plate, hot and cold rolled strip, tubes and sections.
Download designers guide
Get in touch
Call or send an email to inquire about prices and how to order SSAB Weathering and COR-TEN® corrosion-resistant steel.