Linetec provides architectural coatings with Microban technology in nearly any imaginable color with antimicrobial protection exceeding other conventional finishes on metal building products' surfaces. Coupled with regularly scheduled cleanings, antimicrobial-based coatings create an inhospitable environment for microbial growth by damaging the microbes' cell walls.

Linetec's antimicrobial coatings can be specified for high-touch, architectural aluminum products' exterior and interior surfaces, such as handrails, doors, windows, curtainwall, entranceways, light shelves, wall panels and column covers. Antimicrobial protection can be especially important for high-traffic public buildings including health care facilities, educational campuses, apartment buildings and senior living facilities.

Providing this extra level of caution, Linetec relies on a liquid fluoropolymer finish containing 70% PVDF resin-based architectural coatings with antimicrobial protection. This three-coat system meets requirements of AAMA 2605, the most stringent specification for architectural coatings. The antimicrobial coatings are applied in Linetec's facility under precise, quality-controlled conditions. The resulting coated aluminum product offers a durable, nonporous surface that is easy to keep clean with minimal maintenance.

"Anywhere that the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria is a concern, buildings can benefit from this extra level of protection," said Jon Close, Linetec's president. "Unfortunately, by the time you can see an area of microbe build up, the damage is already underway, so prevention is the best form of protection."

Microbes, or microorganisms, are living cells that are only visible once they have multiplied to the millions. Types of microorganisms include bacteria, algae, fungi and mold. Once microbes have multiplied to a large enough number on a surface, they may begin to cause stains, odors and even deterioration of the metal surface.

There are an estimated 4.5 million bacterial and fungi species throughout the planet, many of which travel and migrate via the constant ebb and flow of human foot traffic through an ever-changing population of people visiting public buildings. Under the right conditions, some microbes can double in number every 30 minutes or faster.

The most prevalent microbial threats to surfaces – bacteria and mold – need moisture to flourish. The ion exchange mechanism in Linetec's antimicrobial coatings is activated by the presence of moisture, causing it to release silver cations. The silver disrupts microbes' metabolism and reproduction. If a microorganism can no longer eat or reproduce, it will not grow or damage the architectural metal products. The Microban® protection that is built into these antimicrobial coatings during the manufacturing process works continuously for the useful lifetime of the coating.

Learn more about joining Linetec's antimicrobial coatings, and other architectural finishes and services, by visiting https://linetec.com.