Environmental

Your Environmental Materials Experts

Steels is proud to carry a complete line of products to support green building systems. As environmentally sustainable building practices contnues to grow, so will Steels' environmental product selection across our seven divisions.

For more information on our environmental building materials, contact a Steels Environmental Materials Expert.

Introducing Nano-Titanium Dioxide Self-Cleaning Building Coatings!

Protect your building and save time, money and the environment with Steels' line of Nano-Titanium Dioxide Self-Cleaning Building Coatings. No harsh chemicals, just a naturally occurring process using daylight and rain. One coat and your building is free from dirt and pollutants for years to come.

  • Protect your building surface from dirt and pollutants for years
  • Stop the build-up of algae, mould and mildew
  • Save time and money spent on regular cleaning
  • Eliminate the use of harsh chemicals that hurt the environment

Read below for frequently asked questions on Nano-Titanium Dioxide building coatings - or contact a Steels Environmental Expert.

How does Nano-Titanium Dioxide clean buildings?

Nano-Titanium Dioxide is applied as a coating to building surfaces and acts as a barrier. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), other pollutants, oil and dirt adhere to the coating, not the building. When exposed to UV light, a natural reaction occurs that oxidizes the VOCs and loosens the dirt. The remaining dirt is then washed away by rain.

How does Nano-Titanium Dioxide help protect the environment?

Non-toxic and safe for human use, Nano-Titanium Dioxide building coatings support green building by eliminating pollutants and toxins not only on the building surface, but in the surrounding environment:

  • Reduce pollution in the surrounding air
  • Reduce groundwater pollution by oxiding harmful VOCs on the building surface that would normally be swept away by rain
  • Remove VOCs from the air

Where are Nano-Titanium Dioxide coatings being used today?

Nano-Titanium Dioxide coatings have been used for more than 10 years in Japan on office buildings, hospitals, windows, automobiles, airplanes, parking lots, historical landmarks and government buildings.

How is a Nano-Titanium Dioxide coating applied?

Nano-Titanium Dioxide coatings are sprayed on a just-cleaned building surface using a High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) applicator.

What surfaces can a Nano-Titanium Dioxide coating be applied to?

Nano-Titanium Dioxide coatings can be applied to nearly any building surface, including:

  • Ceramic tile
  • Brick, masonry and concrete
  • Stucco
  • Vinyl
  • Paint
  • Glass
  • Metal
  • Industrial fabrics and awnings
  • Acrylic and polycarbonate materials

How long does a Nano-Titanium Dioxide coating last?

  • A Nano-Titanium Dioxide coating is not consumed during the oxidation process. This means it does not degrate and will last for many years.
  • The coating does not harm the building surface and is not easily removed by normal contact.
  • The coating is breathable.

What accredited bodies regulate the use of Nano-Titanium Dioxide?

  • US Food and Drug Administration - considers Nano-Titanium Dioxide a food grade additive
  • Canadian Environmental Protection Agency
  • The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
  • Environmental Protection Agency (USA)