Rusted aluminum? or mold

[Ben Im]

It looks like mold or fungus, but it appears on aluminum only, not else where !
And It's very dry and sunny patio roof. So I think it's not mold or fungus. Is it right?

[Jerry Peck]

"Rusted aluminum" ... is that like an oxymoron? Aluminum does not rust ... ;) ... it corrodes.

[Billy Stephens]

"Rusted aluminum" ... is that like an oxymoron? Aluminum does not rust ... ;) ... it corrodes.
.
Aluminum does not corrode it Oxidizes.oxidation - definition of oxidation in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/oxidation)
* however subs do have panels. :D
.

[Jerry Peck]

.
Aluminum does not corrode it Oxidizes.oxidation - definition of oxidation in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/oxidation)
* however subs do have panels. :D
.

corrosion - definition of corrosion by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/corrosion)

corrosion [kəˈrəʊʒən]
n
1. (Chemistry) a process in which a solid, esp a metal, is eaten away and changed by a chemical action, as in the oxidation of iron in the presence of water by an electrolytic process
2. slow deterioration by being eaten or worn away
3. (Chemistry) the condition produced by or the product of corrosion

:p

Neither of us has addressed the question, but that may be because neither of us can tell from the photo (I know that I can't tell from that photo).

[Billy Stephens]

corrosion - definition of corrosion by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/corrosion)
).
.
I see your Link and Raise you a sub panel. :D
How to Install a Subpanel : Electrical Online (http://www.electrical-online.com/subpanel-installation/)
.

[Jerry Peck]

.
I see your Link and Raise you a sub panel. :D
How to Install a Subpanel : Electrical Online (http://www.electrical-online.com/subpanel-installation/)
.

I'll call your link and raise you one submarine panel link. :p :D

Submarine Power and Propulsion (http://americanhistory.si.edu/subs/operating/propulsion/index.html)

If it ain't in a submarine ... and if it don't look like those ... it ain't no "sub" panel. :p :cool:

[Gunnar Alquist]

I actually laughed out loud with this exchange. Thank you Billy & Jerry for a delightful thread!

[Ben Im]

OK, I know, definitions of term are my weak point, most of my clients too..
btw, should I recommend to my client hire a mold specialist?
Here are better photos

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0i6qm7u8eeyfwco/P1050761.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/csmat0nywj66y76/P1050784.JPG

[Jerry Peck]

OK, I know, definitions of term are my weak point, most of my clients too..
btw, should I recommend to my client hire a mold specialist?
Here are better photos

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0i6qm7u8eeyfwco/P1050761.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/csmat0nywj66y76/P1050784.JPG

Looks like MILDEW on paint .. I'd recommend the client hire a specialist who is knowledgeable and experienced using ... bleach and water and a pressure washer with a wide spray tip. :) Follow that with a specialist in the application of coatings which contain mildewcide (paint with added mildewcide for extra protection).

[Rolland Pruner]

Ben Im: ALWAYS have a specialist evaluate!!

[Debra Monte]

If it is aluminum, it is covered in a layer paint and it appears that the paint is peeling. Aluminum, because it is not a ferrous metal, does not actually rust and peel away layers, but it does oxidize in our atmosphere. Given the nature of heat and cold extremes and other chemicals and things it may come into contact with, it will oxidize over time causing a chalky white substance on the surface. However, in extremely moist or wet situations, it will also darken and appear like dark black or dark green spots. Moss, algae and mold/mildew can grow on it.

Cleaning with oxygen bleach (which has no chlorine bleach) is a safe and very effective way to wash it. Use hot water to dissolve the Oxyclean in a bucket and scrub with a soft bristled brush and rinse. If using a power washer to wet and rinse in between scrubbing, put on the lowest setting and if using on sidding, be sure not to spray under the siding edges, but over from the top down. If there are any areas that need repeated scrubbing, go right ahead and do it with the brush or with a sponge that has a scrubber pad and rinse again.

You do not need an environmental specialist or mold inspection for this. If this is in an enclosed area, there must be an area where there is moisture intrusion and it should be found and the area should be properly cleaned and/or replace what needs to be replaced and all gaps and spaces need to be sealed.