5.4
Colour development
The profiles stand out due to their high colour fastness.
As a natural product wood is subject to natural colour variations, which,
depending on the weather conditions, will become apparent in the period
following installation. The basic colour of the profile which is achieved by
the coloured polymer content is permanently retained, and is reflected in the
colour character of the product at any time.
Due to reaction of lignine, a substance contained in wood, with the UV content
of sunlight, yellowing of the wood fibres in the surface layers of the screen
occurs. The colour changes caused as a result of this are however washed out
by the e
ff
ects of water (e.g. rain) within the first few months.
The wood fibres then proceed through the natural process of greying. The
colour changes described do not impair the mechanical properties of the
RELAZZO screen system in any way.
Colour variations that are caused by moving objects around (for example
flowerpots, garden chairs), will then also proceed through the natural process
of greying. You can accelerate this natural process by spraying the surface
with water within the first 8-10 weeks after installation.
Subsequent removal of the wooden fibres that have turned grey by sanding
the surface will only lighten the wood particles for a short time. The process of
yellowing and greying will then start again.
5.5
Thermal properties
The material RAU-WOOD has been developed in such a way that even in
strong sunlight high dimensional stability as well as rigidity of the profile is
guaranteed. Permanent loading (e.g. by leaning on it) in direct sunlight at
temperatures above 70 °C on the surface of the profile is to be avoided, so
that the surface is not damaged by a simultaneous mechanical stress load.
WPC products become warm under the e
ff
ects of heat just like any other buil-
ding material. During this, darker colours heat up more than lighter colours.
This is to be taken into account.
The screen must not be placed too near to an open fire, otherwise there is
a risk of inflammation of the RAU-WOOD profiles and they will be irreparably
destroyed.
5.6
Chemical properties
None of the system components of the screen contain any heavy metals or
other environmentally damaging substances.
The RAU-WOOD profiles demonstrate high resistance to external environmen-
tal influences. The e
ff
ect of powerful oxidants, such as industrial bleaching
agents and strong acids as well as organic solvents (e.g. ethanol, acetone,
xylene, hydrocarbons, etc.) has to be avoided.
Please take care with petrol and barbecue lighters as these can also attack
the surface.
The stainless screws and the anodised aluminium frame make the screen a
suitable solution for use by the pool (chlorinated air) and the sea (salty air).
5.7
Accident prevention
In order to rule out risk to life and limb, it is imperative that the following
information is observed and followed.
1. The RELAZZO screen is not approved by the Building Inspectorate, and
therefore is only designed as a screen for vertical application and cannot
be used for free-standing constructional purposes. The local building
regulations are to be observed accordingly.
2. The RELAZZO screen is not be anchored securely into the concrete
foundation, as otherwise there is a risk that it will fall over. www.rehau.
com/relazzo
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EN